Today we’d like to introduce you to Nisi La’a.
Hi Nisi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Renise “Nisi” La’a, born and raised in Nānākuli, a small town on the west side of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. Growing up on a small island shaped the person I’ve become. Faced with adversity at a young age, I developed a deep resilience grounded in culture, faith, and the strength of community.
In 2017, my journey brought me across the Pacific to Salt Lake City, Utah, for school. Since then, Utah has become my second home.
Over the past nine years, I’ve discovered my true passion: community. It takes a village—a value that continues to guide me and reminds me of the power of collective support, shared resilience, and love in action.
Through advocacy, grit, and deep aloha for our people, I’ve used my lived experiences and skills to serve others. Whether it’s connecting families to resources, building partnerships, or simply showing up, my mission has always been to create a ripple effect, helping one person at a time.
Eventually, I realized I was made for more, and more is exactly what I pursued. After taking a break from school, I returned to earn my Master’s in Social Work. The mental health crisis within the Pacific Islander community was growing, and the need for culturally grounded, community-rooted therapists had never been more urgent. I knew I couldn’t wait for change, I had to be part of the change.
There’s a Samoan proverb that says, “O le ala i le pule o le tautua, “The path to leadership is through service.” For a long time, I didn’t see myself as a leader. But through continued service, I realized I had it all backwards; through service, I was becoming the leader my community needed. That truth became my guiding light.
Today, as a certified social worker and MSW graduate, I’m honored to contribute to the healing and well-being of our communities. As a Mental Health Therapist with CLD3 Counseling, I specialize in domestic violence, substance use, addiction, and mental health. These are often taboo topics, especially in our communities, met with silence or even mockery. I’m committed to changing that narrative, one person at a time, creating a ripple effect that future generations can feel.
I’m also a strong advocate for holistic healing, drawing inspiration from my ancestors who turned to mana (Strength) and the ʻāina (Land) as sources of restoration. One of the ways I support this is through ear acupuncture, also known as AcuDetox, which I offer in community settings to support mental health and general wellness.
Just as I advocate for mental health, I deeply value physical health. I’m a certified personal trainer and health and wellness coach, passionate about helping beginners build a strong foundation in their wellness journey, starting from within.
That’s why I created Manifest Your Mana LLC, a program designed to help individuals reconnect with their inner strength and embrace their whole selves: mind, body, and spirit.
Manifest Your Mana LLC is more than a fitness and wellness program; it’s a journey of personal transformation. Rooted in the essence of Mana, it reflects the power we build through our choices, actions, and integrity. This program empowers people to reclaim their well-being through sustainable habits, mental clarity, and cultural connection.
Because when you manifest your mana, you don’t just change your life, you elevate your legacy.
Today, I’m proud to serve in both capacities as a Mental Health Therapist and as a Personal Trainer and Wellness Coach, bridging mental and physical healing to support our communities in becoming stronger, healthier, and more whole.
With a meet-you-where-you-are approach and deep roots in the communities I serve, I strive to bridge the gap between systems and those who’ve long been underserved or overlooked. Because I come from the community, I understand the barriers and I’m committed to being part of the solution, walking alongside others as they reclaim their healing, strength, and sense of self.
The world is my classroom. Every interaction, every challenge, every breakthrough, it’s all part of my ongoing education. But nature is where I learn the most. Whether I’m walking on the beach or hiking through the mountains, being out in nature grounds me. The natural world reminds me that healing doesn’t always happen inside four walls; it often begins where the breeze touches your skin, where your feet feel the earth, and where your soul feels most free. That’s the essence of holistic healing: honoring every part of our being while staying deeply connected to the land, our lineage, and the lessons all around us.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. The road has been anything but smooth—but every challenge taught me something about myself, my purpose, and the power of perseverance.
Coming from a small town like Nānākuli, resources were limited, and opportunities didn’t come easily. I grew up navigating systemic barriers, financial hardships, and the emotional weight of generational trauma. At times, it felt like I had to work twice as hard just to be seen or taken seriously.
When I moved to Utah, I faced new struggles—culture shock, loneliness, and being far from my support system. I was a Pacific Islander woman trying to find my voice in spaces that weren’t built for us. I’ve experienced burnout, imposter syndrome, and seasons of self-doubt, especially while juggling work, school, and the responsibility I felt to uplift my community.
Taking a break from school was one of the hardest, yet most necessary, decisions I’ve ever made. At the time, it felt like a setback. But looking back, it was a pivotal moment of rest, reflection, and redirection. It gave me the clarity I needed to realign with my “why.”
There were also emotional struggles that came with doing this work—supporting others through trauma while carrying my own. I had to learn how to set boundaries, protect my peace, and prioritize my healing, too.
But I never walked alone. Faith, family, and community kept me grounded. My ancestors’ strength reminded me that I come from a long line of resilience—and that even in the struggle, I was being shaped for something greater.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Manifest Your Mana LLC is a fitness and wellness program rooted in Pasifika cultural values, dedicated to empowering individuals to reclaim their inner strength, build resilience, and promote holistic healing. The business integrates traditional wisdom with modern practices to support the mind, body, and spirit.
At its core, “Mana” refers to the spiritual energy and power that each person carries, shaped by integrity, actions, and connection to community and land. Manifest Your Mana LLC helps clients strengthen this life force through:
Personal Training & Wellness Coaching: Certified personal training and coaching tailored for those beginning their physical health journey, focusing on building confidence, foundational strength, and sustainable wellness habits.
Mental Health Support: Offering trauma-informed education through a cultural lens, rooted in Pacific Islander values, focusing on underserved communities and supporting healing of the body, mind, and spirit by honoring the whole person.
Wellness & Recovery Programs: Like Manifest Your Mana: R&R (Restoration & Recovery), which includes services like ear acupuncture (AcuDetox), cupping, and gentle movement.
At its core, Manifest Your Mana LLC is more than just a business, it’s a commitment to uplifting lives, honoring legacies, and strengthening communities through culturally grounded, holistic healing.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor who aligns with your goals and values helps you grow into the person you are meant to be.
I’ve been fortunate to have mentors in different capacities as a therapist, personal trainer, and health and wellness coach. Each one supports a unique layer of my journey, but the core goal remains the same: to help people thrive in every part of life.
Mentorship doesn’t have to come from just one person. Surround yourself with people who reflect the kind of impact you want to have. Whether it’s mental health, physical wellness, or holistic healing, the right mentors will challenge you, guide you, and always bring you back to your “why.”
For me, that “why” is deeply rooted in my cultural heritage as a Pacific Islander. I walk with the strength of my ancestors, and I recognize that I, too, am a living ancestor. Every step I take, every life I touch, is a way of giving back and putting something positive into the world.
Pricing:
- Please contact email for pricing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://manifestyourmana.beehiiv.com/ , manifestyourmana.org
- Other: manifestyourmana@gmail.com
