Rooted in Aloha: Motherhood, Mana, and the Legacy of Pure Mana Hawaii
As Mother's Day approaches here in the lush landscape of Hawaii, it’s a time to reflect on the nurturing power and profound influence of mothers. For Kollette Stith, Sue Mandini, and Karen Morgan – the 'Golden Trio' behind the Big Island's Pure Mana Hawaii Skincare – motherhood isn't just part of their lives; it's the very bedrock upon which their thriving business was built. Their journey as mothers and entrepreneurs is a testament to finding inner strength (Mana), embracing nature's wisdom, and building a legacy rooted in purity, passion, and purpose.
From Motherly Instincts to Brand Vision
"Motherhood shaped everything for us," the founders shared. The moment their children arrived, the mission became crystal clear. The importance of using only the purest, healthiest, and safest ingredients transformed from a preference into a vital necessity. "I wanted to create effective skincare that I felt confident giving to my own family—and then sharing with others," Kollette Stith explains. This maternal instinct became the brand's guiding principle: high-performance, safe, and truly nourishing skincare sourced from the āina (land).
Motherhood also shaped their definition of purpose. For Sue Mandini, starting the brand nearly a decade ago was intrinsically linked to showing her children that dedication and belief in your dreams matter. "I wanted to instill in them the belief that with a clear vision and passion, it’s possible to create something meaningful that embodies their values and integrity." Pure Mana Hawaii became a living example of prioritizing natural ingredients, sustainability, and caring for oneself, the island, and Mother Earth.
Nature's Classroom: Inspiring Products and Passing Down Values
The direct needs and experiences of family life often sparked product innovation. The Radiant Glow Nourishing Body Oil, one of their first creations, was born from the desire for something gentle yet potent enough to soothe children's skin after long days under the Hawaiian sun.
Formulated with organic macadamia, healing kukui nut, and rich avocado oils, its effectiveness was proven close to home. "I remember when our kids would come home red from the sun, and after applying Radiant Glow, their skin would quickly heal... That was when we truly knew we had created something special."
Similarly, the Soul Serum (originally Sun Serum) emerged from the need to heal sunburns quickly and naturally. Witnessing its "miraculous results" on their children and visiting friends solidified their commitment to harnessing nature's power against environmental aggressors, even requiring a name change to comply with regulations while staying true to the product's nurturing essence.
This deep connection to nature stems from their own upbringing. Kollette recalls growing up off-grid, where nature was the playground and the source of sustenance. "I wanted my children to know where their food came from... and to understand that most things worth having require time, energy, and heart." The core wisdom passed down? A deep sense of gratitude for the āina, the kai (ocean), and each other.
The Balancing Act: Resilience, Sacrifice, and Redefined Success
Building Pure Mana Hawaii while raising families was, inevitably, a demanding balancing act. "In the beginning, we worked late at night after the kids had dinner and went to bed," they recall. Kitchens doubled as workshops, fueled by passion and love.
For Sue, navigating this as a single parent of three meant immense endurance, family support, and countless all-nighters after the kids were asleep. "I’ve certainly dropped a few balls," she admits candidly, noting the determination to provide for her children was the driving force, while family love kept her grounded.
These challenges – the constant multitasking, prioritizing, and sacrifices – forged stronger, more resilient, and compassionate leaders. They learned to lead by example, with heart and persistence. Motherhood also powerfully redefined success.
It became less about conventional business milestones and more about embodying purpose, finding joy in creation, and impacting loved ones. "Motherhood is like a mirror—it challenges you to grow into the best version of yourself," says Kollette. Hearing her now grown children say "Thank you, Mom" means everything, a profound reminder that "success is truly measured by the impact we have on the people closest to us."
Lessons Learned and a Legacy of Connection
Looking back, the advice for their younger selves centers on trusting the process and staying rooted in purpose, even when things get tough. Building something worthwhile takes time, patience, and resilience.
Ultimately, the Pure Mana Hawaii legacy centers on profound connection—to family, nature, community, and purpose (Mana). For partner Karen Morgan, a mother of three, this means actively intertwining the brand's "rich cultural heritage" with "family values and embracing beauty at every stage of life." The ethos of "slow-farm beauty" – emphasizing patience, sustainability, and respect for nature – is a value she hopes her children carry into all aspects of life. It's a lesson that true beauty and success require time, care, and intention.
The golden trio hope Pure Mana will continue to inspire future generations to live sustainably, work passionately, and honor the āina and values of Hawaii. Their journey beautifully illustrates how the nurturing spirit of motherhood can cultivate not only families but also businesses that genuinely enrich the world, embodying the potent Mana found in living with integrity, care, and love.
