Marissa Molina

Marissa Molina is a Maui-based author, creator, and founder of Imagination Reality — a storytelling brand devoted to inspiring children and families through courage, kindness, and creativity.
 
After visiting Maui, Marissa quickly formed deep connections with the island community and moved from Wisconsin to Maui in 2012. In 2014, while working at the YMCA, she was asked to perform as a princess for a child’s birthday party. That single moment — watching a child’s eyes light up with wonder — sparked what would become her life’s mission: using imagination and characters as a force for joy, courage, and connection.
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In 2017, following the passing of her mother, Marissa founded Imagination Reality as a way to honor her grief and channel purpose into stories that uplift others. She began writing original characters and worlds in 2018, leading to the publication of Poi ’n Kai and the Seashell Snatcher (2021), Poi ’n Kai and the Power of Kindness Over Bullying (2024), and The Dream I Planted (2025).
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Marissa believes imagination is more than creativity — it’s how we understand ourselves, connect with others, and discover our purpose. Through her books and characters, she hopes to help children feel seen, accepted, and brave as they grow into who they’re meant to be.