In the Spotlight: Some inspiring women entrepreneurs from Hawaii
#AlohaEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #InspiringHawaii #EmpoweredByAloha #SustainableEntrepreneurship
Hawaii’s women entrepreneurs are reshaping the rules of business – blending cultural authenticity with groundbreaking innovation. Rooted in the values of ‘aloha’ (love and compassion) and malama ‘aina (caring for the land) – these women embody a spirit of entrepreneurship that is as unique as the islands themselves.
Their ventures often reflect Hawaii’s deep cultural heritage, a commitment to environmental sustainability & a desire to uplift their local communities.
In a place where the natural environment and community connections are cherished, women entrepreneurs in Hawaii are leading the way in industries – like sustainable tourism, eco-friendly product development, and locally-inspired arts and crafts.
Whether creating businesses that preserve Hawaiian traditions or tackling global issues through a local lens – these women actually bring a sense of purpose & innovation to everything they do.
Island Innovators: Women Entrepreneurs Changing Hawaii’s Landscape
Hawaii’s close-knit, collaborative community also plays a pivotal role in supporting these inspiring women. Networking and mentorship opportunities, often enhanced by the islands’ unique sense of ohana (family), – enable female entrepreneurs to thrive.
With the help of organizations like the Hawaii Women’s Business Center and initiatives focused on women-led businesses, these leaders are breaking barriers and creating a lasting legacy of empowerment.
From sustainability advocates to cultural ambassadors – Hawaii’s inspiring women entrepreneurs are proof that business success can go hand-in-hand with compassion, tradition & a vision for a better future.
Now let us delve into stories of some inspiring women entrepreneurs from Hawaii.
> Denise Woodard, Founder & CEO, Partake Foods
Denise Woodard is the Founder and CEO of Partake Foods, which was launched in 2017. It is a natural food company that was inspired by her daughter’s experience with food allergies. Partake’s first product was delicious, allergy-friendly cookies that can now be found in more than 14,000 retailers including Target, Kroger, and Whole Foods Market. They expanded their offerings to include – graham crackers, vanilla wafers and pancake & waffle mixes.
She has the reputation of being the first Black woman to raise more than $1 Million publicly for a CPG food start-up. In 2023, Partake was named #151 on the Inc. 5000 list .
>Robynne Maii, Chef & Owner Fete
Robynne Maii is the Chef and Owner of the award-winning restaurant Fête in Honolulu’s Chinatown. Born and raised in Honolulu, she began her culinary adventure at Kaimuki’s 3660 on the Rise, cooking under Chef Russell Siu and Padovani’s Bistro and Wine Bar, in Waikiki. Here she transitioned to full-time pastry cook under Chef Pierre Padovani before leaving to New York for graduate school.
After completing her master’s degree in food studies from New York University, Chef Robynne went on to work at Union Pacific and the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. She wears many hats for she has also worked for Gourmet Magazine, Kitchen Arts & Letters Bookstore and played an integral role in developing and teaching the culinary program at The Art Institute of New York City and CUNY’s Kingsborough Community College.
Awards have come her way too. She was named the 2022 James Beard Award Foundation Best Chef for the Northwest and Pacific Region on her first nomination. In fact, she is the first Hawai‘i-born recipient to win this award (in 19 years) and is the first Native Hawaiian woman to win a James Beard Foundation award.
> Kolby Moser, Founder & Director, Aria Studios
What is interesting is that Kolby Moser is a Native Hawaiian Filmmaker, Business Owner and Podcast Host.
Going back, she began her career as a TV News Producer at KGMB9 News before starting ARIA Studios, in 2008. She has worked with companies such as – Microsoft, Four Seasons and Hawaii Pacific Health to craft captivating stories that drive results. A prominent figure, she was recognized as one of Pacific Business New’s 40 under 40 in 2021 and Hawaii Wedding Style’s “Industry Icon” in 2024. Kolby also co-hosts the podcast “Uncut Hawaii,” and co-directed the feature documentary “Hometown Legends” that has been featured in film festivals around the world.
> Semira Nikou, Co-Founder & CEO, Better Sour
Semira Nikou is the Co-founder and CEO of Better Sour, which is a new sour candy startup celebrating global, heritage rich flavours with a commitment to healthier, low-sugar ingredients.
It is fascinating to note that Better Sour’s flavours are inspired by the tart flavours the co-founders grew up eating (as the daughters of Iranian immigrants, raised in Hawai’i). It was launched in retail in May 2023, and since then, Better Sour can now be found in more than 1,500 retail stores across the country.
> Brittany Heyd, Co-Founder, Mana Up
Brittany Heyd is Co-founder of Mana Up. Before Mana Up, Brittany was Co-founder & Managing Director at 1776, where she grew the organization from an idea to global business including a $12.5 million venture fund, five locations, events in 75 cities across the world, and a software platform called Union too.
Her background is indeed impressive. She also held positions at the White House Council of Economic Advisers, Latham & Watkins, and Mark IV Capital. In 2020, she was recognized by Hawaii Business Magazine on its 20 for the Next 20 list; and in 2021, she was named by Pacific Business News as an honoree of its annual Women Who Mean Business Awards. Additionally, she serves on the boards of the Calvin Shindo Student Venture Fund (University of Hawaii) and the Hawaii Pacific Export Council.
> Mahina Paishon-Duarte, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer of Waiwai Collective
Mahina Paishon is Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Waiwai Collective, which is a regenerative urban oasis, a kīpuka, for weaving community, culture & commerce. As a social entrepreneur who has also led several educational and cultural organizations, her vision and mission are identical – to catalyze positive, lasting change for Hawaii in one generation.
Interestingly, she is the founding Executive Director of Paepae o Heʻeia – which is the first modern Hawaiian fishpond that created ground-breaking ʻāina-based education programming for students from preschool through post-doctoral levels.
Tracking her rich background, she also gained public sector experience as a Policy Program Manager with NOAAs Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, which at the time was the world’s single largest marine managed area, advancing the integration of both indigenous and western scientific methodologies.
She also served as Head of School for two accredited award-winning culture-based charter schools. Additionally, she serves on the State of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Board as its Vice Chair, and as a Commissioner on the Leeward Planning Commission for the County of Hawaiʻi.
Today, she is a part of the ʻĀina Aloha Economic Futures movement – to address long-standing socio-economic inequities that the COVID-19 pandemic underscored. It also involves bringing to life a resilient economy through their core value of ʻāina aloha – a deep & abiding love for Hawaiʻi’s communities and natural environments.
Avtar Madan
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