The Story of Two Sisters, Mary and Susie
Our story begins with our mothers, two sisters with a shared journey that spans miles, generations, and cultures. Mary and Susie were born into a large family of 12 siblings in Lese Oalai, a small village in the Gulf Province of Papua New Guinea. Despite the size of their family, their bond remained special and unbreakable.
As young women, their paths took different directions, but they never lost touch with with each other. Susie stayed in Papua New Guinea, marrying into a village of Mekeo in the Central Province. She worked hard in the community, raising seven children while continuing the traditions of gardening and planting betel (mava in mekeo , fere in moripi and buai in tok pisin) nut trees.
Mary, meanwhile moved to Sydney, Australia at 25, through marriage. There, she raised four children, balancing her new life abroad while stayed deeply connected to her family in Papua New Guinea.
Although they were separated by distance, their connection remained strong. Letters would travel back and forth between Sydney and Mekeo, a lifeline of love, memories, and shared experiences. They supported each other across the miles, offering advice, strength, and comfort through every stage of life.
Today, their story continues to inspire us. It's a story of resilience, family, and the strength of sisterhood, woven through the fabric of two different worlds. Through this shop, we honor their legacy, creating a space where culture, tradition, and family bonds are celebrated and shared with others.
Back to our Roots
In 2024, we - Hasu and Mickey, had the privilege of returning to Papua New Guinea for Aunty Susie’s 40-day feast in Mekeo. It was emotional and eye-opening. It reminded us of the strength of our family bond and the deep connections that have always tied us to this land. It also opened our eyes to the challenges the women in the village face—balancing daily life, supporting their families, and finding ways to send their children to school.
Susa Haus isn’t just a business for us—it’s a way to make a difference. We are creating a platform and opportunity for women in Mekeo to share and sell their Ve’a- mekeo, bilum- tok pisin, that celebrate their culture and heritage. Through this, we aim to create opportunities for them to support themselves and their families.
By working together—in Australia and in Papua New Guinea—we can create a future where women can thrive, children can get the education they deserve, and our shared culture can continue to be passed down through generations.
The bond our mothers had as sisters, despite the distance between them, is the foundation of Susa Haus. We want to carry that connection forward, not just for ourselves but for all our children.