Kaili Scheer
Maui-born Kaili Scheer spent her entire life exploring the islands before jetting off to San Francisco for design and visual merchandising. It’s fitting, then, that after graduation she set out to combine her love for design and an active lifestyle to create fashionable workoutwear Olympia Activewear. Since its launch in 2014, the Maui-based brand has been consistently featured in top magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Women’s Health. Below, we talk to this #girlboss about how Hawaii inspires her business, and where she goes when she’s not building her brand.
I grew up this way, adventuring to waterfalls or tide pools seemed just as common as school days and homework. It made for a very active lifestyle and a huge appreciation for nature.
Q: How does Hawaii inspire Olympia Activewear?
A: The lifestyle here is pretty ideal. People work hard but there seems to be equal emphasis on getting outside, exploring these great islands. I grew up this way, adventuring to waterfalls or tide pools seemed just as common as school days and homework. It made for a very active lifestyle and a huge appreciation for nature.
Q: Where can we find Olympia Activewear in Hawaii?
A: On Maui at Imrie Boutique in Paia, Driftwood in Makawao and HaleZen in Lahaina; on Oahu at Guava Shop, Rebecca Beach and Diamond Head Beach House; and on Kauai at The Barn and Shipwrecked.
Q: Growing up in Hawaii has taught you...
A: Appreciate the simple things in life.
Q: What are some of your personal favorite activities to do on the island?
A: I love freshwater pools; day trips to Hana; any beach with family and friends and pups, of course; hiking Waihe'e Ridge Trail; Haleakala (even though I've only hiked it once); Kings Trail in La Perouse—the list could go on!
Q: Where do you live and what do you love most about your neighborhood?
A: My husband and I recently moved from Haiku to Kula, which are two very different climates. Kula is cool and has very little wind and looks over the whole Valley Isle. It feels like a little paradise.
Q: Your favorite breakfast spot is...
A: Honestly, home! The hubby is a chef (at Mill House Maui) and loves to cook when he's home. If I'm on the go—a croissant and a tea at La Provence in Kula is great.
Q: Your go-to lunch spot is...
A: My go-to lunch spot is usually more of a to-go style lunch, ie: the salad bar at Mana Foods, Down to Earth or Whole Foods. But if I have time for a longer lunch during the week my favorite would be Nuka in Haiku for a delicious bowl of noodles or a hand roll.
Q: What are some local brands/Who are some local talents we should know about?
A: I feel like there are so many amazing creatives on Maui. My girlfriend Jen recently launched a lovely line of aromatics, Aloha Grown Beauty. She grows her own herbs and flowers and processes them herself. I love her rose geranium face mist.
Q: Favorite beach and/or hike:
A: Baldwin beach for long walks—whether the sun is shining or the wind is blasting, it’s the best. My favorite hike is Waihe'e Ridge Trail.
Q: Where do you go to "get away" (in Hawaii):
A: I think Kauai is the most stunning island and it has a nice mellow feel. Oahu is fun for a foodie getaway. Hana, on Maui, is great for a quickie get away.