About Us
About Us
Aloha — we’re Natalie & Eric, a husband-and-wife team building something we wish existed: a marketplace that feels like ohana (family), and treats Hawaiʻi with the respect it deserves.
We’re a big, blended crew — five kids and two grandkids — the kind of family where life is loud, love is real, and the “why” behind what we build actually matters.
Natalie grew up in Pearl City, and her family has generations of roots in Hawaiʻi that continue to this day. Eric grew up in Colorado, where his whole family is, and where he’s lived his entire life. Our story is basically two worlds learning how to become one — and we’re grateful for it every day.
One trip to the islands to visit family flipped a switch for us. It wasn’t just the beauty (though… wow). It was the feeling of connection — to people, to place, to culture — and the realization that we wanted to build something that supports that connection in a real way. That trip gave us our WHY.
How we fit into Hawaiʻi (with humility)
We want to be clear about who we are and how we show up. We are not Kānaka Maoli. And we’re not going to pretend we’re “locals” just because we love Hawaiʻi or are building a business connected to it.
What we want is to find where we fit respectfully — to live pono (to do what’s right), to listen first, learn constantly, and to earn trust over time through actions, not branding. Respect for the people, the land, and the culture isn’t a section on a website for us — it’s the standard.
What that looks like in practice:
- We don’t speak for Hawaiʻi — we build space to amplify Hawaiʻi voices.
- We don’t treat culture like decoration — we treat it with care, accuracy, and respect.
- We stay open to correction, because accountability is part of doing this right.
- We aim to contribute to the community in ways that are consistent, not performative.
Why Ohana Marketplace
Ohana Underground started one way — and it taught us everything. But we’re transitioning into something bigger: Ohana Marketplace — a curated home for Hawaiʻi-based makers, Native Hawaiian-owned businesses, and respectful brands aligned with the mission.
This marketplace is built to do two things at the same time: make it easier to shop Hawaiʻi-made, and give makers a platform where their story and work are honored.
And we’re putting our money where our heart is: as Ohana Marketplace grows, we plan to give a percentage of profits to Hawaiian causes focused on supporting community, culture, and long-term well-being.
Vendors: We’re opening up soon
If you’re a maker or brand that aligns with this mission and you’re interested in joining Ohana Marketplace, we’d love to hear from you. Please visit our vendor signup page to get on the list.
Join the Vendor List or fill out the form below to stay up to date on the next steps for The Ohana Marketplace