THIS is a Poly Girl: Lalita Lilomaiava

She’s only 19.

Let that sink in.

While many are still deciding what they want to do with their lives, Lalita Lomu Prema Lilomaiava, simply known as Lita, is already doing more than most can imagine. She’s a full-time student, works in behavioral health, runs a dessert business called CrumbedUp, and still makes time for her family — all before most people finish their morning coffee.

Her days start around 4 a.m. Sometimes earlier. She squeezes lectures into car rides, balances client sessions between bakes, picks up her little sister after school, and still finds time to make cookies that taste like love, memory, and culture all rolled into one. Through it all, she carries herself with focus and humility — the kind of quiet strength that makes you pause and think, what’s my excuse?

This story is about discipline, heart, and a refusal to settle for less than the life Lita envisions.

Roots and Rise

Lita’s Tongan and Samoan heritage keeps her grounded. Her family comes from Kolomotua, Lofanga (Ha’apai), and Folaha in Tonga, and Aua, Manu’a – Olosega, and Faleasao in Samoa. She grew up between Orange County and the Shoreview neighborhood of San Mateo, California, surrounded by a family who led with strength and love.

Her grandmother and auntie on her dad’s side were steady figures in her childhood — their kitchen a classroom for life. Cooking together taught her that food could carry meaning, and that care and consistency go hand in hand. Those lessons became the foundation of how she approaches everything.

Her mother, Mele, left a lasting impression too. Watching her mother work endlessly and give selflessly showed Lita that financial freedom comes from your own effort. She learned early that we’re each responsible for both our challenges and our wins — a truth that shaped her mindset long before she realized it. Her father added another perspective: the world keeps moving, and you can either move with it or get left behind. Together, they gave her balance — her mother’s heart and determination, and her father’s voice of reason that keeps her grounded when life moves fast.

Even now, that mix shows up in her quiet routines. When she’s not baking or working, she loves spending time alone — cleaning, reorganizing, and clearing space in her mind. It’s her way to reset, plan, and think about how to grow both CrumbedUp and herself. She sees her personal growth as part of her brand; who she is behind the scenes always finds its way into her work.

Building CrumbedUp

CrumbedUp began as a small hustle to make extra income and quickly became something bigger — a love letter to the neighborhoods and cultures that raised her. It’s where American comfort desserts meet Polynesian and Asian-inspired flavors, each cookie telling a story rooted in home and heritage.

Lita built the brand from scratch — experimenting, rebranding, and showing up at events where most of the vendors were twice her age. At just twenty-one, she’s often the youngest in the room, and that comes with its own challenges. The hardest part of running her business at such a young age has been managing perception and earning trust. She’s had to prove she belongs in spaces that others take years to reach, showing up with consistency until respect followed.

Over time, people are now drawn to CrumbedUp for its flavorful desserts, its effortless vibe, and the personal stories baked into every recipe — tributes to people who’ve shaped Lita’s life. Looking back, she’s proud of how far she’s come — from early batches baked at home to being a familiar name at local events. Every new customer and milestone reminds her that she’s building something real, one cookie at a time.

What makes her story even more compelling is that she does all this while working in behavioral health, supporting children and adults who face emotional and behavioral challenges. It’s demanding work that asks for patience and empathy — qualities that show up in how she leads her business and treats people. The same compassion she brings to her clients is baked right into CrumbedUp.

The Honest Side of Hustle

Lita’s story inspires, yet behind it all is real work and sacrifice. She's honest about what the grind can do to a person — the exhaustion that comes from juggling so much, the burnout that sneaks up when you forget to rest. When that happens, her parents are the first to remind her that slowing down isn’t weakness; it’s maintenance. She’s starting to really hear them. 

Faith keeps her centered. Quiet time with God and moments at church help her find direction when life feels heavy. She’s also discovered that structure isn’t about control — it’s about peace. Creating order on busy days helps her stay steady when things get loud. And when she finally allows herself to breathe, it’s the little things that recharge her: a solo Target trip, a favorite meal, or recording a short food review just for fun.

Her lifestyle doesn’t leave much room for a typical social life. You won’t often find her out late or at casual hangouts — not because she’s overly serious, but because she takes her goals seriously. The sacrifices she makes now, she says, are temporary. She’s building something lasting.

Culture in Motion

Her Polynesian heritage shapes everything she does — from the way she leads to how she connects with others. She carries herself with respect and a strong sense of responsibility - values that were passed down through her family.

As a first-generation college student on her mom’s side of the family,  and business owner, Lita has found encouragement among other Pacific creatives who celebrate her work and story. That support means a lot, especially knowing her background — Tongan, Samoan, and Asian/Indian — hasn’t always fit neatly into traditional boxes. But she’s proud to represent the blend of cultures that made her who she is.

She’s also proud to be part of a generation of Polynesian women breaking expectations. “Men aren’t the only breadwinners,” she says. “So many of us are leading, providing, and doing it all.”

Redefining Success

Lita doesn’t measure success by titles or timelines. For her, it’s about progress and being able to look back and see growth. Every rebrand, every late night, every small win adds to something bigger.

Like anyone chasing something meaningful, she faces moments of doubt. When that happens, she reminds herself that everyone’s pace is different. Her goal isn’t to compete but to contribute — to leave people better than she found them. Success, to her, isn’t a destination; it’s a continual process of creating, refining, and building.

She dreams of expanding CrumbedUp beyond her local community, sharing the flavors and stories that shaped her with more people. She also hopes her journey opens doors for others who look like her — showing that you can honor your roots while carving your own path. Her plans are simple: keep growing the business, apply to nursing school, and continue following wherever faith leads.

A Word for the Next Poly Girl

When she talks to other young women, Lita’s message is simple: don’t wait for perfect timing, and don’t let your situation decide what’s possible. She believes time moves whether you do or not, so start now — and do it for yourself: for your growth, your dreams, and your purpose.

To her, growth often means leaving your “island” — not in the literal sense, but stepping out of the comfort or familiarity that keeps you small. Her faith keeps her steady, guided by Proverbs 3:5–6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will make straight your paths.

And when she needs to remind herself that change is part of growth, Lita puts it simply: “If what you see no longer inspires you, change your view.”

Wear Your Story

When she talks about Wear Your Story, it’s not about the past — it’s about being proud of who you’re becoming. Living in the present. Preparing for what’s next.

That’s exactly what she’s doing — living her story out loud, one early morning, one bake, one class, and one act of care at a time.

Now if that isn't a Poly Girl, we don't know what is!

Follow Lita and CrumbedUp

Follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @crumbedup_ — and if you ever see her at an event, don’t just walk by. Grab a cookie, say hello, and watch what a 19-year-old woman with faith and fire can do!