We’re proud to introduce the ten incredible companies joining Cohort 10 of Mana Up, a Hawai‘i-based accelerator and economic development initiative that helps local product companies scale globally—while creating jobs, opportunities, and strengthening community across the islands.
From sea salt soaps to foaming tub teas, Paper Crane Soaps brings Hawai‘i’s natural beauty into your daily rituals—one handcrafted product at a time. Based in Kailua-Kona on Hawai‘i Island, this woman-owned bath and body brand is on a mission to make you feel good, smell good, and do good.
Founded by licensed esthetician Amanda Richards, Paper Crane Soaps blends skincare expertise with a deep commitment to sustainability, local sourcing, and community. With ingredients like 100% Kona coffee, mamaki mint, hibiscus, and plumeria, Amanda creates small-batch, eco-conscious products that reflect the spirit and scents of Hawai‘i.
“I’ve always been curious about scents and how ingredients affect the skin,” says Amanda. “When I moved to Kona, I realized I could bring those passions together—and share that experience with the community.”
Made by Hand, Inspired by Nature
Amanda’s journey into entrepreneurship began with curiosity and creativity. A licensed esthetician with over a decade of experience, she found herself fascinated by how different botanicals could be used not only to scent but to nourish the skin. After relocating from Tucson to Kona in 2016, she began experimenting with local ingredients and discovered a wealth of possibility in Hawai‘i’s diverse agriculture.
Today, every product is handmade in small batches, using natural, often locally sourced ingredients that highlight the island’s botanical richness. Whether it's a Kona coffee latté soap bar, a lavender peppermint shampoo bar, or the vibrant Summer Vibes lotion, Amanda’s line invites users to slow down and care for themselves—naturally.
A Community-Fueled Business
Paper Crane Soaps isn’t just rooted in the land—it’s also rooted in community.
“Hawai‘i is about showing up for one another,” Amanda says. “I’ve been fortunate to have mentors here who’ve helped me learn about the cultural importance of certain ingredients and what it means to give back.”
That commitment shows up in everything from her sustainable packaging to her desire to start a mobile classroom , where students can learn how to make their own skincare products at home. Amanda has also partnered with schools and local organizations to offer mentorship and give back through donations and educational outreach.
A Shop Built on Creativity and Connection
Inside her Kailua-Kona storefront, Amanda invites customers to co-create. Her signature blending bar allows visitors to design their own personal scent—a practice that feels both playful and deeply meaningful.
“Scent belongs to the individual,” Amanda says. “It tells a story only the creator knows. I love watching someone light up when they find a scent that brings back a memory or makes them feel good. That joy is contagious.”
Amanda sees her shop as more than a retail space. It’s a place for connection—where kindness, presence, and creativity come together to build something lasting.
“Scent belongs to the individual. It tells a story only the creator knows. I love watching someone light up when they find a scent that brings back a memory or makes them feel good. That joy is contagious.”
Growth and Gratitude
One of Amanda’s proudest milestones was receiving her first wholesale order from a small grocery store in Hilo called Locavore.
“It meant so much that someone gave us a shot,” she recalls. “It was the moment I realized this wasn’t just something I loved—other people loved it too.”
Since then, she’s continued to grow her wholesale and online business, with dreams of eventually bringing Paper Crane Soaps to other Hawaiian islands, the mainland, and even Japan. She’s currently developing a pop-up version of the blending bar that she hopes to take on the road—offering the same scent-centered experience to a wider audience.
Quiet Strength and Big Dreams
Despite being the face of her business, Amanda admits she’s naturally shy. “It’s something I’ve had to work through my whole life,” she says. “But I’m curious about people, and that helps me move through the fear.”
She credits her growth to the support of her family and friends. “I’m beyond lucky to have people who cheer me on and remind me that I can keep going—even when the next step feels unclear.”
Advice from the Heart
To aspiring entrepreneurs in Hawai‘i, Amanda offers this: “Learn who your customer is—and how to find them. And listen more than you speak.”
It’s that quiet humility and open-hearted approach that continues to shape everything Paper Crane Soaps stands for: thoughtful products, made with intention, inspired by the land, and grounded in community.
Her current obsession? The Summer Vibes lotion. “It smells like coconut milk, tamarind, and mandarin orange. I keep a bottle in my purse. Just one whiff makes me smile.”
Shop Paper Crane Soaps at papercranesoaps.com
Follow on Instagram: @papercranesoaps
