family affair

a little last minute mother's day gift idea inspired by a sweetly scented potion crafted by two keiki and a fresh alternative in a world filled with factory made fragrances. while many readers will be wooed by maoli perfumes' fragrant promise of a "spray of sunshine" conveniently packaged in a glass bottle, the story of how this wee perfumery came to be may prove even more irresistible.

let's rewind to 2007 when the hughes 'ohana left hawaii for the rainy northwest and the resulting homesickness of sons kai and kalani who instantly missed the islands and its distinctive blend of sandy surf, tropical blossoms, and all around hawaiian goodness. mom mari decided to utilize her aromatherapy background to introduce her sons to the science of scent via a home study assignment exploring the formulation of natural perfumes.

two budding alchemists were quickly revealed and, after a few attempts, the brothers concocted a balmy elixir with notes of mexican wild lime, orange blossoms, pikake, ka'u gold oranges, and vanilla. the lesson book had barely closed when mainland friends began inquiring about the sweet scent worn by the brothers as a reminder of their island home, and so, quite unexpectedly, their next assignment was hatched.

fast forward to the present and the family has redefined homework with kai and kalani mixing and labeling batches of their island blend while dad helps out with the graphics/website and mom keeps everything running behind-the-scenes from ordering supplies to bottling, shipping, and marketing maoli's keiki-inspired scent.

although maoli's first offering, colonia dulce (a nod to mari's spanish heritage), was originally created with a younger audience in mind, sensitive grownup noses will appreciate that the eau de cologne is blended with certified organic essential oils, is free of synthetic components, and tested on humans not animals.

even better, the project includes a lesson in paying it forward with a portion of purchases donated to organizations like malama hawaii, heifer international, the shea project, and women for women international.

currently, maoli perfumes can only be found in its online shop so click over and enjoy free shipping on your order!

p.s. request a complimentary sample here.