Our Female Maker Stories

  • Leala- Ua Hawai'i

    Leala- Ua Hawai'i

    Leala Humbert is the co-founder of Ua Hawaii, a brand rooted in heritage, nature, and the sensory power of place. Inspired by her upbringing on Hawaiʻi Island, Humbert grew up surrounded by botanicals, learning the art of fragrance and skincare from her mother, who originally started the business decades ago.

    Together with her husband, she revived and reimagined those original formulations—transforming a family legacy into a modern line of clean, small-batch body care and fragrance products.

    At the heart of Ua Hawaiʻi is a deep respect for the land: products are crafted with natural, locally sourced ingredients and designed to evoke memory, emotion, and connection. For Humbert, success isn’t just growth—it’s creating scents that remind people of home, heritage, and the healing power of nature.

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  • Kathryn & Sarah- Spring & Mulberry

    Kathryn & Sarah- Spring & Mulberry

    Kathryn & Sarah's travels (and sweet tooths) have taken them around the world, and the  one thing they noticed at the markets they strolled around, the tables they have  gathered at, and the shops they peeked into, it was the depth and deliciousness of sweet that lies beyond sugar.

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  • Sana Javeri Kadri- Diaspora Co

    Sana Javeri Kadri- Diaspora Co
    Sana is the founder and CEO of Diaspora Co,  a direct-trade, sustainable spice company launched in 2017 to create an equitable, high-quality supply chain from India to the U.S. Her focus was on sourcing and paying farmers 6X the commodity average while highlighting heirloom spices. The mission was to build a sustainable and equitable spice supply chain that directly benefits Indian farmers. The company now partners with over 150 small family farms across India and Sri Lanka.
    Fun Fact: The first spice in collaboration with an enthusiastic farmer in India was the Pragati Turmeric. Diaspora Co is also now the favorite spice company for Padma Lakshmi, renowned chef & New York Time bestselling author. She has collaborated with Diaspora Co to create the Gunpowder Spice that was released in 2025.
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  • Teri Johnson- Harlem Candle Company

    Teri Johnson- Harlem Candle Company

    Native Texan Teri Johnson traveled to more than 70 countries before making New York City’s Harlem neighborhood her home. She was inspired by her love of fragrance, jazz, figures in music like Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington. Teri began crafting candles in her kitchen that evoked the richness and magic of the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and ’30s while creating a brand that honored African- American culture and history.

    *Featured in Oprah's Favorite Things with the "Purple Love" candle. 

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  • Kristel- Hard Nectar

    Kristel- Hard Nectar

    From the HARD NECTAR site- "These sweet creations are developed by New York City based confectionary artist, Kristen Van Valkenhoef.  She finds inspiration in her love for nature which surrounded her growing up as a child, the nostalgia of her mother's kitchen and the knowledge she gained during her years of traveling as a model in fashion, design and art. 

    Kristen has been named "Model- turned baker makes otherworldly candy" by VOGUE US, has been praised by OPRAH WINFREY on the O'LIST as favorite "dandy candy" and endorsed by world famous chef Daniel Boulud for her all natural approach. 


    The line of lollipops contain 10 ingredients or less, using only the purest base products, without additives.  They are handcrafted in small batches to ensure absolute freshness. 

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  • Suzanah & Rhonda- Camp Craft Cocktails

    Suzanah & Rhonda- Camp Craft Cocktails
    Suzanah & Rhonda are the founders of Camp Craft Cocktails.  They started out with handcrafting artisan popsicles and while on a trip to serve these treats from their vintage camper at a music festival, they knew they needed to share the experience of gathering to ALL. This is how Camp Craft Cocktails was born, deconstructed popsicle recipes that are shippable.  Their mission is to build longer tables where everyone is welcome, and everyone belongs. Their cocktail kits have built communities everywhere! They also make the PERFECT host gift and each one comes with a "HOW TO" recipe card. It's super easy, super fun and best of all, it's an excuse to have meaningful gatherings.
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