Mana Up ShowcasE
In May of 2021, we became a member of the 6th cohort in the Mana Up accelerator program and celebrated in November of 2021 with an online showcase.
Every year, new businesses join the Mana Up ‘ohana, and we are excited to celebrate alongside the 7th cohort of Hawai‘i’s small business owners at this year’s Mana Up Showcase on November 3rd.
Here are the businesses from the 7th cohort in the Mana Up accelerator program.
Surf Shack Puzzles is a family-owned and operated business creating puzzles for the whole family. What we love most about their business is their commitment to sustainability. Their puzzles are made with 100% recycled materials and printed with non-toxic ink. We care deeply about our ‘āina (land) and Surf Shack Puzzles does too!
Emma, Holden, and Isla started ava + oliver to create the kinds of high-quality baby products that they would want to use in their home. We love that little lady Isla is included as a member of the team because our little man Rogue is definitely a member of ours. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for ava + oliver as Isla grows!
In his years as a Field Biologist on Maui, Che Frausto found that nā po‘e Hawai‘i (the Hawaiian people) are eager to help preserve our endemic plants and animals, but they need to learn more about our endangered flora and fauna first. He started Advance Wildlife Education to bridge the gap between conservation non-profits and the community. His coloring books serve as easy entry points for folks to learn more about wildlife both in Hawai‘i and beyond.
David Shepard Hawaii is an apparel company rooted in aloha ‘āina (love for the land). All of their designs feature Hawai‘i’s native flora and fauna, and they’re sewn right here in the islands. They use natural fiber fabrics and donate a portion of their proceeds to conservation organizations in Hawai‘i. David Shepard Hawaii uses their platform to uplift local artisans and pass down ‘ike (knowledge) of the lā‘au (plants) that are unique to Hawai‘i, two practices that we strive for at Kākou Collective as well.
Britney Texeira started Haku Maui as a way to share her love of lei-making with others. They specialize in creating traditional lei for special occasions and host lei workshops for those looking to share a lei-making experience.
Kauai Sweet Shoppe is a family-owned and operated business that specializes in caramels. They make caramels in different flavors and styles that ship to retailers in Hawaii and across the United States. They also have a selection of chocolates for those who may not be the biggest caramel fans.
Mālama Mushrooms’ mission is to share the health & wellness benefits of superfood mushrooms with the world. In addition to creating fung-tional mixes and powders, five percent (5%) of Mālama Mushrooms’ profits go to their sister nonprofit organization, the Hawaii Fungi Project, which studies and characterizes the native mushrooms of Hawai‘i.
Põ Naturals wants to inspire people to mālama ‘āina (care for the land) by reducing their use of personal products with harmful toxins. The ingredients of each product are listed on the label so that customers know exactly what’s being used on their bodies.
Revive Glassworks gives new life to used wine and liquor bottles sourced from the businesses and residents of Maui. They create beautiful glassware and other household goods in an effort to reduce the amount of waste shipped out of the islands every day.
Lexbreezy prides itself on creating fun, flirty aloha wear for younger generations. From their start at the Merrie Monarch Festival in 2016 to the launch of their storefront in Kailua, this team of wahine continues to grow and create modern aloha wear for everyday fashion.
Tag Aloha Co creates lifestyle products using sustainably-sourced organic cotton to reduce consumption of plastic. They’re Hawaii's first Fairtrade Certified business, and donate a portion of their proceeds to both the Surfrider Foundation and AccesSurf.
