Elevating your product to leave a legacy
My 5th grade Hawaiian Studies teacher blew her lid when more than half the class failed at reciting the Hawaiian Islands. "You live in Hawaii, and you don't know the islands?!" She was pissed. I'll never forget it. Because aside from my basketball coach squawking at ten-year-old girls to hustle down the court. That was the most passionate shaming I've ever experienced (I was a slow runner).
But she was right.
I was born and raised on Oahu, and I'm lucky to call Hawaii home. It's hard to explain the feeling, but regardless of my race, heritage, or upbringing, I've always felt welcomed. So the least I can do is show my respects, right? Because after all, living in someone else's culture is a privilege. And for goodness sakes, ten-year-old Michelle, learn the Hawaiian Islands!
Authentic brands who embrace culture and purpose, always stick true to their values. And I'm not talking about the Old Navy Aloha Shirt you see in a trendy California coffeeshop. I'm talking about brands like Mona Hawaii.
Sherrisa Keolanui is the founder of Mona Hawaii. The concept of her hand-crafted and responsibly sourced candle company stems back when she was pregnant with her son. "I learned about all the toxins emitted with paraffin candles and was looking for a cleaner option," she said, "so I bought a large bag of soy wax to make my candles!"
Based on the Island of Hawaii, Sherrisa layers her values to create a better world for her son while supporting her local community through her business.
Michelle: Why is it important to create a locally sourced product?
Sherrisa: I think it is so important to support your people and community. Hawaii is filled with so many talented people. I just didn’t feel comfortable with saying I was “Made in Hawaii'' but not giving our local artisans priority. In creating this business, I help support not only myself but three other businesses here in Hawaii. It's one of the best feelings.
Michelle: What does the name Mona represent?
Sherrisa: Mona is off of the word mōmona which means fat, fruitful, fertile or rich in soil in Hawaiian. It is what i want to do. Create a fruitful business. A business that gives back to its roots and community. Which is why a portion of every purchase gets donated to a local charity.
Michelle: How does your culture influence your biz?
Sherrisa: My culture is the foundation of my business. It is what inspires me. It is what reminds me to Aloha ʻāina in all that I do. Making sure everything is sustainably sourced and that all shipping materials are biodegradable or recyclable. Super proud to be able to do plastic free shipping.
Michelle: What inspires you to build such a meaningful company?
Sherrisa: My son and my home inspire me. I want a better future for my son, a more sustainable future. One where he won’t have to worry about microplastics everywhere and rising seas. And I love my home, every morning from my backyard I have a clear view of Mauna Kea. It is the most beautiful and humbling thing to wake up to. When you're staring at such a huge mountain that demands your attention it reminds you of how connected you are to everything.
Michelle: How do you push through the challenges of a startup phase of your biz?
Sherrisa: Patience. I never learned patience and flexibility until this business. I've learned to be patient with myself and realizing that great things take time. Nowadays, everything seems so instant and fast that it's so easy to get caught up in it and assume that you should be going faster as well.
The beauty of designing a life and biz of your dreams is that you can merge the two worlds. Reflect on what’s important to you and why. Hold onto those values and get ready for a wild and exciting ride.
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