The Journey of Friendship and Entrepreneurship: A Unique Skincare Venture
In the vibrant atmosphere of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, two ambitious students, Amber Abara and Morgan “Birdy” Cobb, formed a friendship that would eventually blossom into a thriving business. Their journey began during their time in the Direct Admit Program at the Shidler College of Business and took an unexpected yet inspiring turn that highlights the power of creativity, local resources, and community ethics.
Amber Abara and Morgan “Birdy” Cobb following their graduation from UH.
Inspiration from a Dream
The idea for their skincare line, Sudstone, originated from a dream Abara had while pursuing her master’s degree in marketing management. She envisioned a bar of soap shaped like a gua sha, a tool used in skincare routines. When she shared her idea with Cobb, instead of laughter, she received an enthusiastic “Let’s do it!” This moment ignited the entrepreneurial spark that drove them to create a skincare company rooted in sustainable practices.
A Farm-to-Face Philosophy
Abara and Cobb are committed to sourcing a majority of their ingredients from local farmers in Hawaiʻi. They believe in a farm-to-face philosophy, which embodies both community trust and environmental sustainability. Their guiding mantra, “confidence from within,” reflects their intention to promote self-acceptance from the moment you wake up each day.
Both women faced personal challenges with acne in their pasts, causing them to seek simple, clean ingredients. They opted for familiar components like coconut oil, shea butter, turmeric, coffee, and honey—steering clear of overly complicated advice from influencers and online trends. “The media details every trick, product, and solution for your skin,” Cobb noted. “I needed a product that made my life a little simpler, with ingredients I understood.”
Growing Roots in Local Culture
Both founders share a deep appreciation for local culture and sustainability. Abara grew up in Kāneʻohe, surrounded by lush landscapes that emphasized eating local, while Cobb, who moved from Colorado to Oʻahu at 17, quickly embraced the island’s ethos of community and environmental care. Such values form a cornerstone of their brand.
Scaling the Business Dream
Encouraged by a professor, Abara and Cobb took part in a Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE) competition, which challenged them to hone their branding and market strategy. Although they didn’t win, the experience reinforced their belief in their venture’s potential. Eventually, they applied for and secured a Kalo grant through PACE, providing the financial resources needed to launch their skincare line.
“I realized that my dream of a gua sha-shaped soap bar could actually become a real business when we won the Kalo grant,” Abara remarked.
Creating Impact through Entrepreneurship
With newfound motivation and support from the Shidler College of Business, the duo was able to turn their vision into reality, crafting a product that not only met their needs but also aligned with their values.
Conclusion
The story of Amber Abara and Morgan “Birdy” Cobb illustrates how friendship, determination, and a passion for local resources can pave the way for entrepreneurial success. Their skincare brand, Sudstone, not only caters to individual needs but also promotes community and environmental responsibility. Through their venture, they encourage a simpler, more personal approach to skincare, reminding us that sometimes, the best solutions come from our own experiences.
For those looking to embark on a fitness journey, whether through skin health or personal wellness, let the ethos of Sudstone inspire you to seek out simplicity and sustainability in your choices. Explore your own local resources, and remember—confidence starts from within!
