Talofa lava, Kia ora, and welcome to PEP Talk! In this third episode, Simon and Salā Marie Young, the husband-and-wife duo behind Pacific Enterprise People (PEP), share their story, values, and the heart behind their work. If you’re curious about what makes PEP tick, this is the blog post for you.
Who We Are
Salā Marie’s roots are Samoan, and her upbringing spans Christchurch, Samoa, Australia, and back to Aotearoa in the late 1980s. She holds a Master of Technological Futures and is now pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at Otago University, with a focus on Samoan Indigenous governance. For her, education is deeply personal—a way to honor her experiences, overcome challenges, and create opportunities for others.
Simon describes himself as 100% “vanilla” in DNA but culturally enriched through 30 years of connection to the Samoan community. With a background in digital marketing and law, Simon has a passion for crossing cultures and facilitating understanding. His journey into education includes a Certificate of Legal Studies and a current pursuit of a Master of Technological Futures, where his project One Ancestor at a Time explores storytelling across cultures.
Together, Simon and Salā Marie are passionate about cultural preservation, governance, and supporting Pacific communities to thrive in a fast-changing world.
What is PEP?
Pacific Enterprise People exists to serve Pacific communities by strengthening governance and embracing modern technology. Whether it’s helping Early Learning Services with legal compliance or guiding businesses through e-commerce, PEP bridges the gap between traditional values and contemporary practices.
Salā Marie highlights how governance is often misunderstood:
“Governance might sound like a big word, but for us, it’s about equipping community leaders to navigate legal responsibilities while staying true to their cultural values.”
Simon adds:
“Technology is another area where we come alongside clients to reduce overwhelm. Whether it’s building websites for Early Learning Centres or introducing e-commerce solutions, we help Pacific businesses embrace the 21st century.”
Our Work in Action
One standout initiative involved working with six Early Learning Centres over 12 weeks to build websites from scratch. Through this process, Simon and Salā Marie saw the power of collaboration and positive peer pressure:
“In a cohort, you realize you’re not alone. It’s a shared journey, and that makes all the difference,” Simon explains.
The impact went beyond technology. With strategy as a cornerstone, PEP ensures clients leave with a clear roadmap and renewed confidence in their goals.
Faith, Values, and Service
PEP is more than a business—it’s a calling. As Simon and Salā Marie put it:
“We’re not just here to complete briefs; we’re here to care for our clients, challenge their thinking, and craft solutions that honor their cultural and personal values.”
At its core, PEP is about tautua—service. This ethos is evident in their interactions with clients, their approach to projects, and their commitment to amplifying Pacific voices.
Looking Ahead
With a wealth of experience crossing cultures—from New Zealand and Samoa to China—Simon and Salā Marie are uniquely positioned to support Pacific businesses navigating a globalized world. They’re particularly excited about the future of One Ancestor at a Time, Simon’s storytelling project that highlights the richness of whakapapa and family history across cultures.
Their ultimate goal? To inspire, uplift, and serve Pacific communities, one project at a time.
Join the Conversation
Simon and Salā Marie are eager to hear from you. What challenges do you face in governance, technology, or cultural preservation? What topics would you like covered in future PEP Talks?
Stay tuned for more episodes that shine a spotlight on the incredible work being done by Pacific businesses in Aotearoa and beyond.
“Wherever you are, whatever you do, we celebrate you. Keep up the awesome work, and thank you for being part of this journey.”
Learn more about Pacific Enterprise People or connect with Simon’s project One Ancestor at a Time.
God bless, and see you next time on PEP Talk!
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