Meet Tehani Sun Tobosa of Tehani’s 2 Scents in Riverside

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tehani Sun Tobosa.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am 11 years old. I was born in San Francisco and moved to O’ahu when I was 1. I was raised on the Windward side of O’ahu where I attended a Hawaiian Immersion School (Punana Leo). I learned how to speak the Hawaiian language and all about my Hawaiian culture. We now live in Southern California. I have the best parents ever (Mom is from the IE/OC and my dad is from the Bay Area/Hawaii) and the coolest little sister named Ranitea who was actually born on Hawai’i. So we were both literally raised on the beaches of Hawai’i and California where we learned to respect the ocean and all of its creatures and living things by surfing, diving, swimming and observing. We were in and out of the water and sun all day EVERYDAY! For fear of sun damage, I learned how to take care of my hair and my skin by using Hawaii’s natural ingredients from my mom and aunties. I created these scrubs during the quarantine to help people enhance their inner AND outter ALOHA. Aloha that is within ALL of us.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Actually, it’s been a pretty smooth road. Creating the products and finding which ingredients and scents I wanted to use was fun! I did a lot of research. The part that was a little stressful was having to get all of the licenses and permits. Ha! My parents took care of that end of the business.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Tehani’s 2 Scents – what should we know?
I make all natural body scrubs, scented bath salts and handmade soaps. All with Hawaiian Island scents and/or ingredients (Hawaiian sea salt, Hawaiian cane sugar, kukui nut oil, coconut oil, Hawaiian spirulina for coloring, essential oils). I think that’s what sets my scrubs apart is that although I’m in Southern California now, my scrubs are made BY a Hawaiian, made WITH Hawaiian ingredients, WITH Aloha. I am very proud to be able to use some of the same ingredients my ancestors used hundreds of years ago.

MY ALL NATURAL SCENTS… Hala Kahiki (Pineapple), Niu (Coconut), Nanako (Mango), Pikake (Hawaiian Jasmine), Awapuhi Berry (Wild Ginger), Mai’a (Banana), Ahe Kai (Sea Breeze)

INGREDIENTS: Coconut oil, Kukui Nut Oil, Hawaiian Sea Salt, Pure Cane Sugar, Hawaiian Spirulina, Tropical Essential Oils

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mom and dad are AWESOME! They have supported and helped every step of the way. They let me do all that I could and want to do and offer help and guidance with the things that I can’t. For example, they handled the business licenses and permits and ordered the materials and supplies that I need. My grandma, aunties and other friends and ohana (family) have shown so much ALOHA as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tehanis2scents.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: tehanis2scents_shop

Image Credit:
PC: Jason M Tobosa

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.