About Us
Kia Kaha Apparel was created to be a reminder for people to Stay Strong. The phrase Kia Kaha translates to Stay Strong, Be Strong, Forever Strong and comes from the Maori language (New Zealand Natives). This phrase was found playing rugby, my love of the sport grew into a love for the phrase Kia Kaha. It was printed on our sleeves as players and gave a consistent reminder to Stay Strong. The reminder stuck with me off the field... so as I battled with mental heath struggles, mainly anxiety and depression, the phrase Kia Kaha would be a constant reminder to me to Stay Strong when I was struggling the most.
I realized that there are so many other people who struggle more than I ever did. I knew I was low in life and in need of staying strong, being strong and becoming forever strong. Having Kia Kaha on my lock screen wasn't enough. I understood that mentally, physically and emotionally we all have had our struggles.
So I got to thinking and realized a clothing brand would be a great way to share the message and the Maori culture. Having mental illnesses like anxiety and depression is a consistent fight for many. I hope to help those who hurt not just mentally, but physically and emotionally. I'm always looking for people willing to lend a helping hand and join our community of those trying to stay and be a bit stronger every day. This something we can all do to help ourselves and others become forever strong. So grab some clothes, join the community, and take the phrase Kia Kaha as a reminder to Stay Strong.