Hawaii product accelerator Mana Up has teamed up with global travel retail brand DFS Hawaii in a partnership that will highlight emerging local companies at the luxury retailer, as well as provide mentorship opportunities for the entrepreneurs behind the brands.
In a recent announcement, Mana Up said that the partnership “centers on close collaboration between the companies.”
The DFS team will be a part of Mana Up’s accelerator cohort selection process, and officials from the company also will serve as mentors during the program. Meanwhile, products from companies that have gone through the accelerator will be sold at DFS Waikiki, formerly T Galleria by DFS, as well as DFS Hawaii airport locations in Honolulu and Kahului. Additionally, DFS Waikiki currently has a limited-time in-store display highlighting select Mana Up graduate companies.
The partnership marks a “renewed collaboration” between Mana Up and DFS, Mana Up noted in the announcement. The companies originally partnered in 2019 for one year before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. During that time, 11 Mana Up companies were featured at DFS stores, Mana Up said.
"Combining DFS Hawaii’s retail prowess with the amazing stories and products of Mana Up companies has been a recipe for success. It is an example of a win-win-win collaboration in which DFS, Mana Up and local entrepreneurs have something to gain," Meli James, co-founder of Mana Up, said in a statement. "We’re excited to continue building on this partnership in the years to come."
Baby clothing brand Coco Moon was among the local companies that were featured at DFS in 2019. In a statement, founder Amber Thibaut said having her products on DFS shelves was a “pivotal moment” for the company.
"It significantly boosted brand exposure and opened doors to countless opportunities,” said Thibaut, who was part of Mana Up’s third cohort. “Collaborating with DFS Hawaii and Mana Up allowed us to share not just our products, but our culture and stories with a global audience – expanding our reach and propelling our business to new heights.”
The Mana Up companies that are featured at DFS include Big Island Coffee Roasters, Coco Moon, Hawaiian Pie Company, Keiki Kaukau, Lexbreezy Hawaii, Manoa Chocolate, Maui Nui Venison, Tea Chest Hawaii, ua body and more.
"At DFS Hawaii, we are committed to providing a platform for brands to thrive and connect with travelers from around the globe," stated Karl Sutcliffe, vice president of store operations of DFS Hawaii. "Our partnership with Mana Up allows us to showcase the vibrant stories of Hawaii’s entrepreneurs, offering discerning visitors world-class local products while driving volume and sales."
