MIKOH MUSE: Charlene

May 10, 2020

 CHARLENE Series: Chapter 1 2020 MIKOH
      MUSE Muses come in many forms—artists, models, philanthropists, musicians, and those that have that sparkling spirit that ignites the creation of great things. Muses aren’t just about looks, what they wear, what they have, where they’ve been, or what they’ve accomplished. Muses are inspiring for their hearts, their zest for life, their passions, and what they represent as people.

Words by Oleema Miller

When the idea first came to life to launch a new series, titled MIKOH Muse, naturally the first person that came to mind was our momma, Charlene.

She has raised myself and my siblings with strength, brilliance, and courage—all the while being graceful, feminine, and nurturing. She taught Kalani and I everything we know about speaking your mind, standing up for yourself and having a voice, but also being compassionate, kind, and at times, to think with our hearts and not our head.

She is our greatest support system, our number one fan, and the one that has taught us to always be perseverant and to never, ever give up.

She has been married to our Dad, Jim, for 37 years and has been a true role model for what it means to be a wife and partner. She strikes the perfect balance of being the matriarch of our family but all the while standing right alongside our dad, never in front of him or behind.

She is the ultimate yogi, rises before the sun, and spends her days illuminating light in all that she does. She is free-spirited, is the first to hop on a plane for a last-minute trip to any part of the earth, cares about the world around us, and embraces Mother Nature almost as another child.

She has dedicated her life to finding joy in all that she does and is the happiest finding shells speckled along the beach or planting new flowers in her garden. She has taught us that the best things in life are simple, in Mother Nature, and free.

She has hugs that melt away all fears and words of wisdom that can help make sense of every rocky path. She has a heart that expands to the depths of the ocean and the galaxies beyond the stars. She is our everything. Truly, her love knows no bounds.

She is the epitome of the MIKOH Muse.

What is your best advice for new Moms? "My best advice for new moms is to be patient and kind to yourself, your significant other into your newborn. You can listen with your heart and it will always guide you." What lessons do you hope that your children will pass on to theirs? “ The biggest lesson I would want my children to pass on to theirs is the gift of past generations and history. Learning about your family lineage is very important to help you grow in the present and believe in yourself for the future. Make sure you listen to your families stories and wisdom. Invaluable.” Where do you draw inspiration from when being the mother of all adult children? “I draw my inspiration for living my life and encouraging my children’s life from embracing the present moment. All of our five senses allow us to have this continual well of beauty, vision, problem-solving, and awareness. I would always like to think that I have an open mind and a willingness to learn from today’s young adults, children as well as the older generation. Always look to the beauty of Mother Earth.” Where do you find your patience, humility, and strength when times have been challenging? “I find my patience humility, and strength from knowing that I am not alone. My ancestral and genetic pool are strong by birth. My humility comes from love.” What knowledge do you hope to pass down to your children as they all become adults? “The knowledge I want to pass down to my children is to always know there is a way to solve a problem, to create a new pathway, to find knowledge and wisdom in many ways. Also, to trust your intuition. SHOP THIS STORY Labasa Long Sleeve Dress Kekaha Romper