Aloha,
Happy New Year! We are excited to announce the launch of our search for the next group of Hawaii-based companies to join Cohort 10! When Brittany and I founded Mana Up, our vision was to cultivate the next 100 Hawaii-based businesses to generate over $10 million in annual revenue. This upcoming cohort brings us closer to realizing that vision.
If you’re a small business in Hawaii with aspirations to join Mana Up, this is your opportunity! Apply for Cohort 10 and let us support your journey to success.
Best wishes,
Meli, Brittany, and the Mana Up Ohana
Apply to Join Cohort 10
Applications to join Cohort 10 are now open! Looking to scale your business? Now is the perfect opportunity! Click the icon button below to apply. Don’t wait—applications are due by February 19.
“Being part of Cohort 9 has been a dream. Seriously, I mean, we have been able to watch our brand grow before our eyes. What surprised me is just how much we can do and how much we can grow our brand in such little time where we just had guest speakers, we had great influencers, great role models, great businesses to look up to. It is so totally inspiring.”
Mana Up Featured on Hawaii Public Radio
In a recent segment by Janis Magin of Hawaiʻi Public Radio, the emphasis on shopping local emerged as last year’s key trend for holiday shopping. She highlighted Meli James, who noted the increasing demand for locally made products. According to Meli, Mana Up’s Hawaiian businesses are crafting high-quality, beautiful items that appeal to both national and international markets, ultimately strengthening Hawaiʻi's economy.
Thriving in Paradise: Building Successful Businesses in Hawaii
During the Bank of Hawai‘i x Mana Up Visionary Ventures Panel in Partnership with Hawai‘i Business Magazine, guests explored what it takes to grow a thriving business in Hawai‘i. The discussions highlighted the importance of resources and partnerships in navigating Hawai‘i’s unique entrepreneurial landscape. See below for key takeaways:
Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs:
1. Know Your Financials: Solid financial records are essential for making informed decisions and improving valuation. "QuickBooks and Excel—anything is better than nothing," says Chang. "Having receipts is better than not having receipts."
2. Think About Growth Early: Start considering potential buyers or partners early in your business journey. "Most owners have a list of who they would buy or sell to," Stinson notes. "The sooner you start, the better."
3. Plan for the Long-Term: Sustainable cash flow is a cornerstone of business success and valuation. "Companies that get the greatest sale value are the ones with strong, sustainable cash flow," Chang says.
4. Find the Right Fit: When considering acquisition or partnership, "It has to be a perfect fit,” says Mahina Tuteur, of Surf Shack Puzzles. Understanding the alignment of your business with a partner’s values and goals is critical.
5. Adaptability is Key: Stay flexible and willing to pivot. Kelleigh Stewart, of Big Island Coffee Roasters, offers this advice: "Prioritize and focus, but stay nimble. Try things, and if they work, that’s awesome.
Shop Local: House of Mana Up featured by AFAR Magazine
Catherine Toth Fox of AFAR recently included House of Mana Up as a business to shop at locally in her article I Was Born and Raised in Hawaiʻi—Here’s Where Locals Go to Escape the Crowds.
Ditch the cheesy souvenir shops and find locally owned ones that support Hawaiʻi’s talented artisans. House of Mana Up, started by local entrepreneur Meli James, is a one-stop shop in Honolulu of curated, locally crafted products
Mahalo for including us!
New Year… New Team Member - Leia Gladstone
We’re excited to introduce Leia Gladstone as the newest addition to the Mana Up team! Leia joins us as our Partnerships and Events Manager, bringing her expertise and passion for collaboration. Join us in extending a warm welcome to Leia as we kick off the new year together!
Discover Kristen Reyno's New Studio in Kailua
Kristen Reyno of Lola Pilar Hawaii has just opened her brand-new studio in Kailua! Located in partnership with Hawaii Modern, you can find their physical space behind the pet groomer and hair salon. But that's not all! Kristen's artwork is also featured in the newly updated Hilton Hawaiian Village Rainbow Kai guestrooms as one of their spotlight local artists.
Studio Address:
28 Kainehe Street, Kailua
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Goes Farm to Plate Lunch with new Collab with Hawaii 'Ulu Cooperative
A collaboration between L&L Hawaiian Barbecue and Hawaii 'Ulu Cooperative (Cohort 9) have teamed up to start offering traditional Hawaiian staple food crops on menus at participating L&L locations across Hawaii and the continental U.S.
L&L Kihei is taking the lead as the first location to jump on this new opportunity, opening the door for more locations to participate and expand their plate lunch offerings and customer palettes.
How to Support the Movement
Visit the Kihei L&L location any Tuesday - Friday 10AM-9PM, starting December 1st
Ask to sub your white rice or mac salad with either a scoop of mashed ʻuala or steamed kalo for an additional $0.50
OR get your standard plate + an additional scoop of mashed ʻuala or steamed kalo for $1.95
David Shepard Hawaii featured in The Friends of the Waikiki Aquarium Event
David Shepard from Hawaii (Cohort 7) participated as a featured artist vendor at the inaugural “Art with Heart Holiday Fair,” hosted by the Friends of the Waikiki Aquarium to support local artists.
Elizabeth Churchill, Executive Director of the Friends of the Waikiki Aquarium, shared with KHON2 that this festive event provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the holiday season while supporting local artists, conservation initiatives, and the Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium.
Keiki Kaukau Releases New My Aloha Style Children's Book
Introducing "My Aloha Style," the latest children's book from April Hail of Keiki Kaukau (Cohort 6) in collaboration with Hana Augustine!
This vibrant book is a celebration of self-expression, uniquely blending Hawaiian flair. Take a closer look at the illustrations, where you'll discover hidden Easter eggs inspired from other Mana Up-affiliated brands.
Sweet Land Farm Welcomes a New Kid in 2025
Our friends at Sweetland Farm Hawaii (Cohort 8) are excited to announce the arrival of a new baby GIRL goat at their farm in 2025. If you love meeting baby animals, be sure to visit the farm in Waialua, where you can enjoy feeding and interacting with them!
Okonokai Now Available on Farm Link
Get ready to indulge in the delicious taste of Okonokai (Cohort 9) limu snacks, now available for delivery straight to your doorstep through Farm Link Hawaii! Whether you're craving a crunchy treat or a nutritious boost, their limu snacks are perfect for any occasion.
AveryLily Seen in Sunset Magazine and voted as House Tours Readers Loved in 2024
Avery Solmssen of AveryLily (Cohort 8) was recently highlighted in Sunset Magazine in an article titled “This 1,000-Square-Foot Maui Cottage Is the Hawaiian Ranch Getaway of Our Dreams.”
Additionally, AveryLily has been voted as one of the House Tours Readers Loved for 2024! To see full feature about the beautiful cottage on Maui, click the icon button below.
Big Island Coffee Roasters As Seen on TV
Cohort 2 alum Big Island Coffee Roasters were featured on HI Now Daily. Kelleigh Stewart, co-founder, shared her passion for Hawaii-grown coffee and the incredible journey that has led their 14 year journey.
Honua Skincare Voted Best Face Oil for Glowy Skin
Cohort 9 alum Honua Skincare has been honored with the title of Best Face Oil for Glowy Skin by Yahoo! Life.
"Compared to some more well-known brands, Honua is a bit under the radar, but they are really worth getting to know. The Hawaiian skin care company uses native oils, such as noni, kukui nut, kamani and turmeric."
Wrappily Collabs with New York Times Games
Wrappily is thrilled to announce the launch of their exclusive NEW YORK TIMES WORDLE WRAPPING PAPER!
This custom wrapping paper set celebrates all of your favorite NY Times Games, making it the perfect gift wrap for the puzzle enthusiasts on anyone's list. Whether they’re a Wordle wizard or a crossword connoisseur, this wrapping paper is sure to bring a smile to their faces!
Shoppers can grab this unique wrapping paper now at the New York Times Store and make their presents as fun as the games they love!
Support Local, Shop with Purpose
When you shop at House of Mana Up, you’re championing Hawaii’s entrepreneurs and their unique products inspired by the beauty and culture of our islands. Every purchase helps grow local businesses and strengthens our community—bringing Hawaii to the world, one product at a time.
