Is it just us or is everyone getting into the holiday spirit way earlier than usual this year? Not that we’re complaining, we’ve had Christmas music playing for a week already! In that same holiday spirit, we’re sharing some local love and gift ideas with YOU. 

Hawaiian-owned businesses have been hit especially hard by the pandemic due to decreased tourism, so here is another - YES, ANOTHER! - holiday gift guide for you, this time featuring women-owned and Hawaii-based business owners! Whether you’re a mainlander or a local, these shops ship, so support where you can!

Lauren Roth Boutique

Bright, island-inspired originals, prints, and accessories - in a word, Lauren’s work is HAPPY. And, who doesn’t need a little more happy right now? Check out her hand-painted ornaments. And, our favorite, her rainbow collection. Read on for a little more about Lauren’s work, or shop here:

 Lauren Roth is a Kailua based artist and   Illustrator.  Since moving to Hawaii in 2009, her work has been featured in galleries, stores and magazines all throughout the Islands, the Mainland and Japan. She has collaborated with both Local and International companies, creating and branding her unique tropical style. In 2013 Lauren branched out from painting on paper, to working on fabric, getting her start in the market by hand painting trucker hats. Her line now consists of accessories, clothing and most recently home decor!

In 2018, Lauren and her husband decided to open up their first Brick and Mortar, in their home town of Kailua. The store will be a place where you can shop all of Lauren’s originals, prints and entire product line.

The support of the arts, and the strong sense of community in Hawaii, is something that is very important to Lauren and Jon. The gallery will also be a place for other artist to feature their work and beautiful creations.

***

Over & Under

Meet Natalie, knot-tier, natural fiber enthusiast, and owner of Over & Under. Macrame yoga-mat carriers, coasters, plant holders, keychains, baby teethers, ornaments and, our favorite, earrings! Natalie’s creativity is off the charts. If you’re looking for a unique, handmade gift, you’ve found it. Read on for more about Natalie in her own words, or shop here.

I fell in love with macrame and taught myself back in 2018. I love getting lost in the process of tying knots and creating all sorts of items, from wall hangings to earrings to functional home decor.

Macrame has become a hobby that is relaxing and a way to release my creative spirit. I hope my creations bring you joy and fill your home with the aloha spirit.

***

Stacey G Jewelry

Renowned jewelry designer Stacey Garmshausen began a new collection after seeing how much plastic marine debris continued to wash ashore on her local beach in Kailua. Stacey’s ADRIFT COLLECTION features these pieces of debris in unique ways - as jewelry, home decor, and ornaments - to raise consumer awareness about plastic consumption. Her pieces are unique and exquisite, elegant and simple, but with a message that resonates regardless of the consumer. You can read more about the collection below, and you can shop here. 

 Based out of Kailua, Hawaii, Stacey G Jewelry is the perfect blend of bohemian and beachy, easy and cool, as well as luxurious and decadent.

Designer, Stacey Garmshausen, started the brand back in 2006, and quickly gained international popularity. Her most recent creative endeavor is using ocean plastic and marine debris that she collects, to create beautiful jewelry and unique pieces of art. It is her goal to raise awareness and start conversations about the global epidemic of plastic pollution overtaking our oceans and environment. With awareness people can become wiser consumers.

Stacey G Jewelry has a bohemian spirit, with loving, adventurous spontaneity, unrepeatable uniqueness, and a deep and endless love of the sea.

Welcome to this colorful world.

***

Protea Zero Waste

Oahu’s first zero waste store and it’s located right in our backyard -- beautiful Kailua! Founder Lori, a Texas native, was intimately familiar with plastic’s origins, and wanted to help solve the problem of its end-of-life. Protea was born. Her shop offers natural and sustainable solutions to some of our most prevalent plastic pollution. Refill models, buying in bulk, and raising consumer awareness about the importance of shopping conscientiously and locally. This shop is full of eco-friendly alternatives to your must-have home goods. The coconut sponge is our must-have zero waste swaps! Stocking stuffers and great gifts for anyone on your list. Read on to learn more about Lori and Protea Zero Waste, or shop here. 

 Lori is an environmentalist and policy advocate with a degree in Environmental Studies from Hawaii Pacific University. Originally from Houston, TX, Lori grew up near the largest petrochemical hub in the country. This is where the beginning stages of plastic production occur and communities within miles of her home are severely impacted by the effects of this process. 

 Lori now lives across the world in Kailua, Hawaii, where beaches and wildlife are severely impacted by the end life of plastic. She has spent her time here advocating with Sierra Club Hawaii at the state legislature and city council for waste management, plastic reduction and recycling bills. While change at the top is important, Lori realized that it's equally important to make positive change at the community level, which is why she decided to open Protea Zero Waste Store. 

When she is not working at Protea, Lori is continuing her advocacy work, volunteering with environmental organizations on island, and taking time to enjoy life with her husband, family, friends and dogs! She loves the beach, hiking, traveling, dancing, live music and sunsets. 

***

Ocean Kind Hawaii

Upcycled plastic ocean jewelry with a portion of proceeds going to support our local ocean advocacy nonprofit, Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii! This shop offers marine debris bangles, and the cutest island-inspired studs and dangles for your earring fans. We are obsessed with the monstera earrings at the moment! And follow their instagram to see how often they are cleaning their beaches.

More on Ocean Kind Hawaii below, and click here to shop!

This Jewelry Collection uses sustainably sourced, recycled, and bio based materials to lessen our carbon footprint. Specifically designed for those who are mindful of their environmental impact

Upcycled ocean plastic jewelry is cleaned up from the shores of Hawaii and repurposed into handmade jewelry-earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

“Upcycling, also known as creative reuse, is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless, or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality and environmental value.“

***

Seasalt Kids Swimwear

Sustainable, adorable bathing suits from three sisters who decided to create durable swimwear while keeping the planet in mind. We are here for it!

Seasalt sources the highest quality recycled plastic fabrics that are UPF50, stylish, comfortable for kids, and made for play. Their suits are manufactured in the US and made with recycled polyester from post-consumer products, including plastic bottles and reclaimed fishing nets. These adorable suits are a must-have for sustainable fashion and summer vibes.

Keep reading for more about Seasalt Kids in their own words, and shop here.

Seasalt Kids was founded by three sisters who wanted to create a premium children’s swimwear brand that empowers kids and parents with positive messages about their ability to create change. At our core, we believe in loving the life we live, sharing memories with people we love, and showing the same love to our planet.

As a women-owned small business, we know exactly what it means to shop local and to support local during the holidays. We hope you’ve found what you’re looking for with these fellow women-owned small businesses, and maybe even a few things you didn’t know you always wanted! But wait, there’s more! We have a few more female founders based in Hawaii that were featured in our veteran owned business post: MicroMahalo and Artsy Fartsy, both of whom have swamped booths at our local Sunday markets. Pro tip: order these online!

 

No matter where you live this holiday season, shopping small could mean the difference between your local shops remaining open in the year to come. So if you can, shop small, support local, and keep the planet in mind. We’re grateful for you and for these fellow entrepreneurs trying every day to make the world a little brighter, and a little better.

Happy holidays!