Co-Founder of Laka Living
Hi Liz, can you tell us more about your upgrowing and what health meant to you as a kid? How did you feel?
Of course! I was a business & marketing student, and I did one of my first internships at a big cosmetics company, which was my first business-focused introduction to beauty. I then moved on to start-ups and VC, which enabled me to learn more about the foundations of a business and the rising consumer needs when it comes to beauty, sustainability, simplicity. I was the city girl looking for nature and down to earth brands, and Nuria – my co-founder – is a globetrotter in constant search for beauty in nature.
What influenced you to make a major shift towards a journey of healing and health?
I ended up adopting a plant-based diet at 16 and started noticing DRASTIC changes in my interests, energy levels, and appearance. I felt GOOD. Conscious. Energized. Confident. For the first time ever! For someone who was used to being tired, distracted, and unconsciously consuming her entire childhood, changing the way I ate lifted a veil and truly changed my life in a matter of months.
If you could go back to the past, what advice would you give to your 16 year old self?
Don’t cut calories. Your skin will thank you.
In your opinion, how could we address correctly the importance of building a healthy relationship with our body image in young teenage girls? What advice would you give them?
Gosh, I feel like I want to be a body image coach!!! I was so horrible to my body! Even when I was “taking care of my health”. From a neuroscience perspective, I think trying to relay the importance of subconscious thoughts as the ultimate body sculpter is something we should marinate on for longer. I mean, you can literally change the way you feel about your body which makes image obsolete when you start embodying that you have everything in perfect design for your body. Learn how to love it, then learn how to flaunt it. Show it off, regardless of what others have told you a body should look. Because nothing beats a confident woman in her own skin. Confidence and embodying your design is the sexiest quality.
What powers does the food we consume have on ourselves?
Your food is your program. Decide how you want to program yourself and then eat that. (I’ll bet you’ll naturally gravitate towards gushy texture, hydrating plants, and grounding proteins)
What are the role and the importance of adaptogens in our daily lives? What are the benefits of consuming them?
I think of Adaptogens as a cherry-on-top of an already solid nutritional foundation. What they do is ignite your inner body intelligence by managing stress/anxiety in a healthier, more resilient way. But they aren’t cure-all’s. And they are all not created equal! (Sourcing huge!) and they take a good while to really marinate and educate your System how to work in a “different” way. So keep them up! But cycle them and stack them on top of good eating habits that celebrate your body.
What motivated you to create Laka Living and why did you decide on that name? What's the meaning of “Laka”? What are some of the thoughts behind the branding identity, colors, etc?
I like to think of myself as a health activator. That saying “You truly have no idea how good you can feel” is like the ammo to my work as both a yoga instructor and health facilitator. I feel like it’s irresponsible of me to not show up for others in this regard, as the desire to live high vibrationally truly moves through me and *moves me*.
LAKA is the goddess of hula in Hawaiian mythology — she lives under the Lehua trees in the jungle and is energized and heals others through dance, story, prayer, and plants. The community comes to Laka for healing.
An earlier partner of mine, Kristal, and I decided on Laka as both plant-based nourishment and movement are truly a recipe for health. The potency and the legacy of what Hawaii has to offer, medicinally, culturally, and socially needs to be recognized and respected. As someone who is not from the land, but sourcing and sharing the incredible ingredients these chunks of earth can produce, it’s important we pay tribute and really share with others the vast potential and beauty of Hawaii. To honor it. To encourage proper use. To protect it.
What role does sustainability play in the design and manufacturing of your products? What is one of your favorite recipes and what’s an ingredient that is a must for you?
We source whatever we can, whenever we can, in as much volume as we can from local Hawaiian farmers first and foremost. Even as we start to filter out some less local products and formulate and conceptualize new ones in the coming months, serving our local community first is central to our mission to perpetuate a more sustainable food system — we encourage local farmers to get into their craft.
The sustainability of the manufacturing includes keeping all of our products 100% raw, of course the mushrooms have been extracted to release benefits but all the fats, salts, coconut products, etc are kept raw. We stone-grind our best-selling Drips to deeply nourish the body and keep the oils recognizable and stable. Not always, but stability through un-adulterous methods is huge for us.
We plant trees! For every Matcha sold. We donate a portion of profits monthly to on-island and off-island food security programs fighting to end food insecurity.
In the saying “one has to be creative in the kitchen”; can you tell us about your creative process? How did you get to the current recipes?
I love the activation of flow state. Its a very real thing that I am so thankful for when it hits. Product development has to be the perfect balance of familiar with uniqueness. Before I even get started on a recipe, I have to draw inspiration somewhere. I love turning to architecture, photography, and people in nature to ignite the feeling i need to even get into flow state. Its the vibe for me. Then its about boiling down the vibe into food form. Into benefit. I think of the customer who would likely want the benefits of the formulas. What textures does the customer who needs energy want? What colors do they like to consume? Do they have dietary restrictions? You need to make the customer feel special.
We’ve edited and reformulated our recipes a hair* here and there as time has gone on and the customers have grown. The needs change, our education of what customers want and needs change, and its all important.
What would your dream kitchen look like?
Something along the lines of this…..I want as little as possible visible. Bare is best.
When did you decide to move to Kauai and why?
I think I moved here in 2014, I was 21 or 22. No real reason other than I was a yoga instructor who could take her work with her and my friends convinced me to :) It was so fun. Came with about $700 to my name and I thought I was ballin out. Big dreams. Big potential. YOLO.
With Wellness being one of the world’s biggest and fast-growing markets: How do you find ways of staying creative and what do you think makes Laka-Living unique?
Oof! You hit it right on the money. I am so burnt out on the bleakness the industry washes brands down to over time. If we could just all work realllllly hard to stay true to those early days jolts of inspirations, ideas, and visions of our brands we would all be golden. It's really hard!
I'm actually currently in the midst of a self-imposed wash out myself. I feel like we’re flatlining as a brand creatively. I think these feelings are normal, they come and go, but in times like this I turn to architecture, imagery, and food photography again to keep me motivated to create. You have to be patient with creativity, it's not always your turn.
If I keep this recipe up, I usually spark my creativity again: running, good sleep, some (blanco) tequila, greens, talking it out (and up!) with someone who can hold space for you, strong espresso if needed, dance, yoga, looking at design magazines or editorials, and some good ole manifestation work. Also, just start taking photos of food in some good light in the sunshine in a cool glass. See what happens. Over the course of a couple weeks, these in combo ignite creativity.
Where and how do you get your inspiration from?
All things *design* related and also people who are physically fit. Seeing someone fit reminds me that it's all for the body. What we do. And it shows up with consistency.
What were some of the challenges you faced in opening a local business? What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a business in the health and wellness industry?
My issue (and advantage!) with most things in my life is I just kind of start doing it. I need to be better with planning, although any time I do I get let down with outcomes. I love the idea of “make it up as you go along”. The true adaptogenic quality a human could have.
Liz – Wellness Guide
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Products made to energize the skin and body on a cellular and energetic level, while celebrating the power of plant intelligence.
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Medicinal mushrooms sustainably cultivated in Canada to optimize health and open minds.
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A digital platform and products intended to help people find their way to clarity, sovereignty, and ultimate wellbeing.
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Regarded chef, writer, and Emmy-Award nominated TV host known for her distinct lens on honesty, diversity and inclusivity.
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A seed-to-table farm-to-apothecary based in Hawaii designed organically to grow potent herbal plants that facilitate healing and personal growth.
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Gut-health and microbiome supplements to boost and support your inmune system.
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High-quality supplements developed by Dr. George Lamoureux is considered one of the world’s top authorities of Taoist tonic herbalism, health, longevity, and nutrition.
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Liz – SUSTAINABLE Guide
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World’s 1st certified biodynamic & verified regenerative hemp & herbal goods.
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In-house line of clothing, vintage, and hand blended fragrances. Alongside with a curated selection of items by independent designers.
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100% natural, cruelty-free, high-performance botanicals to nourish skin and spirit.
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Ethically made, independent fashion brand founded in 2018 by New York designer Nia Thomas.
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Unique crochet pieces created by Makena, an artist and yoga teacher passionate about social justice and equality. 10% of the business sales go to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ organizations.
