Lai Sha Bugado

10.10.22

Name: Lai Sha Bugado

Education: Bachelor in Business Administration from UH Hilo, and a Masters of Education from UH Hilo

Occupation: Business Owner of @kumumea


Family: Lai Sha’s mother is from Hong Kong and her father is from the Big Island. Her ohana comes from Papaikou on the Big Island!

Favorite polynesian food: Laulau, poi, and lomi salmon

“Iʻve been faced with many life changing experiences. The one that has impacted my life the most was being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, nearly 8 years ago, and again in 2021. This experience lead me to start my own Business, “Kumumea”. My company has been a healing part of my journey, which has allowed me to share a story of survival. This expereince taught me much. I learned the power of faith, family, friends, and community. All gave me the strength needed to turn my tragedy into something beautiful.

Life is hard and meant to teach us much. I learned how you show up and who you show up for matters. I learned to not only live but to strive, strive for something bigger than you. In order to grow it requires you to do hard things. This requires great courage as the road wasnʻt meant to be easy. Doing the things that matters to you is important for a life of meaning.”

- Lai Sha Bugado

P.S. Lai Sha has been inspiring others with her amazing perseverance and strength since she’s overcome breast cancer! She even donated her very own @kumumea products to Cancer patients at Queen Kapiolani Hospital (Second Photo)!


“Being part Hawaiian and living on the Big Island of Hawai`i allowed me to explore who I am and where I come from. It helped me understand who I am and how I show up everyday.

My advice for the next generation is through the following mantras:

-Believe that anything is possible.

-Use your struggles to empower you to find your greatness.

-When someone says, “no”, this isnʻt a no forever. Itʻs just a “no” for right now.

-Look for opportunities as they are all around us

-Listen to your “na`au” always”

- Lai Sha Bugado

"Listen to your na'au always"