BEHIND THE GEAR

Mahalo piha for your kākoʻo in my wahine-owned small business. 1893 Market was born during the 2020 lockdown, when I felt cut off from our ʻāina and culture. With the shoreline closed, I turned back to writing and design as my way to stay connected. Every piece I create carries intention—to share aloha and kuleana, not negativity.

 

When I say “Make Hawaiʻi Indigenous Again,” I mean caring for the ʻāina as our kūpuna did, planting ulu, speaking ʻōlelo, restoring loʻi, cleaning kai, and honoring all that sustains us. My designs are meant to help you feel that connection to your kūpuna and your own stories, so when you wear them, you Rep’em Hard with pride.

 

To honor the environment, I’ve shifted to mostly embroidery. Ink designs are now limited, reducing waste and microplastics, while embroidery lasts a lifetime if cared for.

 

Get out there, Rep’em Hard, and Make Hawaiʻi Indigenous Again in your own way.

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