Episode 3 – Meli James
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Meli James is a Hawaiʻi-based entrepreneur and the co-founder of Mana Up. She is also President of the Hawaiʻi Venture Capital Association and has worked to support the growth of Hawaiʻi-based companies through accelerators, capital access, and ecosystem building.
In this episode of Pilali, cohosts Ashley and Wren 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 Kohana Rum, Manoa 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.