Savvy 360 - Branded with Aloha

The team behind Kailua-based accessories brand Tag Aloha Co.-Alana and Kainoa Penaroza and AJ and Manjari White- got an early start in creation and design. Alana began with fashion design at a young age, while AJ taught himself illustration and graphic design in grade school, eventually mastering screen printing techniques. So when Alana was given the opportunity to make t-shirts for Whole Foods Hawaii in July 2013, she knew AJ was the one to call. What they assumed was a onetime project quickly turned into them becoming the grocer's number one organic cotton bag supplier for the last 12 years.

During the pandemic, the brand expanded to make a diverse collection of beach accessories, including pareos, towels, hats and tote bags, with each design still drawn in-house by AJ. Along the way, Tag Aloha Co. has partnered with a variety of brands and artists for smaller, limited-edition capsule collections, including singer Kimié Miner, artist Lauren Roth and florist Ocean Dreamer.

Their recent collaboration with Hawaiian Airlines to celebrate its 95th anniversary-during Tag Aloha Co's tenth year of business-was particularly monumental, and the resulting retro-inspired Aloalo hibiscus printed collection sold out quickly.

"We partner with brands and artists whose vision aligns with ours," says Alana. "It's about creating meaningful stories and designs that resonate with our customers and honor the spirit of aloha." Above all, the team is inspired by the beauty and lifestyle of the islands. "Hawaii is more than our home-it's our muse, and we're grateful to share its stories through our art."— IJfke Ridgley ...Read More