Hibiscus Hair Glossary 🌺
You've probably seen us use words and phrases like halo olgeta, lav tumas, whānau and aroha.
These words aren't just part of our vocabulary - they're part of who we are 🧡
As a family with roots in both Aotearoa and Vanuatu (specifically Ureparapara), our culture, heritage, and community inspire everything we do. From our colours and patterns to the way we connect with our customers, these words help tell our story.
So if you've ever wondered what they mean, maybe even use them yourself, you're in the right place!
Halo olgeta
Meaning: Hello everyone!
A Bislama greeting you'll see often from us.
Bislama is one of the national languages of Vanuatu, and a special connection to our family's heritage through our Nana's island of Ureparapara.
Lav tumas
Meaning: Much love
One of our favourite ways to sign off.
Because whether we're packing your goodies, replying to messages, or sharing content online, we're always sending a little extra love your way.
Tangkiu tumas
Meaning: Thank you very much
You'll see this one a lot too.
Building Hibiscus Hair has been a community effort from the beginning, and we're incredibly grateful for every follow, order, message, and word of encouragement.
Whānau
Meaning: Family
A beautiful Te Reo Māori word that means so much more than family alone.
Hibiscus Hair started with two sisters, but it has always been a whānau effort. Family sits at the heart of everything we do.
Aroha
Meaning: Love, compassion, and care
One of our favourite Māori words.
Every product we choose, every order we pack, and every piece of content we create is done with aroha.
Mahi
Meaning: Work, effort, or action
You'll often hear us talk about doing the mahi.
Whether it's building a business, caring for your curls, or chasing your dreams, good things happen when we put in the work.
Ureparapara
Ureparapara (also known as Parapara for short; once known as Bligh Island) is the third largest island in the Banks group of northern Vanuatu.
This is the place our family's story begins.
The colours, vibrancy, warmth, and sense of community you'll find throughout Hibiscus Hair are inspired by the people and culture that make this part of the world so special.
Still learning?
So are we.
One of the things we love most about language is how it brings people together. We hope that through Hibiscus Hair, you discover a few new words, learn a little about our heritage, and feel even more connected to our whānau.
Lav tumas,
The Hibiscus Hair whānau 🌺