Introduction
As a Kauai newborn photographer and maternity photographer, most of my energy is devoted to capturing beautiful moments for mothers and families through photoshoots on the beautiful islands of Hawai’i. While my passion and attention will always go first to this, I also feel it’s important to take on other projects that allow me to collaborate with local businesses, expand my photography portfolio, and connect with Hawaiian culture.
This summer of 2024, I reached out to Coco Moon and offered to do a photoshoot. Coco Moon is a baby clothing company that a Hawaiian mother started, creating premium muslin swaddles, bamboo clothing, and more.
Although I have had a taste of commercial work in the past, I wanted to build on this experience. As a Kauai newborn photographer, I wanted to make sure the project I chose would be meaningful to me and my surrounding community as possible. Conceptualizing and shooting this collection of photos were incredibly fun and rewarding, and I am so proud of the end product.
Why I Chose This Project as a Kauai Newborn Photographer
Even before working with them, I adored Coco Moon clothing. I can find their products in quite a few clothing stores in Hawaii and many more on the mainland. I always gravitate towards their pieces for my grandson or use in my studio for clients.
As a mother of four girls, I really appreciate their ‘hand-me-down’ quality, as I know that passed-down clothing items not only save money but also become the most beloved and sentimental pieces in your closet. I am inspired by their eye-catching, island-inspired designs, eco-friendly packaging and their mission and commitment to giving back. Being able to contribute to a company that does so much for others is quite a gift, in my eyes.
All About Coco Moon
The founder herself best describes the aspects of this brand that make it so special:
Their Mission
“Coco Moon began with the simple idea for a Hawaii-inspired baby blanket that everyone in our family
would love and connect with. Since then, it’s evolved into so much more, becoming a vehicle through
which we can connect with and support families in our local communities. We always knew that we wanted to weave a giving-back program into the fabric of our company. In 2017, we were able to bring this desire to life by officially launching our giving program.”
Their Story
“Growing up the daughter of a Maui waterman connected me to our island culture. My fondest memories are of long days on the ocean—diving, surfing, and fishing until the setting sun painted the sky. I came to appreciate that connection even more when I moved to the mainland for college and a career.
And it grew even stronger when I returned home to Hawaii to start my family. Late one night while nursing my son, my mind began to wander as I once again reached for the pareo I often used as a baby blanket. Though it functioned well enough, it had no lasting meaning to me—far from a cherished baby keepsake. I longed for something that connected to the Hawaii I love, where a deep sense of community, beautiful arts and traditions, and devotion to ‘ohana are woven into all we do. In essence, Coco Moon was born that night.”
Their Community Impact
Coco Moon has contributed to over 50 Hawaii non-profit organizations. They launched their ‘Giving
Back Program’ in 2017, and since then have had the privilege of contributing to over 50 Hawaii Non- profit organizations. In the last two years, they’ve focused donating to the Kapiʻolani Medical Center’s
NICU.
“As a company so rooted in the culture and spirit of Hawaii and all things babies, it was only fitting that
we help support some of the most vulnerable babies of Hawaii in any way that we can. And the Kapiʻolani NICU was the perfect way for us to do just that — where we’ve now donated over $50,000
that’s been directly used to support families and keiki during challenging times, and most recently, their
pediatric heart and cancer centers.
As someone who was impacted by so many programs that were aimed at supporting Hawaii families growing up, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude for being able to give back to a community that has given me so much. I can only imagine the impact we can make as we continue our Giving Back Program in the coming years!”
The Photoshoot
This photoshoot took place in my photography studio on the North Shore of Kauai. This is where most of my newborn and maternity photoshoot magic happens too. I adore the final results! I’m so thankful I was able to provide photos for use on Coco Moon’s website, ads, and social media.
It is always special to me to capture the unique bond between mother and child, and the joyful purity of
babies. This one in particular was such a fun shoot, full of vibrant happy colors. All of the models were
local to Kauai, so it was a wonderful opportunity for me to expand my own ohana on this magical island
that I call home.
