Natasha Brune Fearless, Resilient, and Unbreakable.

Her journey reflects a life shaped by hardship, healing, and conscious transformation. A published author and nonprofit leader, she has turned lived experience into purpose, using her voice to explore resilience, accountability, and renewal. From navigating addiction and incarceration to reclaiming her future through education and service, her story is defined not by what she endured but by the discipline and intention with which she rebuilt her life, offering proof that redemption is earned, and lasting change is possible.

NATASHA BRUNE

Kimberly Cano is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, certified life and health coach, keynote speaker, and bestselling author. Her work centers on helping individuals reinvent their lives and businesses from the inside out, blending personal clarity with purposeful action.

As the founder of Kawaiola Life Design LLC, Kimberly integrates mindset science, personal development, and business strategy to guide clients toward alignment between purpose and performance. Her coaching and consulting practice focuses on business growth, personal transformation, brand creation, and conscious leadership, supporting individuals, teams, and organizations in building success that sustains both profit and inner balance. Writing under her pen name, Natasha Brune, she is the creator of the internationally recognized Wise Marie book series a cinematic saga inspired by true events that explores addiction, recovery, and reinvention. The series has been honored by The Los Angeles Tribune and The International Impact Awards for its emotional depth and cultural resonance. 

She is also the author of the children’s collection Wise Marie and the Little Ladybug, a heartfelt adventure series that introduces young readers to the values of courage, creativity, and compassion, set against the nostalgic spirit of the 1970s and 1980s.

Beyond her writing, Kimberly is the architect of the Triangle Mission, a three-branch ecosystem that brings together her creative work, philanthropic initiatives, and entrepreneurial ventures, reflecting a holistic approach to impact, leadership, and legacy. ABOUT HER BOOKS THE WISE MARIE BY NATASHA BRUNE

THE WISE MARIE BY NATASHA BRUNE

The narrative centres on Marie, a woman who grows up in a rigid, challenging environment with a single mother and siblings, feeling misunderstood and believing she has a learning disability (which the book implies might be undiagnosed ADHD, anxiety, or depression). At just 15, seeking an escape, she runs away from home and never returns as a minor. Her subsequent journey is a tumultuous one, marked by a constant search for acceptance and belonging.

Marie travels across various states and countries, repeatedly returning to her home state in a continuous "wash, rinse, and repeat" cycle of mistakes and self-sabotage. She encounters a wide array of individuals from different demographics, including those involved in dangerous lifestyles, such as gangsters and "killers," whom she gravitates toward in a longing for a father figure and a sense of acceptance she never received at home.

The "Paradise Edition" specifically highlights her experiences in Hawaii, challenging the idyllic image often associated with the location. Brune sheds light on the economic hardships many residents face, often working multiple jobs just to survive. The novel uses Marie's story to give voice to the urgent needs of the Hawaiian community, especially in the aftermath of the 2023 Maui fires. ELENTRA BY NATASHA BRUNE

ELENTRA BY NATASHA BRUNE

What if your summer adventures could take you from the sun-soaked shores of Greece to the quiet barns of Wisconsin, all while uncovering the secrets of a mysterious black cloak?

In this latest volume of the Wise Marie Collection, Natasha Brune blends childhood memories, fantasy and bittersweet lessons of growing up. Readers will meet Elentra, a girl caught between two worlds, facing challenges of loss, friendship, and identity, while discovering that even in the darkness, courage and hope can shine. With echoes of Coraline and a Series of Unfortunate Events, Elentra offers young adventurers ages 10-13 a story rich with imagination, heart, and the wisdom that even the hardest journeys can lead us home.

Perfect for classrooms, bedtime reading or young dreamers who long for stories that mix wonder with life’s deeper truths. INTERVIEW WITH NATASHA BRUNE

When you reflect on your early years, in what ways did they influence the voice and perspective you bring to your storytelling today?

Growing up in Hawaii, primarily on my own, provided me with a quiet space to dream and explore my imagination. My father, known as "Bud," worked in the film and photography industry, and I often accompanied him to various sets, not as a star, but as the daughter of a crew member who came along later in life. Meanwhile, I would hear stories from friends about my biological father, referred to as "Uncle," who had been in the military and whose identity remained a secret for 48 years. This narrative is explored further in volume two, “Paradise of Darkness,” the sequel to the critically acclaimed bestseller, “The Wise Marie, Paradise Edition.” The stark contrasts between these two worlds taught me to observe deeply and feel intensely, shaping my writing to reflect both the wonder of childhood and the grit of lived experience.

How do you turn life’s most difficult and defining moments into stories others can see themselves in?

I write from the heart, unfiltered. Whether it’s trauma, addiction, or near-death experiences, I let the truth live on the page. People connect to honesty, not perfection. My goal is to show that even the darkest chapters can be a doorway to strength and growth.

What was the intention behind creating Wise Marie, and what did you want it to leave behind?

Marie is courage and resilience made tangible. She’s the voice I wish I had when I was struggling, the reminder that healing is possible. She’s playful, she’s tough, she’s real. Through her, I hope to inspire both children and adults to see their own power.

How do you move between writing for children and adults while staying true to your voice?

The core is always honesty. For children, I focus on wonder, imagination, and hope. For adults, I explore pain, resilience, and lessons learned. The voice shifts, but the soul behind the words stays the same.

At what point did it become clear to you that your earlier struggles would guide the work you do today?

Sitting alone in rehab, I realized that my story wasn’t over. Every setback, every mistake, had a lesson to offer. The fire that nearly destroyed me became the fuel for creating something that could inspire others. That moment of clarity changed everything.

In what ways do Hawaii and Colorado influence both your mindset and the way you approach writing?

Colorado teaches calm, reflection, and patience. Hawaii teaches soul, rhythm, and connection to nature and community. My best work comes when I merge the two, stillness and heart, perspective and passion.

How does the mission of the Aloha Jigsaw Foundation show up in your writing?

My writing and the foundation both aim to heal. I tell stories that empower, and we give tools and resources to kids who’ve experienced trauma. Both are about building resilience, fostering hope, and cultivating a belief in the possibility of transformation.

How has discipline shaped your creative process, particularly in navigating challenges like ADHD?

Discipline is my anchor. ADHD makes my mind fast and restless, but with structure, it becomes a superpower. I can multitask, brainstorm, and execute projects at a pace most can’t match. It’s not easy, but it’s part of my rhythm.

Why do you think your stories connect so strongly with younger audiences today?

Gen Z craves realness, not filtered perfection. They relate to honesty, emotion, and nostalgia for times they didn’t live but feel familiar, friendship, adventure, and trusting intuition. My stories bridge those worlds and speak to both heart and memory.

At the heart of everything you do, what do you hope readers ultimately feel or understand?

That no one is ever too broken, too lost, or too late to rise, healing is possible. The purpose is waiting. And if you believe in your vision, you can create it. Courage isn’t optional; it’s essential.