Meet Shauna, our sales rep in the Hawaiian Islands and the kind of woman who somehow does it all with a smile (and great hair). A mom, author, podcast host, holistic grief coach, and nutritional therapy practitioner, Shauna has built a life around nourishing people, body, mind, and soul. You'll find her chasing hard workouts, hunting down the best organic food and coffee, and bringing her whole heart to everything she touches. Her warmth, her goofball energy, and her deep faith are at the center of it all. She lives and leads from a place of love and grace, rooted in her relationship with Jesus, and it shows in every single thing she does. We're so lucky to call her our Maui Mama Dukes.
Your work as a grief coach and nutritionist speaks to a deep commitment to helping people through some of life's hardest moments. How has that shaped the way you show up for the people around you, whether clients, customers, or colleagues?
Your work as a grief coach and nutritionist speaks to a deep commitment to helping people through some of life's hardest moments. How has that shaped the way you show up for the people around you — whether clients, customers, or colleagues?
Before I lost my son, I moved through life a little faster. I think most of us do. You assume there will be more time, more conversations, more ordinary moments.
Then I walked through the most traumatic experience of my life and everything changed.
It slowed me down in a way I didn’t choose, but now deeply value. It made me see people differently. I don’t just hear what someone is saying anymore, I feel what they might be carrying underneath it. Grief gave me a depth of compassion and awareness for other humans that I’m not sure I would have ever reached otherwise.
It also changed the way I show up in my work. Whether I’m supporting a client, connecting with a customer, or partnering with accounts, I don’t take those relationships lightly. I understand how meaningful it is to feel seen, respected, and cared for.
I truly consider it an honor to walk alongside the people I work with to build real relationships, to show up with integrity, and to bring a level of presence that goes beyond just “business.”
Because at the end of the day, we’re all human first. And how we make people feel matters more than anything.
What is your role with MAI and how did you first become part of the family?
Shortly after my son Trucker passed, I opened a small store on the North Shore of Maui. Looking back, it probably sounds a little wild but I needed somewhere to put my energy. I was navigating the deepest pain I had ever experienced, and if I’m being honest, I was a bit of an emotional zombie just trying to get through each day.
We had the shop open for about a year and a half, and when we closed that chapter, I did so with zero regrets. It taught me a lot, mainly that I never want to own a store again (lol).
But the most beautiful thing to come from that season was finding MAI.
Through a chance connection, we discovered them online and reached out to see if they’d be interested in being in a store in Hawaii which was actually their dream at the time. We brought them in, and I got to firsthand witness them grow into what they are today.
From the beginning, their pieces stood out, the buttery soft fabrics, the incredible prints, and pricing that made it all accessible. It felt like something really special, and I’m so grateful I got to be part of that early chapter.
You've played a huge role in the growth and success of MAI. What does your approach to connecting with customers look like, and what do you think makes the difference?
For me, connection has never been about selling, it’s about people.
After everything I’ve been through, I don’t take interactions lightly. I know that everyone is carrying something, whether we can see it or not. So when I connect with customers or accounts, I lead with that awareness.
I want people to feel seen, not sold to.
I want them to feel comfortable, not pressured.
I share what I genuinely love, what I actually wear, and what I believe in and I let that speak for itself.
I think what makes the difference is authenticity. People can feel when something is real. And for me, this has never just been about just selling clothing. It's about relationships, trust, and creating an experience where people feel good, inside and out.
What are your favorite pieces of MAI that are your go-to picks and why?
Okay, this is my favorite question.
For swim, my all-time go-to’s are:
The Baja bodysuit (triple lined = extra support, we love that),
The Everyday for its super flattering cut,
And the Knot Top + Bonita Bottom combo, which gives a little more booty coverage while still feeling cute.
For clothing… I’ve basically been living in MAI.
The Romi dress (coming soon 👀) is going to be a favorite—so effortless.
The Aria maxi is a staple.
And right now, I’m obsessed with the Riley dress.
Everything is made from 100% bamboo, so it literally feels like you’re wearing pajamas… but you look put together.
Honestly? That’s the dream.
What does a perfect day on your home island of Maui with your husband, kids, and puppers look like?
A perfect day starts slow.
A really good cup of organic coffee with my hot husband (had to say it), puppy snuggles, and a little quiet reading to ease into the morning.
From there, sunshine and movement, whether that’s lifting weights in our garage, walking through the forest, or heading to the beach.
Lately, I’ve realized that one of my favorite parts of the day is cooking. A perfect day absolutely includes making a nutrient-dense, home-cooked meal and sitting down with my family, having real, thoughtful conversations with my young adult kids.
There’s something so grounding about feeding the people you love, not just their bodies, but their minds and souls too.
What’s next in the life of Maui Mama Dukes? :)
Right now, my heart is deeply in the work I’m doing with grief.
Through Holistic Grief Academy, I’m walking alongside mothers who have lost children and helping them find their way back to life, gently, and at their own pace.
I’m also expanding into retreats, creating in-person spaces where women can come together, be held in their grief, and begin to heal in community. That feels really aligned for this next season.
And honestly… continuing to live a life that feels intentional, connected, and meaningful, with my family at the center of it all.
Where should we go if we want to connect with you?
The best place to connect with me is on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes
That’s where I share the real, everyday moments. Grief, healing, motherhood, and everything in between.
And if you’re someone navigating loss and looking for support, you can learn more about my work through Holistic Grief Academy and access a ton of my resources by heading over to my blog.
https://shaunadukes.com/
