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Isabella Hughes

Building something amazing with the best team

Isabella "Bella" Hughes is an accomplished entrepreneur best known as the co-founder and former President of Shaka Tea, a company that specializes in sustainably sourced herbal teas brewed with Hawaii-grown māmaki. She co-founded Shaka Tea in 2016 with her husband, Harrison Rice, and they quickly achieved significant success, including nationwide distribution at major retailers like Walmart and Whole Foods.12

Hughes has been recognized for her contributions to business and entrepreneurship. In 2018, she was named one of Hawaii's "40 Under 40" by Pacific Business News, highlighting her as one of the brightest young business leaders in the state. She has also been involved in various initiatives to support women entrepreneurs, including co-founding Hawai’i FoundHer, an accelerator program aimed at supporting Native Hawaiian and AAPI women entrepreneurs.34

In September 2022, Hughes and Rice announced their departure from Shaka Tea following its acquisition by Irresistible Foods Group. They have since launched an investment fund called Roya Capital, focusing on financing women-founded consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands.23

Hughes holds a BA in Art History from Boston University and an MA in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University. She is based in Austin, Texas, but was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii.34

Highlights

Oct 17 · linkedin

I can’t believe it’s almost time for Hawaiʻi FoundHer by Purple Maiʻa Foundation to start reviewing applications for COHORT III, cheehoo! The applications for Hawaiʻi FoundHer Cohort III are open until October 31st 🤙🏾

The Hawaiʻi FoundHer (@hifoundher) program empowers women-led businesses rooted in culture and community for growth. This accelerator program is tailored specifically to the needs of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and/or Asian women and mothers starting businesses in five core markets of Hawaiʻi’s economy: Tech, Fashion, Health & Wellness, Food System/Restaurants, and Keiki/Education.⁠

Who is this for? 🌺 Hawaii-based early stage for-profit businesses with a proof of concept

What will they receive? 💰 $20,000 grant 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 $4,000 care stipend 📚 Weekly educational workshops 🌍 National network of mentors and advisors

#hawaiifoundher #aapi #nativehawaiian #hawaiibusiness #womenfounders #abundanceeconomy

If you or someone you know may be a good fit, check out Foundher.org to apply today!

Alec Wagner Kelsey M. T. Amos Donavan Kealoha Darien Siguenza Angel Permito-Kaheaku Gloria Lau Ryan Ozawa Christina O'Connor Mea Aloha Spady

Related Questions

What inspired Bella Hughes to start Shaka Tea?
How did Bella Hughes and Harrison Rice meet?
What are some challenges Bella Hughes faced while growing Shaka Tea?
How does Bella Hughes balance her role at Shaka Tea with her personal life?
What is the significance of māmaki tea in Shaka Tea's product lineup?
Isabella Hughes
Isabella Hughes, photo 1
Isabella Hughes, photo 2
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Location

Hawaii, United States