Origin Story (the short version)

In 2016, the idea for a culturally rooted app that correlated personal states and moon phases took root in the mind of Naiʻa Lewis. Fast forward to 2021, after multiple proposals and searching for sponsors and a developer, the ingredients to bring the app to life were secured.

Despite having known each other since the early 2000s, it took serendipity and a series of events over several years to have Naiʻa and Pelika realize they were simultaneously working on unique but complementary moon-based performance ideas. Once on the same page, they quickly produced the first edition of a journal called Kuʻu Moʻo ʻOlelo O Na Po Mahina (my succession of moon stories). As their collaboration expanded, cross-pollination happened, and the journal acted as a paper prototype for the app.

Ultimately, their shared focus helped amplify their ideas about how to collect and visualize moon-based data. As well they consistently worked to ensure a core benefit of their tools and products would be helping people enhance their health and wellness and deepen self-acceptance.

Then, as timing would have it, Naiʻa secured support for developing a prototype of the app while the journal's second edition went to press in 2021.

Bios

Naiʻa Lewis
As the owner of Salted Logic, Naiʻa leads an indigenous-led, women-owned media collective. The company’s approach decolonizes communication, media, art, and design to reimagine the genealogical ties to storytelling and innovation. More than a brand, Salted Logic is an evolving philosophy. The central goal is to provide clients and communities with unique products, creative solutions, and transformative experiences.

Pelika Andrade
As Executive Director of Na Maka Onaona (non-profit 501c3), and an extension agent for UH Sea Grant, Pelika’s daily experiences are immersed in community engagement and advocacy, seasonal tracking and observation, and ʻāina momona visioning. The core of her work is designing and leading community and university-level educational programs utilizing multiple knowledge systems to increase Hawaiʻi's productivity and resiliency. As the original partner who co-created the paper moon journal Kuʻu Mo’o ‘Olelo O Na Po Mahina and helped envision Hui Mahina - a network of people committed to living and loving with the moon as a guide - she brings perspectives rooted in real-world observation into everything she does.