Island Treasures: Luana Naturals—South Kona
Karen Kriebl received her Ph.D. from Ohio State University. She was a professor at OSU and Capital University in Columbus, Ohio and taught at the Out of Door Academy in Sarasota, Florida where she was known as “Doctor K.” In addition to handcrafting skincare products and botanicals, she now chases chickens, goats, and geckos on her family’s South Kona farm.
What began in 2008 as a simple blending of island oils and herbs from their garden eventually grew into a small family business. Karen, her husband Tim Bruno, and their children Mia and Oliver, work together to tend their farm, with a commitment to be good stewards of the land. They use no chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers and understand the delicate balance of Mother Nature. They farm using sustainable and “beyond organic” practices. The result is farm fresh, handmade, Hawaiian skincare products.
Karen says, “Everything we create nourishes your skin. Our antioxidant and vitamin-rich collection is made from real ingredients and in small batches. Mother Nature has already created what is perfect for your skin. We simply hand-craft each product with a true sense of what benefits your body. Every order is prepared fresh, just for you.”
More than 80 percent of beauty products available today are made with ingredients known to be harmful. If you are not willing to put something IN your body, you should not put it ON your body. Karen adds, “Our skincare line is free from parabens, mineral oils, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial preservatives. And of course, there is never any testing on animals. Our approach to skin care is to use pure tropical oils, real sea salt, organic sugars, natural plant extracts, and fresh herbs, fruits, and flowers.”
There is beauty and appreciation in everything handmade. When someone makes something by hand, they are infusing themselves into the product—something that can be felt and appreciated.
Another reason handcrafted items are beautiful is the relationship that develops between the producer and consumer. When you choose to purchase something that is artisan made, you become a part of their ‘ohana.
Luana Naturals is excited to have partnered with Four Seasons Resort Hualalai to create a beautiful, authentic, and luxurious bath experience. In September 2013, their products were featured at the 40th Anniversary Telluride Film Festival in Colorado and also at the St. Jude’s Pro Bowl Dinner on January 23, 2014.
Living a life on the side of a mountain in Hawai‘i requires persistence, adaptability, and a bit of good luck. Karen concludes. “We are thankful for the support of our ‘ohana—our friends, our customers, and our suppliers. Your belief in what we do keeps our farm and business growing.”
Luana Naturals
South Kona Green Market, Fridays and Sundays, 9am–2pm
Kona’s Own, Island Naturals, Imiloa Astronomy Center
808.328.8797
Karen@luananaturals.com
LuanaNaturals.com
