OUR ROOTS
The Sisters Behind the Brand
SoHa Living was founded in 2002 by sisters Brooke Watson and Shyrah Maurer, born and raised in Hawai‘i and forever inspired by the islands’ natural beauty, relaxed spirit, and vibrant cultural heritage.
Our love for design runs deep, rooted in the legacy of our grandfather, Leo Israel, affectionately known as the King of Hawaiian Fabrics. Arriving in Hawai‘i in the early 1930s, he was a pioneer in Hawai‘i’s fashion scene, playing a key role in the birth of the original Aloha Shirt, as shared in The Aloha Shirt by Dale Hope. He worked with artists from around the world to create exclusive prints, traveling island to island by cattle boat with samples in hand, bringing beauty and creativity wherever he went.
Though he passed when we were young, his memory lived on through stories from our Tūtū of beachside luʻaus at their Kāhala home, of elegance, design, and aloha. His spirit continues to inspire SoHa and everything we create.
What Does SoHa Means?
SoHa, originally short for “South of Hawai‘i” was born from our desire to honor our roots while bringing a fresh perspective to island living. We began by designing furniture and home décor made in regions located south of Hawai‘i, drawing inspiration from the tropical textures, natural materials, and craftsmanship found throughout these areas.
Over time, SoHa grew into a lifestyle brand that celebrates the beauty and culture of Hawai‘i, deeply rooted in the island’s ocean-inspired spirit and laid-back elegance. Throughout the years, the name has come to mean even more.
To our customers, SoHa stands for “So Hawai‘i”, a reflection of everything we love about the islands. And perhaps our favorite evolution of all: “So Happy”, a nickname our customers lovingly gave us, describing the feeling they get when they visit our stores or bring SoHa into their homes.
Growing up in Hawai‘i, we know how lucky we are to be surrounded by the warmth of aloha, sun-kissed days, ocean breezes, and a deep sense of community. We are endlessly grateful to live and create in this special place. We honor and respect the Hawaiian culture that inspires us, and we’re proud to be born and raised here. Our mission is to continue to grow, to uplift our team providing them new opportunities, and to make our customers feel So Happy every single day.
Today, SoHa Living continues to carry forward our family’s creative spirit, offering collections that reflect where we come from and what we love most: relaxed luxury, thoughtful design, and the timeless spirit of aloha.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our story. It means the world to us. SoHa Living has always been a labor of love, rooted in our family's legacy and inspired by the beauty of Hawai‘i that surrounds us every day.
We feel incredibly lucky to share a piece of our history, our passion, and our island lifestyle with you. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or just discovered SoHa, we’re so grateful you're here. We hope our designs bring joy, comfort, and a little island magic into your life.
With Aloha,
Co-Founders & Sisters
