We Got Into Mana Up (And I'm Still Processing It)
Okay, so I've been sitting on this news for a bit because honestly? I'm still wrapping my head around it.
We got accepted into Mana Up's 10th cohort.
I know, right? Me too.
The Application I Almost Chickened Out Of
So months ago, I was staring at the Mana Up application on my laptop. You know that feeling when you want something so badly but imposter syndrome sets in and youʻre at the point why should I even try.
I've been following Mana Up since their very first cohort. Watching all these amazing Hawaii businesses go through their program and come out the other side completely transformed. But it always felt like something that happened to other people - you know, the "real" entrepreneurs who know what they are doing AND have all the data to back it.
What did I have? A business that started because I needed money for diapers and daycare, that I was only going to do for 5 more years when my oldest daughter got to Kindergarten, that somehow turned into... well, this.
I must have had that application open for weeks, just partially filled out. Thank goodness for my small biz friends who basically had to talk me off the ledge and remind me to hit submit. They answered all my questions and kept telling me The Keiki Dept had something worth sharing and that I was really ready for it. (Love you guys, and you know I donʻt just drop the L-word lightly)
That Moment When It Clicks
Last year something shifted for me. I finally stopped thinking of this as something I was doing "until I went back to teaching." For years, that was my safety net - I'd go back to the classroom once the kids hit kindergarten. It felt safe, you know?
But somewhere along the way last year, I realized this IS my real job. The Keiki Dept isn't just paying for diapers anymore (thank goodness, because we're way past that stage). It's become my legacy. The thing I'm building for my kids, for our community, for everyone who believes that sharing Hawaiian culture matters.
That was my second big leap of faith. The first was leaving teaching to do this full-time back in 2019. This one was believing I actually belonged here. (I know, it seems silly to say it out loud and type this because people have told me this for years).
What's Always Been True
We've changed a lot over the years. Started with local Hawaiʻi designs, then shifted to focus specifically on native plants and animals. Added new products, grew our ʻOhana Insiders community, figured out this whole business thing as we went.
But here's what's never changed: my commitment to making authentic pieces that actually reflect Hawaii and Hawaiian culture. Not the touristy stuff, not the generic tropical plants - the real deal.
I'm more passionate than ever about helping families learn about the plants and animals that make our islands special. Every print tells a story. Every swaddle, every piece of clothing, every Memory Game card is a chance to connect your ʻohana with our Hawaiian heritage.
The Stories That Keep Me Going
You want to know what really matters to me? It's the stories you share when I see you at our pop-ups or or if you see me out and about and stop to tell me:
- The mom who told me her Kapa Moe swaddle has been used by her four kids and is now tucked away for future grandkids.
- The toddler who can now spot some native Hawaiian plants because of our designs.
- The grandmother using our Memory Game to teach her moʻopuna Hawaiian words.
- The families who choose us specifically because they want to support authentic Hawaiian culture.
Not only do I fangirl when I see you using your product out and about, bu these conversations seriously make my day and fill my cup.
What Happens Next
So for the next six months, me and nine other Hawaii businesses are going to learn everything we can from Mana Up's incredible network. We're talking scaling strategies, marketing approaches, ways to share our products with more people - all while keeping our values front and center.
I'm excited. And nervous. And grateful. Mostly grateful.
I'm ready for the growth that's coming, the relationships we'll build, and the new ways we'll be able to serve our community. But I promise you this - we know change happens but what wonʻt change is us staying true to who we are and why we started.
To My TKD ʻOhana
None of this happens without you. You've supported us from the beginning, shared our story with your friends, trusted us to be part of your most precious moments with your keiki.
From the bottom of my heart, mahalo for being part of this journey. The best really is yet to come.
Me ke aloha,
Leilani
Leilani
Want to follow along on our Mana Up adventure? Join our ʻOhana Insiders for all the behind-the-scenes updates, early access to new releases, and that friend-to-friend connection we love.
Written by Leilani Sills
Full time mama, Shop Owner and Teacher.
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