Creative Stability Fundraiser
Hi friends,
If you’re new here, my name is Sefina Aulei, and I’m a Pasifika trans woman, former foster youth, artist, creative director, and community organizer based in Seattle. When people hear “Pasifika,” they often think of the deep value we place on ‘aiga’—family and community. While that is a value I hold close to my heart, my own experience has been different.
As a former foster youth who aged out of the foster care system, I entered adulthood without the support of a biological family or the safety net that many people can rely on when life becomes difficult. There isn’t a parent I can move in with or relatives I can call if I fall behind on rent. Everything I’ve built has been through my own determination and the kindness of the community that has embraced me along the way. While asking for help doesn’t come naturally, I’ve learned that community can also be something we choose and build together.
Last year, while living in Arizona as a successful freelance photographer, creative director, and organizer, a Seattle organization discovered my work and invited me to return home for a full-time position. They believed in my vision as an artist and supported my move back to Seattle. It felt like the beginning of a new chapter—one where I could continue using creativity to bring people together while growing professionally in the city that raised me.
Unfortunately, after only a few months, I realized the work environment was not what I had hoped for. Ongoing interpersonal conflict and unhealthy workplace dynamics left me feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and unable to thrive. Leaving was an incredibly difficult decision, but it was necessary for my well-being. Even so, I’m deeply grateful for that experience because it connected me with people who have turned coworkers and community into lifelong friends, collaborators, clients for my creative practice, and chosen family. Those relationships reminded me that there is still so much worth building.
Today, I’m fully committed to rebuilding my career as a freelance photographer, creative director, and brand strategist. I’m actively pursuing contracts, photographing clients, developing creative campaigns, and continuing to invest in projects that celebrate artists and communities. Like many people transitioning from salaried work to self-employment, rebuilding a stable income takes time.
Right now, that transition has placed me in a position where I’m struggling to keep up with rent and basic living expenses. Without support, I’m at risk of losing not only my home, but also the in-home studio where I photograph clients, edit projects, meet with collaborators, and create the work that sustains both my livelihood and my purpose.
I’m humbly asking my community for support to help me remain housed while I continue rebuilding my business and creating opportunities through my art.
Goal: $10,000
How your support will help:
$5,000 will go directly toward rent and housing costs.
$3,000 will help cover essential living expenses, including groceries, utilities, transportation, insurance, and other monthly bills.
$2,000 will be invested back into my creative practice through photography equipment, backdrops, set materials, and other tools that allow me to continue earning income and serving my community.
For donations, you can donate through:
Venmo, click here: @sfnastudios
or PayPal (request by email: svaulei@gmail.com)
Every donation, no matter the size, brings me one step closer to stability. And if you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser with your community would mean just as much.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for believing in my work, and for helping me continue building the life I’ve fought so hard to create. Your support isn’t just helping me keep a roof over my head—it’s helping preserve the space where I create, photograph, organize, and tell stories that uplift the communities that have shaped me.
With gratitude,
Sefina Vailoa Aulei