Photos by Jane Kortright
Tucked in a quaint corner between Bobby Jones Expressway and Washington Road is a local business focused on body health and building community called From Scratch & Co. Owner Mahealani Hoaeae-Lewis has a heart for small business, well-made products and supporting others.
The Hawaiian native has lived in the Savannah River Region for years, building relationships through teaching hula (a Hawaiian dance form expressing chant or song) since 2010. A desire for clean soaps and other body products that reminded her of home led her to create her own line and eventually teach classes on body health as well.
“We started a year ago with just our products, trying to teach people how to take care of their bodies. If you take care of the inside, the rest will follow,” says Hoaeae-Lewis. “We teach you your body chemistry, what kind of clays, butters, oils (shae, olive, coconut, etc.) are good for you.” Natural ingredients are used with recommendations such as coffee grounds for cellulite and blood flow, chamomile oil for cooking to minimize inflammation, wild yam cream for balancing hormones and more.
As the business expanded, along with her connections to other entrepreneurs and ties to the community, Hoaeae-Lewis decided to carry products from other makers in her shop. “I wanted a store where people were doing things that are from scratch and to help small entrepreneurs who have no place to go,” she says, pointing out that start-ups typically don’t have the funds to invest in their own space.
Currently, From Scratch & Co. carries ChantillyLace Hot Honey (previously featured in Augusta magazine) along with 2 Bugles BBQ Sauce, both of which are veteran-owned and operated. She still teaches her popular hula classes to those of all ages including retirees. And she also teaches at kids camps in the summer, providing an outlet for the young energy, while allowing them to learn dance and sew costumes for the Arts in the Heart and Polynesian festivals.
Visit the store at 3850 Washington Road, Suite 2B, or call (706) 364-0190 for more information!
Seen in the June/July 2024 issue of Augusta magazine
