Embracing a new beginning
Aloha, I’m Amber Souza, the artist of Kuahiwi Designs!
I built this Shopify store after my Etsy was shut down in November. It was heartbreaking—especially since it happened during one of the most profitable months for small businesses, leaving me offline for two weeks. I realized I couldn’t rely on Etsy as my only platform for Kuahiwi Designs, and that’s why I’m here.
I know it might sound dramatic now, but what helped me through those weeks was something my Kumu shared after a 5am hiʻuwai with my hula sisters: labeling experiences as “good” or “bad” is a Western mindset. As the cold water rushed up our legs, the shock felt harsh and unwelcomed. But when we stopped resisting what felt "bad"—when we embraced the cold—we opened ourselves up to something deeper, something new.
And it turns out that difficult period, which forced me to pivot, became one of the best things to happen to my shop. It reignited my love and drive for Kuahiwi Designs and led to one of my most successful months this past December! Thank you for standing by me through this change—I’m excited to see what new opportunities lie ahead.
Let customers speak for us
I love my Ohia fanny pack! I initially bought it to use as a makeup pouch for traveling because of all the dividers it had inside. I was going to cut the straps off but when the fanny pack arrived, I did not have the heart to damage such a nice bag. I use it everywhere!
The ombré Kahelelani necklace & earrings are so beautiful ❤️
Owner is amazing and helped get my order shipped asap! Definitely recommend!
Absolutely beautiful earrings! Amazing craftsmanship. Definitely special Niihau pieces
Bought this piece for a friend and it was perfect! Amber was very helpful and quickly responsive to any questions I had. Definitely recommend! Mahalo
This etsy store makes it so easy for me to make my wife smile. She's loved everything I've gotten for her. Beautiful work!
Kuahiwi Designs is amazing. Every product is crafted with so much creativity and hard work. I'm a repeat purchaser for a reason. My wife loves every item!
I wasn't sure how much l'd like this fanny pack, but it has quickly become one of my favorites. I thought there would just be the standard one zipper pocket situation in the back (which it does), but when I opened the bag, I was pleasantly surprised to see there was another pocket inside along with TWO other smaller pockets inside as well! It's incredibly spacious, and as a mom, I can fit my medium sized wallet, phone, keys, hand sanitizer, airpods, AND a tiny 4x6 booklet inside with lots of room to spare. The material is like that tyvek waterproof material and the strap is easily adjustable. I LOVE this bag and the design! It's spacious without being too bulky and I can wear it as a fanny pack or as a cross body with the pack in front of me or on my back. YOU NEED THIS BAG!
Ordinarily I wouldn't trust anything "water-resistant" but I spilled my drink all over this bag and I was surprised to find all my belongings were safe! The design is beautiful and the material is very durable and of good quality and easy to clean. 10/10 would recommend.
I purchased the Ohia Lehua fanny pack and I’m very happy that I did. It’s a beautiful design and the fanny pack is well made and very functional. It has a smaller zipper pocket in the front and compartments on the inside to hold many items.