🌺 Mama of the Month: Mehana Pilago
Tattoo Artist • Mama • Entrepreneur
This month, we're honored to feature Mehana Pilago—a fine-line tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and mama based in Kailua-Kona, and the creative force behind our Aloha Before Time print.
Mehana's artistry runs deep. As an 8th-generation tattoo artist, she grew up surrounded by creative expression and cultural tradition. But it wasn't until 2021—after being laid off during the pandemic—that she took a leap of faith into the tattoo industry and began building her own business.
Today, Mehana owns and operates a thriving creative collective, balancing a growing team of 20+ artists and entrepreneurs while raising her son and making time for the healing energy of the ocean. Her story is a powerful reflection of what it means to honor legacy, trust your path, and create space for others to rise with you.
🌿 “Aloha, I'm Mehana…”
“I'm a mama, creative, and entrepreneur inspired by all things Hawai‘i.”
Born and raised on Hawai‘i Island, Mehana's days are rooted in family, culture, and creativity. When she's not working in her studio, you'll find her surfing, hiking, or exploring the ‘āina with her son. It's this deep connection to place and family that infuses everything she creates—from tattoos to textiles to studio culture.
💼 Building Something Bigger
After being laid off during COVID, Mehana stepped into the tattoo industry full time. In just a few years, she's grown her vision from four artists to over twenty. Today, she owns her own commercial space and leads a thriving collective of small business owners, artists, and creators in Kailua-Kona.
“My goal for our studio is to be a safe, inviting, and inclusive space. I'm so proud of the amazing people who make up our collective.”
🌊 Finding Balance
“Balancing a large collective, family, and my own businesses is a lot…”
As many parents and creatives know, it's not easy to juggle passion, work, and family. For Mehana, the key to balance is reconnecting with nature. Whether it's through a surf session or a quiet moment in the ocean, she finds clarity in stillness—and strength in community.
“There’s so much support here. So much potential for mamas and creatives to go for whatever wild ideas they have.”
💛 Words of Wisdom
“It's hard—but you can do it.”
Mehana's advice for mamas and creatives chasing big dreams in Hawai‘i is grounded and empowering:
- Take it one step at a time.
- Find your own rhythm.
- Surround yourself with people who uplift you.
“You can accomplish all your goals—even with a little by your side.”
✨ What's Next?
Fresh off the grand opening of her new studio, Mehana is still glowing with gratitude. The space is alive with creativity, community, and collaboration—and walking into it never feels like work.
We're so grateful to share Mehana's story with our Coco Moon ‘ohana. Her journey reminds us that the most beautiful things are built with purpose, connection, and aloha.
Follow Mehana's journey here!💛