Maui United in Aloha: A Holiday Season of Care, Community, and Generosity

As the holiday season fills our island with light, What Makes You Feel Beautiful sends warm wishes to every family, volunteer, partner, and supporter across our Maui community. This time of year reminds us how deeply connection matters — how much brighter life becomes when we uplift one another.

Welcoming Our Youth Volunteer, Arsha

This season, we are excited to introduce Arsha, our Youth Writer and the very first Youth Representative within What Makes You Feel Beautiful. A high-school senior with a creative spirit and a heart for service, Arsha supports the MAUI GEMS program through writing, storytelling, and soon youth-centered social media contributions.

Her journey reflects the values we hold close — courage, self-love, discovery, and the power of young women finding their voice. We are honored to uplift her and share her story with our community.

Hi, I’m Arsha, a high school senior from Seattle, and I’m the Youth Writer for What Makes You Feel Beautiful. I also help run some of the social media, and fun fact, I’m the first Youth Representative in the organization. I’m specifically part of the MAUI GEMS program, which lets me support and empower young women while learning about self-love and confidence.

Growing up as the first-generation American in my family, self-love and mental health weren’t topics we discussed. I struggled with self-image and confidence, and it took time to realize that self-love isn’t automatic. It is something you practice and grow into.

I’ve always loved creating, designing eco-friendly products, making anything crafty or artsy, and painting, which is my favorite. Painting keeps my mind at peace and helps me slow down when life feels overwhelming.

I’ve also always loved writing as my own way to process things. I used to write letters and keep diaries just for myself because I never really had spaces to share my thoughts. Writing for this organization feels meaningful. I’ve never come across an organization whose sole purpose is to help women and teach about self-love and self-care, which is often overlooked.

One moment that stayed with me was when my little cousin read my first blog and said she had never thought about how self-love isn’t selfish. Hearing that made everything feel worth it.

Being the first Youth Representative is exciting because I get to bring youth voices into conversations about empowerment, self-worth, and community. I want girls to know that self-love can be a journey of ups and downs, but it is always worth it in the end.

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Mahalo to Our Holiday Partners & Supporters

Our upcoming ʻOhana Care: Mele Kalikimaka Celebration is made possible through the generosity of community partners who believe in Maui families.

Aha! We are deeply grateful to Aha! for providing 12 volunteers on event day, making a monetary donation, and gifting four MacBooks to support our youth programming.

Ma’i Movement Hawaiʻi Mahalo for your donation of essential feminine hygiene care to support the dignity and well-being of women and girls across our programs.

Project Glimmer Thank you for your thoughtful gifts of self-care products that will bring joy and comfort to the women and teens we serve.

4imprint We are grateful for your support through the One-by-One grant, helping us provide quality items for our ʻOhana Care families with dignity and care.

Good360 Thank you for your continued partnership and generous product donations that help us meet real needs in our community.

Every contribution — whether time, products, or financial support — creates a meaningful impact for Maui families during this season of giving.

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Holiday Auction Announcement

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Online Auction, featuring five limited-edition Amaiahlani Silks scarves — wearable art created with intention, beauty, and aloha. Each piece supports our programs for girls, women, and families across Maui.

Auction details click here. Proceeds will help What Makes You Feel Beautiful continue offering free programs, self-care support, and opportunities for youth development.

If your heart feels called to give, you may make a direct donation here.

If you’d like to browse our Holiday Auction, you can do so here.

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🌟 Join Us in This Season of Giving

More than 75 Maui families have already RSVP’d for our ʻOhana Care: Mele Kalikimaka

Celebration — a day filled with care, connection, and holiday joy.

Your support helps us continue uplift Maui girls, women, and ʻohana.

• Make a donation to support our programs

Donate Here

• Visit our Holiday Auction to bid on limited-edition items

Auction Page

Together, we can bring light, dignity, and care to our community this season.

With Gratitude

From our ʻohana to yours, mahalo for helping us uplift Maui with compassion, dignity, and love. May this season bring peace, connection, and warmth into your homes and hearts.