Naehalani Breeland
From Molokaʻi & Maui
Career: CO-FOUNDER & president of ola brew co
Growing up in Molokaʻi, Naehalani Breeland was immersed in a lifestyle that was both relaxed and deeply anchored in the Native Hawaiian culture. This foundation, combined with the influence of her mother, instilled in her the spirit of aloha and the importance of community service.
Her travels, from Brazil to California and New York, further shaped her perspective, allowing her to anchor herself more in the cultural values she was taught as a child. Despite her global experiences, her dedication to the Hawaiʻi community remained unwavering. This commitment led her back to Hawaiʻi, where she co-founded Ola Brew Co. The company, while known for its beverages, is fundamentally an agricultural development initiative aimed at supporting Hawaiʻi’s agricultural economy.
Ola Brew's innovative approach includes sourcing over $1.8 million directly from local farmers and introducing products like Okolehao. The company's community-driven ethos is further highlighted by its crowdfunding efforts, making it one of the first in the U.S. to do so. This approach has not only garnered financial support but has also turned shareholders into advocates for the brand.
Naehalani's journey, filled with both successes and challenges, has equipped her with a unique "toolbelt" of experiences. Her advice to others, rooted in her own journey, is to stay grounded, understand one's "why," and redefine personal definitions of success. For Naehalani, success is deeply intertwined with serving her community, uplifting the Hawaiian culture, and innovating for a sustainable future.
