Usha Cervantes is a Southern California–based author, business owner, and proud Samoan chief with roots in Apia, Samoa, and Suva, Fiji.
Raised in the United States, Usha experienced firsthand how challenging it can be to learn and preserve the Samoan language while growing up away from the islands. That experience stayed with her—and ultimately inspired her to take action.
As a mother of three, she created Over 100 First Samoan Words to give families a simple, engaging way to introduce the Samoan language at an early age. The book she wrote is the one she wishes she had as a child.
Through colorful illustrations and over 100 everyday words in both Samoan and English, Usha’s work helps children and adults build a meaningful connection to language, culture, and identity—one word at a time.
