From Oahu to Miami, and the Ocean of Love in between.
Interview with Mahina Nohealani Florence – 10-minute read.
Mahina shines as Eimeo’s first Hawaiian Brand Ambassador and muse, a powerful representation of strength, authenticity, and commitment. Raised on the North Shore of Oahu, she embodies the values of resilience and community, which shape her as a model and a married woman. Her partnership with renowned surfer Nathan Florence adds depth to her story, as they navigate their careers while supporting each other’s dreams. Mahina passionately advocates for women’s empowerment and cultural representation, illustrating how one can harmoniously balance personal aspirations with the joys of marriage.
Join us as we delve into Mahina Florence’s inspiring journey, her impactful role at Eimeo, and her celebration of womanhood in both fashion and love.
From Childhood to Modeling World:
Mahina Florence reflects on her fulfilling upbringing on the North Shore of Oahu, where her days began with dawn patrols at the beach. Together with friends, they rode bikes to catch waves before school, fostering strong friendships and a love for the ocean. As she entered high school, Mahina excelled in sports like soccer and water polo, but her life changed dramatically at 15 when she was scouted by a local modeling agency. This opportunity led her to Los Angeles, where she switched to online homeschooling halfway through her 10th-grade year. The transition from Hawaii to the fast-paced modeling scene in LA brought both challenges and valuable life lessons, highlighting the essence of adaptability and growth in pursuing her dreams.
“You go from all you know is Hawai’i into now all you know is this brand new foreign culture and industry and it’s just a lot to take in when you’re a kid or a teenager and you’re alone, so there was a lot of growing that I had to do.”
Overcoming Challenges in the Modeling Industry:
Mahina Florence’s modeling journey began in Miami, where she realized that industry’s prevailing beauty standards were favoring blonde, blue-eyed women. After facing challenges and a period of limited work, she returned home to work at Lele’s Bar and Grill for two years. Her career revived when the fitness industry emerged, leading to bookings with brands like Lululemon, Athleta, and Nike. Over time, Mahina diversified her portfolio to include fashion, collaborating with prestigious clients such as Louis Vuitton and Vogue. Despite the setbacks caused by the pandemic, her determination and strong Hawaiian values have fueled her success in an industry that is gradually becoming more inclusive. Today, after 15 years in modeling, Mahina continues to thrive and represent the diversity she embodies.
“I feel like I’m a very normal person and I like to go through my life with what’s in your heart, who you are, what your soul is versus what you look like and I think that’s been a huge contributor to me being able to stick in this industry for so long and I’ve been able to help a lot of model friends get through some hard times as well.”
From Childhood Friends to Lifelong Partners:
Nathan and Mahina Florence’s love story began in elementary school when Mahina confessed to a crush on Nathan. Their relationship evolved from childhood friends to a romantic partnership when they started dating at 18, briefly broke up at 22, and then married in 2020. With over a decade together, they support each other’s personal and professional growth, balancing their love with respect and shared adventures. Whether traveling, enjoying outdoor activities, or relaxing at home, their bond as best friends defines their enduring and unique partnership.
“Marriage teaches you to be patient, to be slow to anger, mild and temper, and kind and love, it really teaches you to slow down, to think before you speak, and to analyze both sides of a situation, and I think that is so beautiful, and marriage has shaped me in the way that I communicate with my friends, and I communicate with people around the world; it has really influenced me as a person, like Nathan is my better half as well, he challenges me, he pushes me to think outside the box, and really brings qualities out of me that I don’t think would be brought out if I wasn’t married to him, and that’s why I love him so much, and vice versa…”
Proudly Representing Eimeo as Its First Hawaiian Ambassador:
Mahina shares her deep honor in being appointed Eimeo’s first Hawaiian ambassador and muse, recognizing the empowering women behind the brand. Her friendship with Hinatea Boosie (Eimeo’s first muse) laid the foundation for their collaboration, which blossomed during the last memorable Resort campaign shoot that resonated with her identity. Being chosen as the first Hawaiian ambassador made Mahina feel valued and cherished, fueling her pride in representing a brand committed to authentic Polynesian fashion. As she celebrates Eimeo’s mission, Mahina is excited to contribute to a movement that embraces cultural representation in fashion and uplifts women’s voices.
“They’re really truly authentic and they’re living and breathing what they are creating and producing and that is so special and very rare nowadays.”
Quick Beauty and Wellness Hacks
Mahina shares her top beauty and wellness hacks for a radiant look and overall health. She emphasizes the importance of using a sauna and cold plunge for their healing benefits and believes in the power of movement, whether it’s a brisk walk or an intense workout. Mahina swears by castor oil for hydration, applying it to her skin and belly button during sauna sessions for detoxification. She regularly uses rosemary oil on her scalp to promote healthy hair and delay graying. Her skincare routine includes daily gua sha and monthly facials, always topped off with consistent sunscreen application. Finally, she stresses the significance of hydration, encouraging everyone to drink more water to enhance their beauty and well-being. Through these simple yet effective practices, she demonstrates how to achieve a vibrant and healthy lifestyle.
As Eimeo’s first Hawaiian ambassador, Mahina Nohealani Florence celebrates her Polynesian roots and truly believes that your uniqueness is your magic. She’s inspiring women everywhere to embrace their unique identities. Mahina’s commitment to diversity in fashion encourages others to support and uplift one another. Her journey shows that true empowerment comes from honoring our backgrounds and using love and creativity to build a more inclusive world. Mahina also reminds us all that fashion can be a powerful tool for connection and self-expression.