When the World Was Stopped, I Chose To Create...

For more than twenty years, my husband Mike and I built our lives around Kauai Island Weddings. It was joyful, meaningful work — days filled with people, purpose, creativity, and celebration. Helping couples begin their lives together became part of who we were.

Then the pandemic hit, and almost overnight, everything came to a stand still.

Weddings disappeared from the calendar. Businesses were told to pause. Livelihoods were placed on hold. Like so many others, we found ourselves in unfamiliar territory, expected to wait quietly and hope that life would eventually return to normal.

But waiting was never my nature.

Martina Hough, and Benji

What many people don’t realize is that merino wool was already deeply woven into my life long before Mad About Merino existed. After living on Kauai for more than 25 years, Australia became a natural and easy travel destination for us. On those annual trips, I discovered merino wool — and over the course of five years, I intentionally replaced my entire wardrobe with merino pieces.

I lived in it. I trusted it. I experienced firsthand how beautifully it wore, how effortlessly it performed, and how well it supported real, everyday life. Merino wasn’t new to me — it was already part of my rhythm.

So when the world slowed and options narrowed, I made a clear choice.

Instead of feeling powerless, I chose to create.

Instead of shrinking back, I chose to build.

I wanted to design something rooted in quality, longevity, and independence from fast, disposable fashion — something natural, thoughtful, and enduring.

That choice became Mad About Merino.

This brand was born from conviction — from a belief in natural fibers, intentional design, and clothing that doesn’t need trends to prove its worth.

Our pieces are designed to layer beautifully, travel effortlessly, and support women who live full, active, intentional lives.

Today, Kauai Island Weddings is thriving once again. But Mad About Merino remains deeply personal. It is a reminder that even when circumstances slow us down, we still get to decide how we move forward — and what we choose to create.

Out of uncertainty came a desire for beauty, ease, and something lasting — and that desire quietly led me to merino.

With gratitude, Martina Hough, Founder

Preview of our new range of dresses and jumpsuits, arriving mid February.

Introducing Riley and Hayden, our superfine merino zip neck tops, available in colors & stripes.