Meli James

We sit down with entrepreneur and investor Meli James, cofounder of Mana Up, to explore how local businesses can drive economic diversification in Hawaiʻi. Meli explains how Mana Up supports Hawaiʻi based companies through mentorship, weekly coaching, retail partnerships, and a statewide accelerator program designed to help founders grow their brands. The conversation highlights how locally rooted products such as Kōhana Rum, Mānoa Chocolate, and other Mana Up companies are expanding beyond the islands while staying connected to the stories and culture of Hawaiʻi. Ashley, Wren, and Meli also discuss the broader economic opportunity behind supporting local entrepreneurs. Meli shares how small businesses create jobs, keep more money circulating in the islands, and strengthen Hawaiʻi’s global brand through authentic products and storytelling. The episode explores how policies, local procurement, and collaborative networks can help Hawaiʻi companies scale while maintaining their connection to place, culture, and community. Show Notes: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Mana Up⁠: manauphawaii.com ⁠Hawaii Venture Capital Association⁠: hvca.org Article: ⁠Beyond the Price of Paradise: Is Hawai’i Being Left Behind?⁠ uhero.hawaii.edu/beyond-the-price-of-paradise-is-hawaii-being-left-behind/ Subscribe to hear more stories from change-makers in Hawai‘i! https://www.pilalipodcast.org/subscribe Timestamps 00:00 Accelerator and Retail 17:31 Economic Impact and Policy 29:47 Hawaii Identity and Culture 34:42 Jobs in Hawaii and Future Vision