‘I want to build something that gives back to the community that raised me’
Catching up with Pohnpeian content creator Isa Mwah
In a recent video Isa Mwah uploaded, she sits in her car with a bouquet of flowers, some dental floss, and a needle. It’s a situation many people in the islands have faced: You have hours — or worse, minutes — before you’re due to attend a graduation ceremony and don’t yet have a lei.
Floss and flowers in hand, Isa walks viewers through the process, showing off an impressive lei in the end. “I made do with what I had,” Isa tells viewers.
In a similar vein, Isa has been making do with what she’s had in the videos she shares online as a content creator. Inspired by popular YouTubers, Isa posted her own vlogs with dynamic shots and witty edits, showing parts of her life at home in Pohnpei when she was in high school. She might not have had all of the best equipment or all of the expertise, but she had a vision, and she used what was available to her — she made do with what she had. That type of resourcefulness has taken Isa on all kinds of adventures over the past few years.
Longtime readers will recognize Isa, who shared her journey with the newsletter back in 2021. Since then, she has continued to film and share, taking her audience with her as she moved away from Pohnpei to the U.S. for college and taking them along as she visits different parts of the world. She’s steadily built a following of thousands of subscribers and followers across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. She has over 10,000 YouTube subscribers and over 115,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram combined. But it’s not the follower count that drives her.
“Most importantly, I’ve realized that follower count isn’t what fulfills me. What does is knowing I’m connecting with people, especially other Pacific Islanders, who don’t often see themselves represented online. That’s who I create for. If others are inspired along the way, that’s a beautiful bonus,” the 20-year-old said.
During a recent visit to Hawai‘i, Isa was recognized by some of her followers in Oahu. The experience provided her with a new perspective, she recalled.
“One highlight was producing travel vlogs when I visited Hawai‘i. It was my first time being back on an island, where Micronesians are, since leaving Pohnpei. Seeing my viewers recognize me on Oahu was such a humbling moment,” Isa told The Husk.
As a creator, she’s the director, the talent, the camerawoman, the producer, the marketing team, the IT department, and more. She’s had to learn what works for each platform and produce videos for a wide range of audiences. She said it’s been a “journey of trial and error.” That journey has meant she’s now armed with a heap of social media management techniques and experience, and she’s really proud of that.
“I’ve explored all kinds of content: Islander dances, humor, relatable island life topics, even wellness and adventure,” Isa said.
The more she creates, the more she refines her content. As she explores, Isa learns more about what resonates with viewers but also what resonates with her.
“One theme that’s stuck with me is promoting mental health and positive thinking. Growing up in a culture where mental health isn’t widely talked about, I want to be that light, especially now that I have a larger platform,” she said.
Isa has branched out from making videos to making clothing and offers pieces for sale through Amazon.
“As a college student and creative, I thought it’d be a smart move to turn my designs into merch,” she said. “Each piece is meaningful and helps build community while giving me experience in business. And yes, a little help with college expenses — like stocking up on canned tuna!”
‘Lean into that’
To other Micronesians looking to create content and post videos online, Isa encouraged them to make that leap.
“Do it! If creating makes you happy, lean into that. When I started in high school, it was just a hobby, something new to try. It brought me joy, and eventually, it brought joy to others. That’s a powerful feeling,” she advised. “Just know that content creation is a long game. Not everyone goes viral overnight. It takes patience, learning, and passion. But if God gave you the talent and the drive, use it. Don’t give up on what you love, you never know where it might take you.”
“It takes patience, learning, and passion. But if God gave you the talent and the drive, use it.”
Isa’s videos have led to a number of opportunities. She said she was tapped to create content for her college. Brands have reached out to her to promote their products. She’s also gone on trips that were paid for, and in exchange, she made content.
“As someone who grew up thinking the world was small, these opportunities have felt huge and insane,” she said.
What has been more rewarding, Isa said, is reading messages from local kids who tell her that her work inspired them. Viewers have told her that her videos, many of which feature Isa in the ocean or traveling, have inspired them to get outside and be active. Many feel a sense of pride seeing someone from their island on their social media feeds alongside other creators.
“Sometimes I forget how far I’ve come and start to doubt myself, but then I remember that I’ve already reached some of the dreams I had as a kid growing up on the islands. That perspective keeps me grounded and grateful,” Isa said.
Looking ahead, Isa said she’s looking to build a business, and she knows it’ll be something to help the people of the Pacific.
“One of my biggest goals is to bridge cultural and lifestyle content with the business world. Whether it’s launching my own business to support Pacific Islanders or helping local businesses grow their digital presence, I want to use my platforms for purpose-driven work,” she told The Husk. “I’m dreaming of starting a brand or business dedicated to helping islanders, especially in areas like entrepreneurship and visibility. I want to build something that gives back to the community that raised me.”
Support Isa Mwah
Subscribe to her YouTube channel, follow her on Instagram @isamwah and on TikTok @isamwahaha. Buy her merch on Amazon.