Coffee with Nanea
Our next feature on The Zeal is Nanea Flood. Growing up, I was always in awe and looked up to Nanea. At family dinners, Sunday hula practices, and more, I have always been grateful for her company and support. With her kind and caring spirit, she is always willing to help and support her friends and family. Make yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy learning more about Nanea below.
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawai‘i
Go-to coffee: Caramel macchiato
Three things you never leave the house without: Phone, mascara, and lip balm
Currently listening to: Cocomelon, on repeat for our daughter
Currently binge-watching: Love is Bind—don’t judge me
Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with my family
Three words to describe yourself: Friendly, compassionate, devoted
Tell me about your professional journey.
I’m a labor and delivery nurse. It’s one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done and I absolutely love it. I chose to be a nurse because I wanted to make a difference in my community. As a L&D nurse, it is such a rush helping to bring life into the world and an honor to be a part of such a momentous occasion.
That’s amazing. Hula is also a big part of your life. Tell me about your hula journey?
I’ve danced hula since I was 6 years old and it’s always been a part of my life. Even after going away to college in Seattle, I came home to be with my family and dance hula again. I have participated in 11 Merrie Monarch Competitions (first in 2001) and was honored to be selected to represent my hālau in the 2011 Miss Aloha Hula Competition. I was a part of Hālau i ka Wēkiu’s first papa ʻūniki in 2013 where I graduated as an ʻōlapa. In 2021, I went through the process again and graduated as a hoʻopaʻa.
Unless you dance hula, people may not know the amount of time, commitment, and dedication it takes. How do you balance family, hula, and work?
It’s a huge challenge. I couldn’t do it without the support of my family, especially my husband. He watches our daughter while I’m at hula practices and when I’m preparing for practices or events at home. I have to work on most of my hula projects after she falls asleep since she’s at the age where she wants to get into everything. Other than that, we try to spend as much time together as possible. Whether it’s going to the beach, park, playground, or just watching a movie at home. We also try to have a date night at least once a month. My parents have always been really supportive of me, hula, and my growing family. They try to help out as much as possible as well.
Do you have any tips that work for you on finding balance in everyday life?
Find time for self-care. Whatever that might mean for you. But, also find time to have fun with your friends. Finding a balance is really important.
Your daughter is the absolute cutest. You just celebrated your second Mother’s Day—how does it feel to be a mother of a toddler?
Being a mom is so fulfilling but extremely tiring. It is THE hardest thing I’ve ever done but I wouldn’t give it up for the world. I never knew that I could love someone so much until I met my daughter.
This is my favorite question to ask—what is an issue you feel passionate about?
Women’s reproductive rights. Currently, the Supreme Court is deciding on whether to overturn Roe v. Wade. This would take away a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion. Every person should have the right to make decisions about their own body.
It’s an important issue to bring awareness to, especially right now. How can people support and contribute to this?
Educating yourself and others about this issue is the first step so that we can bring the issue to light. In a country that does not provide paid family leave or childcare, this will be something that affects many individuals. This would also force individuals to carry to term babies with fatal illnesses and would threaten the lives of women with serious health problems as well. There’s a lot more involved but I’m still learning about it myself.
Now to a few quick questions. What is the greatest piece of advice you’ve been given?
Life is short. Don’t take anything or anyone for granted.
What about the greatest piece of advice you can give someone else?
You only have one life to live. Do things and surround yourself with people who feed your soul.
If you could, is there anything you’d tell your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to be yourself, have fun, and invest your money wisely.
Last but not least, what is your favorite quote?
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” - Oprah Winfrey
