Lovia - Empowered, Rooted, Baddie!

Meet Lovia! This introduction is difficult because there are so many things that make up what a rad human being she is, we can't decide what to highlight! Lovia is an entrepreneur, Mama, artist, friend, designer, and an all-around beauty. Get to know this Baddie in this fun and inspiring interview!  Follow Lovia on Instagram to shop her beautiful kollections  @the_ua_koko_kollection

Can you tell us about your childhood and how growing up doing activities in the sun shaped who you are today?

I had the best childhood growing up. As a little girl, I practically lived at the beach barefoot, sun-kissed, and always outside. The ocean became my playground, and the beach is where I found my love for being wild and free. My dad was the best diver and spearfisherman I knew. He taught me how to appreciate the simple life and showed me what the true meaning of aloha is for all things. Naturally, I learned to spearfish alongside my brothers, not just to catch fish, but to trust my instincts and honor where our food comes from. As I got older, whatever my brothers were doing, I was also doing too, diving if they were diving, bodyboarding, surfing... all the things under the sun.

What inspired you to pursue a career in fashion, specifically in designing bathing suits?

I’ve always been obsessed with swimwear because I lived in a bikini. But more than just loving it, I felt like I had something real to offer, something better, and at a price that made sense. Swimwear is tricky… It’s not always practical, and it’s not one-size-fits-all. I would rarely find a suit that fit just right, so I decided to create it myself. I’m about designing pieces that feel good, fit beautifully, and hold space for women to show up exactly as they are. 

Were there any particular experiences or influences in your life that motivated you to become an entrepreneur?

Absolutely. Ua Koko was born from both pain and purpose. After experiencing deep personal loss and going through my healing journey, I knew I couldn’t keep shrinking myself. I had to rebuild, not just for me, but for my daughters, for my future, and for every woman who’s ever felt like she had to choose between motherhood, identity, and her dreams. Becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t about chasing success; it was about reclaiming my story. I wanted to build something that felt real, rooted, and powerful. Ua Koko is that. It’s the expression of everything I’ve lived through, my culture, my confidence, my femininity, my faith. A reminder to all women that you can rise from anything and create something beautiful from heartache beyond measure. 

How did you get started in the swimwear industry? 

I designed my first swimsuit line when I was fifteen. I called it Tini Bikinis, and I had a whole binder full of sketches and ideas. It started as a passion, and over time, it evolved into a full brand. Ua Koko is the grown, soul-led version of that teenage dream, and seeing those early designs come to life today feels like a full-circle moment.

What challenges did you face when launching your bathing suit line, and how did you overcome them?

It started with just me and a dream. There was no team, no investors, just a lot of mama mana and pure drive. I officially registered Ua Koko Kollection during COVID, in December 2020, and after having my fourth baby. The brand name, the designs, and the vision that had been growing in me for years were all there. I finally told myself, if not now, then when? 

Behind the scenes, I was learning everything as I went, whilst breastfeeding, learning to sew more complex styles, shipping orders, raising three kids, and building the brand from scratch. Ua Koko gave me something to hold on to. And in the process, it helped heal parts of me I didn’t even know were broken. The biggest challenge? Believing I was truly enough to make it happen. But I chose to bet on myself, and that changed everything.

Can you describe your design process? What elements do you prioritize when creating a bathing suit?

Everything starts with a vibe. I think about how I want a woman to feel confident, free, and magnetic. I pull color inspiration from our sunset skies, our bold island colors, even old photos, and mood boards I’ve been building for years. Then it’s all about the fit. I prioritize comfort, adjustability, and designs that highlight all the right places. Most importantly, it’s about bringing versatility and practicality together, so you feel just as good lounging at the beach as you do diving into your next adventure.

What does the sun and water mean to you personally?

They’re my medicine. The sun energizes me, the ocean heals me. I try to remember this when I need a hard reset. Find alignment in the water under a bright sky. Both have held my healing journey in ways words never could.

How do your life experiences influence the designs you create?

My life has been a journey of transformation. I’ve had to grow, evolve, and rewrite who I thought I was more times than I can count. So I design for the woman who’s doing the same, whether she’s stepping into motherhood, navigating around-the-clock breastfeeding, finding balance, or finally feeling a bit freer. My main goal is simple: for women to feel confident and empowered. These suits aren’t just swimwear, they’re a celebration of divine feminine baddie energy. 

As a businesswoman, how do you support and empower other women through your brand?

Ua Koko is built for women who want to feel good in their skin and stand fully in their power. Focused on uplifting through confidence-building content, my brand ambassador program, real-girl representation, and heart-first collaborations. Whether you’re a mama, a baddie, or both, you’re welcome here. I want every woman who comes across Ua Koko to feel seen, hyped, and at home in her body. This brand is a celebration of real women, in all forms, all stories, and all stages of becoming. 

What advice would you give to other women looking to start their own businesses?

Start where you are, with what you’ve got. Don’t wait for perfect timing, money, or permission because those things might never come. Trust your story, your voice, and your dream. Be ready to hustle hard, learn fast, and wear all the hats. But most importantly, stay rooted in why you started. Your purpose will carry you through the tough days. Remember: when you choose yourself, you show others they can do the same. 

Where do you see your brand in the next five years?                                                                                                                                                  I see Ua Koko evolving into a full lifestyle brand, expanding into retreats, and digital empowerment tools. I see global reach, but even deeper roots. Ua Koko will be known not just for the bikinis, but for the movement. For the way Ua Koko makes women feel. Empowered. Confident. Connected. Unapologetically themselves.

Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?

Yes! Plans for a Healing from Trauma Retreat, created for women ready to reset, glow, and grow. Helping women rise, feel radiant, and live their truth. I’m also pouring love into our BADDIEs in BLOOM series, which features real women, moms, entrepreneurs, and everyday queens who embody what it means to rise through it all. It is about turning pain into power and showing up for yourself in style.

How do you engage with your community, both locally and online?                                                                                                                            I am deeply rooted in our community, hosting pop-ups, partnering with local creators, and showing love to the online baddies daily. DMs are filled with real talk and real women. I keep it honest, hype each other up, and build relationships that go beyond the sale.

What message do you hope resonates with your customers when they wear your bathing suits?
                                         

That they’re the main character. That they’re allowed to be powerful, sensual, soft, bold—all of it. That their body is worthy of the sun, the mirror, and the moment they’re in right now. Ua Koko isn’t just about what you wear—it’s how you feel in it.

What’s your favorite sunny destination, and why?

I’m a Big Island girl for life. From Kona to Hilo, this land holds something sacred and untamed. But Keʻei will always be my home grounds. It’s where I learned to swim, speared my first yellow eye kole, and made lifelong memories with my brothers and cousins. It’s also where my mom and dad met, so the roots run deep. Whenever I need to reset, dream big, and soak up that baddie mana, this is where I go.

If you had to describe your brand using three words, what would they be?

Empowered. Rooted. Baddie. 

What’s your favorite Beachy Lips Color(s)?                                                                                                                                                                  I can’t choose just one—but I’m obsessed with LADYBIRD, FIREPINK & PUNCHY! Each one gives a different vibe, and I love switching it up depending on the mood. Bold BADDIE one day, sweet sun-kissed the next!