Lifelong Model Shares Her Secrets
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You could say 24-yearold Rain Rusden was born with the X-factor. Having begun modeling at the age of 2, it’s only fitting that she is now the owner and instructor of RAIN Modeling & Charm School, a business she started almost two years ago.
“My mother is a wellknown fashion photographer, and both of my parents (Sri and Ruz Rusden) have modeled professionally around the world, so when I was 2 years old I was living in L.A., had an agent, and worked my very first job on a movie poster I’ve been modeling ever since,” says Rusden, who was born in Honolulu.
“New models come to me asking for help on how to walk the runway, or what the ins and outs of this industry are. I’ve also had mothers emailing me asking how they can get their young daughters into modeling,” Rusden explains. “I figured I would love to teach girls everything they’ll need to know about this industry that I’m so passionate about, and that’s how my business came to be.”
Rusden’s clientele is diverse, but the majority of clients are girls and women ranging from age 3 to 50-plus. Drawing from personal experience as a veteran in the modeling industry, she teaches the basics of modeling and commercial work, while also catering to the needs of each age group.
“I teach children how to have poise and good manners, I teach teens how to groom themselves and have confidence, and I teach adults how to better present themselves from head to toe,” Rusden states.
“First impressions are key, so my adult clients use what I have taught them in both professional and personal experiences.”
A one-on-one (appointment only) six-week course can range from $300 to $600 depending on the course, and following completion of a course Rusden can refer students to various modeling agencies in Hawaii and also on the Mainland.
“I’ve never been a fan of sticking children and teens into a big modeling class and only having one to two hours of lesson time, and really not getting the individual critique and attention they need to actually succeed in the modeling industry,” Rusden says. “I want to be the instructor who really gives each girl a one-on-one experience to be able to help, critique and pour all the information I know about this industry into each and every student I teach.
“I am passionate about giving these girls the experience and education they need to step foot into the modeling world and really take flight.”
For Rusden, the biggest reward of owning and operating RAIN Modeling & Charm School is having the satisfaction of helping an individual realize their full potential.
“This year I want to take the necessary steps toward my future business goal, which is to expand my business and hopefully open an agency one day,” she adds.
For more information on RAIN Modeling & Charm School, visit facesbyrain.com.
Catering To Those Who Love Hawaii
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BJ Sabate, vice president of the Maui Bay Shirt Co. Butigroove, a locally owned and produced musically and culturally driven clothing brand, believes that we are all born to the same beat and live by the rhythm of life. He kicked off his business in 2000, opened a storefront on Piikoi Street, plus an online store, and hasn’t looked back. For Sabate, it’s always been about walking to the beat of his own drum.
“The idea to start my own label came about in graphic design school at University of Washington,” says Sabate, an Aina Haina native. “The name ‘Buti’ came from a conversation with a friend from Japan who had a thick accent. He told me, ‘Hawaii is so butiful,’ and my initial concept was the words ‘Have a Butiful Day’ backwards, so when you look in the mirror in the morning, you start the day off right.”
According to Sabate, Butigroove targets the 15 to 35 age demographic, offering a variety of casual clothing, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, accessories, decals and more geared toward men, women and keiki.
“The average cost of a Tshirt is $25, and we cater to those who love Hawaii, those who believe in the aloha spirit, and realize that it (aloha spirit) can live within you no matter where you are.
“My concept has evolved over the years. Right now we’re dedicated to selling products from Butigroove, HiLife brand and other featured items.”
With 18 dedicated employees on staff, Sabate hopes to expand his business beyond T-shirt printing, and wants to further his online business as well. Yet, when it comes to creating a business philosophy, Sabate’s got it down to a science.
“You always have to be fair in everything you do, respect others and accept competition as healthy competition. It’s the only way to elevate your business,” he says. “Follow your passion, don’t be afraid to build a team that will make your goals more attainable. I was raised playing team sports, and I’m grateful. I think if you learn to work as a team, to reach a common goal, either short term or long, it’s easier with a group of people that you have fun doing it with.”
Butigroove is located at 500 Piikoi St. and is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.6 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. For more information, visit butigroove.com.
A One-of-a-kind Kiosk At Ala Moana
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A passion for fashion is what led entrepreneur Ivonne Machado into the retail industry many years ago. Now her business, Lotus Creations, has catapulted even further, as she recently expanded it with a kiosk, located on the second floor of Ala Moana Center near Nordstrom.
“I sell a variety of merchandise: clothing, handbags, messenger bags, jewelry, wooden vases, glass coasters and more,” says Machado, a native of Indonesia. “My family and friends help me handcraft all my merchandise, and all the materials and fabrics used are all from Indonesia as well.”
Machado made her way to the Islands in 1998 to attend HPU, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in travel industry management and a master’s degree in business administration.
“I believe my education has helped me in my business ventures today,” she says. “I get to meet people from all around the world. Tourists from Australia love my dresses, they always buy several. Japanese tourists also stop by to purchase clothes and jewelry, because what I offer, you won’t be craft fairs.
“My business was doing really well at the craft fairs, and customers would ask me if I had my own store, which led me to open this kiosk here this past October,” she says. “I have a lot of loyal customers who would come visit me at the craft fairs, and they’re happy that I now finally have a kiosk here. They keep coming back to buy my merchandise, which ranges from $22 to $42 for clothing pieces and $5 to $18 for jewelry.
“Lotus Creations’ dresses and blouses are perfect for warmer climates. I look online and in magazines for inspiration with designs, and then I add my own personal touch. I collaborate with my family and friends to always come up with new styles and ideas.”
Machado hopes to someday upgrade her business once more by opening a small boutique. She says having your own business is always a bit challenging in today’s economy, but she’s been fortunate that Lotus Creations has remained stable.
“It takes two months on average to complete a wardrobe piece, but I always change up the style every four months or so,” she says. “I usually have 20 to 30 pieces in each style, and once it sells out, then you won’t be able to find that exact design and style again.
“What I’ve learned as an entrepreneur is that you have to take chances, but always think positively nothing is impossible. It’s best to be creative, original and always pursue what you love.”
For more information on Lotus Creations, call 3985044 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Providing High-tech Techniques
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Matt Muccio, president and owner of Techniques Hawaii, wasted no time making his entrepreneurial dreams come true.
Originally from Birmingham, Ala., Muccio began his business journey while still in college.
“In 2001 I started my first business, a cellular phone company called Corporate Cellular, while studying financial management at the University of Alabama,” Muccio says. “Later, I sold my stake and moved to Hawaii, and in 2004 was hired as president of Techniques Hawaii.
“Five years later, I bought a majority stake in the company because I saw the opportunity to expand and provide new services.”
Techniques Hawaii is a 25-year-old company focused on providing audio and visual production services throughout the state, as well as TV/video production through a company division.
“Our business model is to train leadership in our various divisions and support them in growing their business segment beyond their wildest dreams,” Muccio explains. “We have in-house service contracts with many Oahu hotels, and we service, on average, about 15 to 20 events per day. Most of our clients are event planners, local companies or Mainland groups visiting the Islands for incentive travel.”
According to Muccio, his company prides itself on its competitive prices while offering the best possible service and equipment to clients.
Techniques Hawaii also has experienced exponential growth when Muccio first started with the company there were only four employees operating the business, and currently there are 21.
In addition, Muccio plans to continue acquiring event services and technology companies whose services complement the needs of important hotel clients and their customers.
“In five years, we hope to become a conglomerate of high-tech event-services companies with shared clients and administrative resources,” Muccio says. “Our goal is to create a one-stop shop for anyone holding an event in Hawaii, and to become one of the most valuable resources for Hawaii’s event professionals. We plan to continue our commitment to enhancing our clients’ service experience and to increase sales, even though the national economy may be weaker.
“Most of all, we hope to serve the Hawaii community and spread aloha to clients through our passion for our businesses.”
For more information on Techniques Hawaii, call 947-8428 or visit techniqueshawaii.com.
A Creative Company By Design
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Your home is your sanctuary, and interior designer Aloma Wang, owner of Aloma Wang Designs, can help make your dream home into reality. Wang jump-started her business 20 years ago in Kaanapali, Maui, when a friend asked her to assist with the interior design of a resort, and she hasn’t looked back.
“I don’t have any formal training when it comes to interior design, so I do it very intuitively,” Wang says. “For example, the colors I pick for clients come very intuitively, and I feel that is why I’m successful.”
Wang focuses predominantly on decorating private homes, but also has lent her talents to businesses such as dental offices, and a couple of resorts on Kauai and Maui.
“My clients can expect to have a unique design, one that’s really tailor-made for them,” she says. “I feel like my strength is that I really listen to my clients, and incorporate several designs to make it their own. Every home that I have worked on is very unique.”
Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Wang left her hometown of Kandy to travel abroad in Europe, before relocating to California and eventually Hawaii. Now, Wang works full time from her Manoa home to give her clients exactly what they desire.
“I can easily work with many budgets. Though I usually charge $120 per hour, if it’s a new home I’m working on from scratch, I can work with the client to determine a flat rate,” she says. “I love designing homes from scratch, but creating something new from an old home also is very exciting.”
According to Wang, the entire process from design to build usually takes six months up to a year to complete. Wang devotes countless hours to her trade and works with 20 clients per year on average.
“People have this perception that interior designers only cater to the wealthy, but we don’t interior designers are for everyone, we can cater to all clients,” Wang adds. “It’s important to sit down and talk with my clients and really get to know their likes and dislikes, as well as the functionality they require from certain rooms, and from there I’m able to put something together that they will hopefully love it’s all about putting trust into your creativity.”
For more information on Aloma Wang Design, call 7531718.
A Fleet Of Unique Wooden Models
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With the countdown to Christmas just days away, some of you may be searching for a last-minute gift for that special someone. If you’re on the search for something unique, look no farther than Cuong Tran’s handmade wooden creations.
Tran, along with wife Lang, owns and operate CL Art Creations, a retail kiosk located on the second level of Ala Moana Center near Nordstrom.
“We have 70 different handmade wooden models for sale, ranging from airplanes, helicopters, cars, tanks and golf carts to guitars, pianos, lighthouses and more,” says Tran, a native of Vietnam.
Prices for each model range between $20 and $80, and all are made of mahogany wood.
“This is a family business that we’ve been involved with for about 15 years, and my sister Kim Nguyen makes everything by hand,” he explains, noting that each model takes generally 18 to 36 hours to complete.
“We opened our kiosk here at Ala Moana Center last month and business has been growing our merchandise is very unique.”
According to Tran, these wooden stationary models make the perfect gift for any collector and those who appreciate hand-crafted work. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and they are great conversation starters.
“People enjoy these models and like to show them off in their homes they’re very beautiful. The helicopters and airplanes are our best-sellers, and we have new products coming in from time to time.”
Tran hopes to see his business increase in the near future, and is looking to open a CL Art Creations LLC location at the Navy Exchange.
“Our merchandise is very popular with both locals and tourists, but especially with the military, so we’re excited to see where our business is headed in the new year.”
CL Art Creations’ kiosk is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the holidays. For more information, call 2301467 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) .
An Exquisite Way To Plan Your Day
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When the countdown is on to your wedding day, Jana Heetland, owner of Exquisite Hawaiian Weddings and Exquisite Design Hawaii, can save you from becoming that dreadful “bridezilla” or even “groomzilla.”
Heetland started her wedding planning business in 2007, and says her passion for weddings is what led her to her dream job.
“I had moved to Hawaii from California, where I had previously done weddings for three years in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach with a friend of mine. When I moved here (Hawaii), it was just the perfect opportunity to start something of my own,” says Heetland.
“Hawaii is such a great place to do weddings. As far as destination weddings are concerned, Hawaii is second in line to Las Vegas.”
On average, Heetland will oversee 20 to 50 weddings a year, ultimately bringing a couple’s vision to life.
“As for my business, I think I offer a modern edge,” she says. “I do a ton of destination weddings, and I think people who find me are looking for something that’s a little out of the ordinary we customize everything to meet a couple’s wants and needs. I don’t like to do things like everybody else, I look to find new angles and creative ways to do things.
“I work with some of the best people on the island whom I recommend to my clients a solid team of people whom I respect and trust when it comes to your wedding. Everyone goes above and beyond,” Heetland adds. “We transform ballrooms. I hire out people who will do lighting, custom linens, custom structures, etc. everything just depends on the budget, of course.”
Nowadays, the standard cost of a wedding usually falls close to a $30,000 price-point, yet Heetland says there are ways you can do it for less.
“I feel like, a lot of times in Hawaii, you can save costs because it seems like everyone knows somebody who can provide something for their wedding whether it be a photographer or a caterer ... to spend as little as possible.”
Heetland jump-started her business by providing primarily coordinating and planning services, but began to notice an interest in doing floral arrangements and event-design work as well.
“I work with the couple to set a price for my services depending on what they need, but if they book me to do their floral arrangements as well, then they’ll receive a discount on planning services,” Heetland explains.
“I just like to throw good parties!”
For more information on Exquisite Hawaiian Weddings and Exquisite Design Hawaii, visit exquisitehawaiianweddings.com and exquisitehawaiianweddings.net, or call 497-6878.
A Southeast Asia Christmas House
Pacific Gateway Center, located in the heart of Chinatown, opened its doors nearly 37 years ago with a mission to provide services to immigrants and refugees primarily from Southeast Asia.
“The core of the company really is to provide social services to the low-income, immigrant, refugee communities as well as to human trafficking victims, to help with everything from job training and acculturation to affordable housing and English as a second language. Pacific Gateway Center really provides a full scope of life skills,” says Rebecca Soon, CCO for Solutions Pacific, a partner of PGC.
Most recently, the organization, under the direction of executive director Dr. Tin Myaing Thein, serves as a culinary, agricultural and retail small business incubator and began providing additional support for small businesses in particular.
“Because the population that we were serving was really starting to mature and find their own voice here in Hawaii, we now provide services to those who wish to start their own business and find their own role as smallbusiness owners,” Soon adds.
In fact, Lemongrass Cafe (83 N. King St.) is owned by PGC, and serves diners Southeast Asian cuisine from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. The restaurant also employs many who have benefited from PGC’s services, and the money raised from the restaurant goes back to supporting the center.
Lemongrass Cafe also is home to the Christmas House, featuring handmade crafts and culinary creations for Christmas gifts and seasonal delights. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. now until Christmas Day.
Aloma Wang Interior Designs has taken on the responsibility of transforming this humble cafe into a winter wonderland.
“The Christmas House is a place where you’ll be able to find little vignettes of decorations that are unique,” says Wang, who has 20 years of interior design experience. “The Christmas House features everything from baked goods such as cheesecake and scones, to custom jewelry and clothing, Christmas ornaments, you name it it’s incredible.”
According to Wang, many of the vendors will be on hand, sharing their crafts, textiles and artwork from Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam, in addition to coffee from Hilo, cranberry cookies from Honolulu and rice pillows and necklaces from Kaimuki.
“The items are made predominantly by women, and I wanted to give them a place where they could sell their goods and shine,” says Wang, who will display her unique one-of-a-kind bracelets made of different beads, sterling silver and faceted glass, as well.
“Most of the monies raised (from the Christmas House) are going back to the small businesses,” Soon explains, noting that the Christmas House really is an initiative to support small businesses and PGC clients. “It’s very difficult for startup businesses to get their first placement. Having the ability to sell their products here gives them what they need to be able to sell their products in more longterm places.”
For more information, call 8517010 or visit pacificgatewaycenter.org.
Putting Power In Peoples’ Hands
Aloha Power Equipment puts “power at your fingertips,” says Michael Ward, owner and sales manager of Aloha Power Equipment.
He founded the business in 1983, when he had the opportunity to purchase a company called The Craft Center in Kakaako.
Since then, Ward changed the company name and moved to a larger, easily accessible location at 330 Sand Island Access Road, on the corner of Nimitz Highway and Sand Island Access Road.
“The concept of my business is to sell professional-grade outdoor power equipment to landscapers and upscale home owners, and to provide the very best in customer service after the sale,” Ward says.
“We have Hawaii’s largest selection of quality lawn and garden products, the most experienced parts and service departments, the most inventory, and provide free demos and free delivery for all large purchases. We also have certified factory-trained technicians on staff that can recommend the product that will do the job quickly, easily and safely.”
According to Ward, about two-thirds of his business is commercial based, while the remaining third is consumer based, which is growing each year.
Aloha Power Equipment recently opened a second location in Waipahu at 94-133 Pahu St., across the street from Bank of Hawaii, behind Midas, just ewa of Waipahu Depot Road.
“We sell top brands such as Honda, Billy Goat, Husqvarna, Shindaiwa and more,” says Ward, who started in the industry as a mechanic, working for his father in 1970.
“We also have parts and accessories for everything we sell,” he states, noting that all equipment purchased comes assembled and serviced with proper instructions
“We are Hawaii’s largest Honda generator dealer and the only Power Choice dealer in the state, and we are the factory authorized service/warranty center for every brand we sell.
Born in Okinawa, Ward later moved to Hawaii and attended Aiea Intermediate and Aiea High School, where he graduated in 1975.
He says he has high hopes for the future of his business.
“We see huge potential for growth,” he says of the family-owned business.
Ward works with his wife Kenlie and brothers Doug and James, both of which have at least 20 years of experience in the business.
Ward said the biggest challenge of running his own business is trying to anticipate customers needs and having the right products and spare parts available at all times.
“Customer service is of the utmost importance,” Ward adds.
Aloha Power Equipment is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sundays. For more information and holiday hours, visit alohapowerequipment.com.
A Personal Wedding Reality Show
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Making memories that last a lifetime is what IMF Visions is all about. President and owner Ian Fernandez founded his business in 2004 with the desire to pursue creative ventures. In fact, it wasn’t long before Fernandez and a friend produced their own realitydating show, The Lei, which aired locally on ABC.
“Back in 2004, the idea for this show was pretty big and something relatively new it was kind of like The Bachelor, but on a smaller scale,” says 32year-old Fernandez, who earned his degree in computer information science from Hawaii Pacific University.
“As a result of the TV show, a lot of people started asking if IMF Visions would consider doing videography for weddings,” he recalls. “People liked our innovative style, so we began producing a couple of wedding videos for our friends and family, and they loved it. Based on that, we started to branch out and focus more on weddings.”
Now, this award-winning business specializes in couture wedding cinematography, but lends itself to corporate events as well.
“Eighty-five percent of the business is dedicated to weddings,” Fernandez says. “We do local weddings, destination weddings and even Japanese weddings.
“We work to make each video fun, upbeat and have that reality show kind of feel,” he adds. “Weddings are reality and should be shot in that way you’re watching a magical event unfold, and we want to cater everything to the couple’s liking.”
IMF Visions offers allday packages for an average cost of $3,500. These particular packages feature footage of the entire wedding day, from pre-ceremony festivities to the ceremony itself and the reception.
“At IMF Visions we have high standards. My team consists of film school students and employees who have been working in the wedding industry for 15 to 20 years,” Fernandez says.
“Each wedding is unique. I meet with the couple beforehand and really get to know what they like, and make sure we share the same vision,” he explains.
Recently, IMF Visions merged with Techniques Hawaii, a 25-year-old audiovisual company that services nine hotels exclusively in Waikiki. As a result, IMF Visions now has the capacity to not just produce videos, but also can take part in the entire audio-visual setup for major functions, including a couple of APEC events where Fernandez had the pleasure of sharing the company of President Barack Obama and Philippines President Benigno Aquino III.
“Since we’ve merged with Techniques Hawaii, we’ve actually doubled in growth,” Fernandez says.
For more information on IMF Visions, visit imfvisions.com or call 392-4012.
Giving Finger Food A New Meaning
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Foodies go gaga for finger foods, and now you can add FingerFoodDelight to that list. Owner Wincy Helm recently founded an online shop (fingerfooddelight.com), featuring miniature food jewelry, including rings, pendants, earrings and more.
“I love food very much, and I thought it would be very cool and unique to have a cute replica of your favorite food on the tip of your finger,” Helm says. “And the best thing is that you don’t have to gain any weight by wearing it!”
Helm, a Hong Kong native, creates all the jewelry pieces on her own and simply glues dollhouse miniatures to wood bases and metals a simple process resulting in a masterpiece.
“I’ve always wanted to open my own business,” she recalls. “When I took a trip to Japan at the beginning of the year, I noticed many miniature food pieces, and that’s how the idea took off.”
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According to Helm, the concept of her business is to provide unique jewelry to her customers at an affordable price. Most items sell between $10 and $30.
“It’s most rewarding when I hear that people like my jewelry and I see people wearing it,” she states. “Some of the most popular pieces include ones featuring dessert, coffee, doughnuts, sushi, pizza and pasta.”
For Helm, her goal is matter of fact. She simply wants to run a successful business, and fortunately for her she’s on the right track. Helm says FingerFoodDelight has been doing well, especially with the holidays just around the corner.
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“It’s not easy being an entrepreneur, but you have to really enjoy what you’re doing and never give up on your dreams.”
FingerFoodDelight is 100 percent, zero-calories delicious!
Visit fingerfooddelight.com
Spicing Up Life In The Islands
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Owners Andrew and Jennifer Banquil of Hawaiian Kine easily prove that you don’t have to be a gourmet chef to make a tasty meal, especially when you have access to their mouth-watering gourmet seasonings and sauces that make anything and everything delicious.
This award-winning family business, initially began in 1989 when Jennifer’s mother Hope Lee made the original seasoning from a recipe given to her by a friend and mentor. It wasn’t long before the recipe took off and Hawaiian Kine was created. Fast forward to 2009, when daughter Jennifer and her husband Andrew took the business into their own hands.
“For the past 22 years, our customers have received the best in local-style gourmet seasonings and sauces,” says Andrew, a Campbell High School grad. “All of our products are made by hand and we take great care in creating products that taste great, are good for you, and are easy to use.”
Hawaiian Kine, located in Waipahu, offers a variety of salt seasonings, sauces, marinades, dressings, rubs and oils sold individually for $6.75, on average.
“We pride ourselves in using the freshest ingredients,” Andrew explains. “We use fresh ginger, lemon grass, chili peppers and tons of garlic we use fresh garlic in every product, excluding the rubs.
“And we manufacture all of our products by hand and do not use any machinery, just four regular employees and a handful of seasonal employees,” he adds.
According to Jennifer, business is good, and there are many ideas in the works, including to expand Hawaiian Kine beyond Hawaii.
“It’s so rewarding to hear people rave about how great our products taste,” Jennifer says. “We recommend that people check us out because we are a local business support local businesses! We also have awesome customer service and we love to talk story with our customers, and we often trade recipes with each other. It’s the one-on-one interaction that you get with us and Hawaiian Kine.”
And while business is indeed spicing up for the couple, there’s no doubting that hard work plays a big part.
“We put in a lot of long hours, from manufacturing
during the day and doing deliveries, to doing paperwork until 2 a.m., and then we do Costco Road Shows twice a month,” says Jennifer. “That’s the slow season schedule our Christmas season is twice that!”
Hawaiian Kine is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or by appointment), and is located at 94-150 Leoleo St. #18A in the Waipahu Commercial Center. For more information on Hawaiian Kine, visit hawaiiankineflavors.com or call 676-8877.
A Sweet New Store On Kalakaua
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With a passion for creating unique gifts for every occasion, Pei Tung Wu, owner of the recently opened CandyIncredible shop on Kalakaua Avenue, is calling all chocoholics and candy fanatics to her sweet tooth paradise.
“The concept of the business is a wholesale chocolate, confectionery and candy store,” Wu says. “People can expect an intimate and relaxed lounge environment when they come to our store. They can enjoy free samples of chocolate from around the world while drinking coffee that was grown on the North Shore and in Kona on the Big Island. We cater to all types of customers who love chocolates, candy, coffee and cookies.”
CandyIncredible offers a multitude of options to satisfy any craving, be it well-known European chocolates, including Godiva, Ritter Sport, Loacker, Toblerone, Werther’s and Milka brands, or classic treats such as Red Vines, Blow Pops, Dubble Bubble, Tootsie Roll, Jelly Belly and Mike and Ike, to name a few. Wu and her staff even sell their own roasted Kona coffee, along with chocolate-covered Kona coffee beans and Big Island-grown chocolatecovered macadamia nuts.
Chocolates and candies range from 25 cents to $15, and custom-made gift baskets start at $15.
“What makes my business so unique is that our gift baskets come with extra surprises and a colorful handmade bow,” Wu states. “I wanted to create customizable gift baskets that were appealing, but also offered a great value with high-quality products.”
CandyIncredible is already taking orders for holiday baskets, and is in the process of putting the finishing touches on an upcoming grand opening later this month.
“My goal is to introduce more confections from around the world to Hawaii,” Wu states proudly. “I’m a sponsor and participant of Team Jet Hawaii, which is a triathlon training group year-round, so I would also like to introduce more healthy products such as Clif Bars, Luna, Build as well as its new Clif Crunch Granola Bars.”
For Wu, seeing her customers appreciate her merchandise is a reward in itself. It’s her primary goal to provide her patrons with the best-quality sweets, while also giving them the opportunity to sample a little bit of everything. The most challenging part of entrepreneurship, she says, is gaining that initial customer base and reaching out to potential customers.
It’s sure to be one incredible journey for Wu, and a sweet one at that!
CandyIncredible LCC is located at 1660 Kalakaua Ave. #105B and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit candyincredible.com or call 258-0201. Also find CandyIncredible on Facebook.
Furnishing Futons To Fit Any Home
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Rachael Mendes of Island Futons & Furnishings has always had a passion for interior design and is currently embarking on an entrepreneurial journey like no other. Island Futons & Furnishings opened its doors this summer and, as the only futon store/showroom on Oahu, provides local residents with upscale futons at an affordable price.
“The concept behind our business is to give Hawaii residents a convenient place to find functional, quality wood furniture that fits our island lifestyle,” the Kaneohe resident says. “We offer a place for shoppers to see a wide range of futon styles, sizes and mattress types, so they can see how great these dualpurpose pieces of furniture can look and feel.
“I knew there was a gap in the market for futons since the last futon specialty store closed about four years ago, and people were having a difficult time finding a futon around town,” she adds, noting that her specialty shop has daybeds, bunk beds and platform beds available as well.
Located off Nimitz Highway in Kalihi, Island Futons & Furnishings will celebrate its grand opening this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring giveaways, keiki games and prizes. Free shave ice also will be provided by Tat’s Shave Ice Truck until 1 p.m.
“Being a specialty futon shop allows us to offer people the best futons available,” Mendes says, adding that for this family-owned business, premier customer service is essential.
“Customers never have to feel pressured or hovered over, and we always try to go the extra mile to find what you’re looking for. In this economy, I think great customer service is the best way for any small business to compete with larger stores or even big box companies,” she says.
According to Mendes, Island Futons & Furnishings offers something for all budgets with sofa bed futon sets ranging from $490 to $940.
“The futons we see today have evolved from the traditional Japanese futons, which are still widely used in Japan. The thin cotton Japanese shikibutons that are slept on and rolled up and stored during the day have evolved into much thicker mattresses that now are supported by raised folding frames,” she explains.
“Futon mattresses are commonly known for being firm because of the cotton that is traditionally used in them. However, today, with the use of innersprings and high quality foams like memory foam futons are much thicker and more comfortable than they were 20 years ago,” she adds. “Futons work so well in Hawaii because they have great spacesaving and dual-purpose benefits. For example, for those in studio apartments or dorms, futons offer a sofa and a bed all in one piece of furniture in order to maximize living space.”
Island Futons & Furnishings is located at 1804 Kanakanui St. For more information, call 8423800 or visit islandfutonshawaii.com.
A Helping Hand When Baby Arrives
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For new parents, a newborn baby changes your world in a heartbeat, bringing with it pure and utter joy along with sleepless nights and a need for your undivided attention.
To help make the transition into parenthood a bit easier are birth and after-birth caregivers and educators Gloria Bennett and Daniela Brown of A Love in Touch LLC. As postpartum educators they provide knowledgeable, caring and personal support during a family’s first 12 weeks after the baby is born.
“We help the mother care for her postpartum body and support her choice to breastor bottle-feed, and we also provide emotional support for the new family by validating the normal adjustment process and aid parents in developing their own styles of nurturing and bonding with baby,” Brown says.
Originally from Venezuela and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Bennett attended Caribbean Union College Secondary School and Renton College for Nursing, and has worked in nursing for the past 25 years. Born in Germany, Brown graduated from Schlatter Business College there and co-owned a printing company prior to making Hawaii her home base in 1985. It was then she began working in retail sales management.
“When I found out that Gloria was going to go into the postpartum business, I went to Bastyr University in Washington state and took a course for doulas and also a course for postpartum doulas that was given here in Hawaii,” Brown explains.
A Love in Touch LLC is a business birthed out of compassion for women and babies, and both Bennett and Brown hope that their clients feel loved and cared for in the time spent with them. Services range from $700 for birthing to $25 per hour for care of one baby, $30 for multiples and $35 per hour for services provided during nights, weekends and holidays.
“In our changing society, women are only in the hospital from 24 to 48 hours after birth and sometimes are coming home to toddlers and pets that also require care,” Brown says. “If she (a mother) is breast-feeding, that can be every two hours or less depending on the infant’s size and capacity to feed. This can be a trying time for not only the mom, but other family members as well. Outbreaks of emotions related to not having continuous sleep and frequent feeding can be very difficult on both parents, so we come into a family’s life preferably before birth and get a picture of what they would like their birth to look like, and what services they think they would need after baby arrives.”
For more information on A Love in Touch LLC, call Bennett at 293-7591, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or call Brown at 282-6821, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Cooking For You And Teaching Too
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Have you ever wondered, while slaving over a hot stove, what it would be like to have a private chef to do the work for you? Thanks to chef Kathi Alice Saks of Hawaii Private Chef, that once seemingly unattainable dream can be a reality.
Saks, originally from Long Island, N.Y., has always had a passion for cooking, but didn’t take it up as a profession until later in life.
“I started out as a surface pattern designer, designing fabrics mostly for the home market,” Saks says. “I changed careers at 40 years old and decided to combine my passion for cooking and travel becoming a chef on private yachts. After working on yachts for almost five years, I met NBA player Grant Hill, who asked me to work for him and his family.”
Now a renowned chef, Saks credits California Cooking Academy in San Francisco for providing her with diverse cooking skills. Now immersed in the world of food, Saks has 15 to 20 regular clients and also caters to travelers who are renting homes during their vacations here in the Islands. Companies hire her to cook for private functions, and she’s tapped to come up with elaborate menus for parties and weddings as well.
“My services are for groups of two to 100 people,” she says. “My business is service, therefore my services are very personal and private, and my events are normally held in someone’s home, a vacation home or rental.
“I cater all my menus to the specific needs and tastes of each and every client,” Saks adds. “I make recommendations and try to guide my clients, making their vision mine. I always take into account who I’m cooking for and any dietary restrictions.”
A design background also enables Saks to assist her clients when planning a party, whether aiding in decision-making when it comes to table design, floral arrangements, décor and cake design, or the overall flow of the event from start to finish.
“I have several specifically trained staff who I work closely with to execute the client’s every detail, and when in the kitchen I am inspired by using locally farmed products,” she says. “I like to take ingredients from different cultures to make unique flavor pairings. I also like to make healthy food taste great!”
A couple of her standout dishes are Thai Spiced Watermelon Soup and Mango Dill Chicken Salad. For Saks, elegance and creativity are key.
“It’s rewarding every time people go ‘wow’ when they taste my cooking, and when I get customers being referred to me from clients, it reaffirms that I have done a good job,” she says.
When she isn’t busy cooking for new and loyal clients, Saks offers cooking classes, ranging from classes for kids to classes that promote healthy eating. All instruction is tailored to specific groups of people, there are no preset classes.
For more information on Hawaii Private Chef and Chef Saks’ cooking classes, visit hawaiiprivatechef.com. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Finding A Pearl On Kona Street
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Mai McDowell’s Saigon Pearl specializes in authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The Kona Street eatery offers pho enthusiasts homemade pho and other mouthwatering favorites, such as vermicelli noodles, won ton min, plate lunches and more.
Chef Andy Khau, who also happens to be McDowell’s brother, is the man behind the magic here.
“Our goal is to further introduce Vietnamese cuisine and culture to local people,” says McDowell, who left her home in Vietnam and planted roots in Hawaii in 1975. “We also make an effort to only use the highest quality ingredients.”
Although Saigon Pearl is making a name for itself with its fabulous pho ($7.50 medium, $8.50 large), McDowell says its plate lunches are appetite-worthy as well.
“Many people come in for our plate lunches ($8.95 and up, available for lunch and dinner). We have a great variety to choose from, including barbecue chicken, pork chop, short ribs, lemongrass chicken and garlic chicken,” she states, noting that all plate lunches are served with rice and salad.
Not only does McDowell take pride in her cuisine homemade from personal family recipes, but also in the cleanliness of the establishment that draws diners in for more.
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“We’re lucky that business has been getting better, a lot of local people have been eating here,” she says. “We’re always looking to add new items to the menu and we hope to expand our menu by offering Vietnamese curry, Vietnamese stew and Vietnamese sandwiches with fresh French bread real soon”
Finally, a meal isn’t complete without satisfying your sweet tooth. Saigon Pearl also serves up the sweetest of flavors presented in its Banana Tapioca and Flan, among others.
Need a pick-me-up? Saigon Pearl’s Vietnamese Iced Coffee or Thai Iced Tea will do the job.
And from now to the end of the month, the establishment is offering diners 20 percent off the entire menu.
Saigon Pearl is located at 1430 Kona St. and is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information, call 955-7888.
Lanikai Bath & Body: Local, Natural
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Lanikai Bath and Body owners Brook Gramann and Gloria Garvey opened the shop in Kailua in 2005, and offer an array of luxurious handmade, natural products that capture the true essence of Hawaii.
“Everything here is locally made on Oahu and made with all natural and mostly organic ingredients freshness is key here,” says store manager Mandi KopetEsrason.
“We do a few different things here, from soaps, to lotions, solid perfumes, candles, body wash and more,” she adds.
“Everything that has our Lanikai Bath and Body label are products that we make ourselves, but we do bring in some other things that are still locally made, such as the solid perfumes.
We do a lot of gift sets too, and our soy candles are very popular.”
Utilizing natural island ingredients and botanical extracts such as papaya, Pacific sea kelp and calendula, and natural oils, including macadamia and kukui nut, Jojoba, avocado and vitamin E, KopetEsrason says, all Lanikai Bath and Body products are formulated with pure essential oils and distinctive blends of fragrances.
“I would say our tropical line is the most popular, and the plumeria lotion has been selling out like crazy. The Naupaka line is great for both men and women, blending coconut lime and verbena,” she says.
“Our body butters are based with shea butter so it’s really nice, you can definitely see the difference in your skin. I use these products myself, and I won’t go back to anything else. I take all these products with me even when I’m traveling it’s perfect.
“We offer a lot of different scents as well. You name it, we have it,” Kopet-Esrason adds. “Our products are excellent for those with sensitive skin, too, and if you are sensitive to the different scents, we do have a line of unscented products as well.”
The constant flow of customers in and out of the store is proof that business is briskfor Lanikai Bath and Body, and online orders are growing.
“Both Brook and Gloria are great businesspeople, and I think they knew that Kailua needed a store like this, where everything is locally made and allnatural. Nothing here is brought in from the Mainland,” Kopet-Esrason explains.
Lanikai Bath and Body is located at 600 Kailua
Road #119 and is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, call 2623260 or visit lanikaibathandbody.com.
Getting Your Dance Moves Down
Gisella West and Tonnedda Washington, owners of Arthur Murray Movement Studio in Kailua, are putting their skills to the test and taking their moves to the dance floor as they carry on the tradition of the late, acclaimed dance instructor Arthur Murray, a former Honolulu resident. Located in the former home of Kailua Movement Studio, Arthur Murray Movement Studio is the sister studio to the Arthur Murray Waikiki location.
“Because we are using the movement studio concept, our class formats will incorporate different forms of dance and fitness classes,” says Washington, who has a diverse background in modern, hiphop and contemporary dance. “Along with the existing staff, we also are offering private and group ballroom lessons.”
With 15 professional dance instructors on staff, Arthur Murray Movement Studio offers a variety of classes to the public, including Zumba, PiYo, Nia, yoga, breakdancing, hiphop, ballet and jazz, along with more unique concepts such as “alive and kicking,” soul motion inspired, and ballroom and Latin dancing.
“We want people to get in touch with their artistic side,” explains West, who has been with the Arthur Murray organization for more than 10 years, instructing students and teachers alike. She also competed professionally for eight years in both American smooth and American rhythm.
“Whether they (students) want to focus on a cardio workout, relaxation, or bonding with their partner, we have a class to fit every style in a beautiful, air conditioned studio with mirrors and a cushioned bamboo dance floor,” she adds. “Our studio is unique in concept and promotes well-being for all ages you won’t feel out of place in any of our classes.”
West and Washington say class sizes vary from two to 25 students per class, with private lessons available as well, although they both admit that it won’t be long before they outgrow the Windward space and are in need of a larger studio.
“When it comes to owning your own business, it all falls on you to make it successful,” West states, adding that she has hopes of expanding Arthur Murray studios to Ewa Beach and Kapolei areas as well.
“There’s also the desire to develop a relationship with the DOE on the Neighbor Islands, and to establish a dance and fitness studio within their communities,” Washington says.
The Arthur Murray Dance Centre Honolulu is located at 1860 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 407, directly above Wailana Coffee House. The Kailua studio is at 776 Kailua Road, Suite 202, above Kimo’s Surf Hut.
For more information and class prices, visit dancinginhawaii.com or kailuamovementstudio.com .
All You Need For Baby — And More
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Sisters Laurie Rodriguez and Pat Perreira consider themselves blessed with entrepreneurial success since opening Little People Hawaii in 1991 in the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel. As a specialty children’s store, Little People Hawaii offers a unique specialty selection of educational and interactive toys, locally made clothing and baby accessories.
Perreira, who’s in charge of merchandising, attends annual baby and toy shows on the Mainland, but says supporting local businesses here at home is key.
“We’re a local retail shop supporting other small, local businesses,” Perreira says. “There’s a high demand for local products, and we specialize in offering products you won’t see in the masses everything here is unique.”
Rodriguez adds, “We have a growing selection of products designed and made by local companies. These companies, comprised of home-grown talent, thrive because of their creativity, perseverance and love for family and Hawaii.
“The most amazing are the ‘momtrepreneurs,’ who are moms who juggle and balance successful companies along with raising their keiki and maintaining busy family lives,” she says. Local favorites found at Little People Hawaii, which opened its second location at Windward Mall four years ago, include Snuzi, diaper/wipes clutch, keiki caddy, paci clips and universal seat liners from Malama Baby; onesies, rompers and children’s Tshirts with local designs and Hawaiian words from Keiki Kruisers; organic muslin cotton swaddling blankets from O-baby Inc.; and burp cloths, bibs and more from Sweet Island Baby.
“It’s important that the community remembers its roots everything starts from smaller businesses,” Rodriguez says.
“We’re also carrying fine wearing apparel for the whole family by Robert J Clancey, stroller liners, blankies and bib/burp cloth sets by Belobe Baby, decorative diaper wipe cases and first aid kits by Creations by Shell, and clothing for men, women and children by Nikky International.”
For more information on Little People Hawaii, visit littlepeoplehawaii.com or call 922-1772 (Outrigger Waikiki Hotel location) and 236-1772 (Windward Mall location).
Making A Big, Bold Statement
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Ladies, when you’re on a mission for the perfect statement piece, check out the work of jewelry designers and local girls Sarah Ferge and Tiffany Brooks. Owners of Ezer Kenegdo, Ferge and Brooks create a plethora of vibrant, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, including feather earrings, gold and silver chain pieces, necklaces, bangles, rings and more.
“Back in November 2009, Sarah and I were on a search for big-statement feather earrings,” Brooks recalls. “We searched many different stores, yet nothing caught our eye we wanted bigger and bolder feathers than what the stores had available. That’s when we decided to take matters into our own hands.”
“We want our jewelry to bring life and beauty to women everywhere. Our jewelry is all hand-crafted and made with love,” Ferge adds.
A pair of earrings ranges from $15 to $25, necklaces cost $30, and bangles and rings range from $5 to $8 (available online at ezerkenegdohawaii.com).
Ferge and Brooks both juggle busy schedules, balancing motherhood and other occupations. However, these go-getter entrepreneurs are hoping to branch out their business to local boutiques across the island and beyond.
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“The most rewarding aspect of what we do is when ladies see our jewelry and say, ‘I need this piece of jewelry!’ or ‘I’ve got to have this pair of earrings!’ It’s such a great feeling when you’ve thought up a creation in your mind, brought it to life, and ladies respond with such enthusiasm,” Ferge says.
“As an entrepreneur you have to make sure you’re truly passionate about what you choose to do, and it’s equally important to have positive, encouraging and supportive people around you to push you to keep going when you feel like giving up,” says Brooks. “You have to remain dedicated and seek out whatever inspires you.”
According to their website, “When God created Eve, the first woman ever, He called her an ‘Ezer Kenegdo,’ which is Hebrew for ‘sustainer of life beside him.’ We want our jewelry to bring life and beauty to women everywhere. Our jewelry is all hand made and made with love.”
For more information, visit ezerkenegdohawaii.com or “like” Ezer Kenegdo on Facebook.
Bargains For Hungry Music Lovers
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Music is a universal language, and Hungry Ear Records in Kailua has been a staple for music lovers since its inception in 1980, boasting the largest selection of new vinyl on the island. This week, the beloved music store, owned and operated by Kailua natives Dennie Chong and Ward Yamashita, is taking the opportunity to thank its loyal customers and celebrate 31 years in the business by having a huge sale, along with a vinyl giveaway.
This Thursday through Saturday (Aug. 18-20), new CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays and records are 20 percent off regular price, used are 30 percent off. In addition, used classical and opera CDs will be $1 a disc. Better yet, during this three day sale, Hungry Ear also is giving away any five vinyl LPs priced at $4 or less for free, ranging from rock, to soul, jazz and hiphop records.
“When people come to Hungry Ear they can expect personal, knowledgeable customer service and items that are hard to find anywhere else on the island,” says Yamashita. “You’ll find a large selection of compact discs, vinyl records and vinyl accessories at our store. There are plenty of bargains here on a daily basis, including $1.99 bargain CDs, and most used CDs are around $5 to $8 each,” he adds.
Hungry Ear Records specializes in Hawaiian and local music, reggae and classic rock on compact disc and vinyl, and also buys records and CDs that you may want to get rid of.
“We carry more than 500 titles on new vinyl, including new releases by up-andcoming bands as well as more established acts such as Pink Floyd, Jack Johnson and Radiohead,” Chong says.
Chong and Yamashita are grateful for their many years in business, but admit that Hungry Ear is part of a dying breed of independent record stores that thrive on the rabid music fan rather than the casual mall customer.
Fortunately for independent record stores like Hungry Ear Records, Yamashita says the music industry is seeing a resurgence in vinyl record sales.
“There’s a wide range of customers buying albums now, from high school kids just discovering the beauty of the format to the older crowd who bought records in their youth and are still drawn to the sound, graphics and even smells that only come from a vinyl record album.
“Hungry Ear is probably the only place on the island or in the state where you can still buy needles and cartridges for your turntable,” he adds.
Hungry Ear Records is located at 418 Kuulei Road. Call 262-2175 or visit hungryear.com.
Mentoring Young Student-Athletes
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Holly Saito, president of Full Potential Sports Hawaii LLC, is changing the lives of young athletes one at a time by offering a personal mentoring program created to help them achieve their maximum athletic potential, while mastering important life skills along the way.
“My business is a little different from most basketball clinics,” Saito explains. “We not only work with the athlete, but we also work closely with parents in designing their child’s program, appropriate payment plan and encourage feedback on the effectiveness of the designed program. We also send progress reports to parents and athletes as often as requested, and ongoing evaluations and feedback enable us to modify programs as needed to obtain the best results for the athlete.”
Saito says this entrepreneurial idea came to her years ago while in high school at St. Andrew’s Priory, where she was an award-winning varsity basketball player. She later fine-tuned her business plan while in college at Pacific University and Portland State University, where she earned her degree in social science.
“I have always loved sports, especially basketball. My dad, coaches and many other supportive influences in my life have helped me come up with the idea to mentor kids one-on-one in basketball,” Saito explains. “I want this to be an enjoyable experience for everyone. Sports should be fun not everyone turns out to be NBA or WNBA stars, so we should work hard, be the best we can be.”
Currently, Full Potential Sports Hawaii caters primarily to elementary and middle school athletes attending private schools, including Iolani, Punahou, Hawaii Baptist Academy and Assets. Saito works to mentor these student-athletes physically, mentally and emotionally, focusing on specific areas and building up a student’s individual athletic and life skills, selfconfidence, self-motivation, quick thinking, team mindset, a positive attitude and more.
“I want these young athletes to love what they do,” she says. “I hope to make a positive difference in their lives. I not only want to improve their performance in basketball, but I want to show them the importance of sports off the court.
“To me, there’s no better feeling than seeing a smile and hearing laughs on young kids’ faces,” Saito adds. “It is really a rewarding feeling to be helping such smart, talented, motivated and inspiring young student athletes in Hawaii. Watching my athletes work hard and work smart during every session makes me feel so proud.”
For more information on Full Potential Sports Hawaii LLC, visit fps808.com.
College Textbooks For Cheap
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In the eyes of the average college student, with each new semester comes the dreaded reality of having to dish out massive amounts of cash for college textbooks. Well, fret no more. Bookzingo.com, a new online marketplace, aims to become the standard for college students buying and selling class textbooks. The core mission of Bookzingo.com is to save students money.
“Bookzingo helps students find others buying and selling textbooks right at their campus,” explains Bookzingo CEO Melanie Feldman, a Punahou graduate who will be graduating from the University of Pittsburgh this December with a double major in finance and marketing.
According to Feldman, the average student will spend anywhere from $800$1,200 a year on textbooks. However, with a college bookstore’s buyback, a student would generally only receive $100-$300 in returns.
“On Bookzingo, you yourself are able to determine how much you spend or save on books,” she says.
Feldman founded the company along with college students Ryan Catalani, Matt Feldman and George Tang. Together, they are currently working to establish Bookzingo’s service locally at the University of Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University and several high schools islandwide, including Punahou School.
“Bookzingo is free to use and always will be. A student goes on the site, chooses the school he or she attends, and signs up for an account (which only asks for a name, email and password). From there, if they want to buy, they just search for their book. Search results come up, and all they have to do is click ‘request’ and Bookzingo automatically notifies the seller with an email,” Feldman adds.
“If the student is looking to sell a book, they fill in some basic information, name their price, post their book, and can just sit back and wait for the email. From there, the buyer and seller determine how they want to meet up and close the deal.”
Bookzingo also has recently teamed up with Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt to offer new users a 15-percent-off coupon at any Menchie’s Hawaii location, with more advertising partnerships planned in the near future.
For more information on Bookzingo, visit Bookzingo.com and find “Bookzingo” on Twitter and Facebook.
In Deep Kim Chee And Loving It
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Alice Lee and Rae Leong, partners and owners of Wela Partners LLP dba Kim Chee Lee, are spicing things up with a kim chee that they say is “modestly spicy ... radically hot.”
Kim Chee Lee took off this past December and is sold at all Times Supermarkets and select Foodland stores on Oahu for less than $3 per 8ounce container.
“The idea came about because we were raised eating good kim chee and couldn’t find it in mainstream markets,” Lee says. “So when we would share the kim chee at gatherings and parties, people would ask for the recipe, and of course we couldn’t share a family secret, so they would hint and encourage us to make it available for everyone to enjoy.”
This one-of-a-kind kim chee, made from head cabbage, turnip, won bok, Hawaiian salt, garlic, powdered peppers, pepper flakes and other ingredients, is derived from a family recipe Lee and Leong say was passed down to them by their great-grandmother.
“It’s the love that we have for what we do that creates the end result,”
Lee explains. “You’ve got to love what you’re doing in the kitchen to create magic!
“The taste is unlike anything you’ll find in the mainstream market it’s rich in flavor and lives up to its name of being ‘modestly spicy, radically hot.’ The mix of head cabbage, won bok and daikon is cut coleslawstyle for easier consumption, especially in and on sandwiches.”
According to the Kim chee expert duo, Kim Chee Lee caters to the broader market and not just a handful of those who can handle the heat.
“It’s that niche that we’re catering to, so while we would love to have it spicier, we have to temper it to reach the majority of people,” Lee explains.
Currently, the company is producing approximately 300 to 350 units of kim chee per month with every intent of increasing its market and sales.
And while aware of the harsh realities of being an entrepreneur, Lee and Leong have taken it upon themselves to devote a countless amount of hours and dedication to their culinary craft in order to achieve success.
“Patience, perseverance and resilience are the three elements that you need to survive this long entrepreneurial process. The sky’s the limit, but the rewarding aspect is knowing people appreciate our product,” Lee says.
Anyone Can Shape Up
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It’s never too late to get into the best shape of your life, but it can be intimidating if you don’t know where to start. That’s where CrossFit 808 comes in. CrossFit has gained an extreme following nationwide, and is considered by many to be one of the best strength and conditioning programs out there today.
Elyse Umeda opened the doors to her own CrossFit affiliate, CrossFit 808, this past February at 220 Puuhale Road, and as owner and coach she says you don’t need to be athletic to do CrossFit, you just need to be motivated and coachable.
“We have people of all different backgrounds doing the same workout in the same class,” says Umeda, who also is a CrossFit competitor. “I like to tell everyone how my mom, who is in her 50s and has no prior athletic background, can work out with my brother, who is in his early 20s and is the most athletic guy I know. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
According to Umeda, CrossFit workouts consist of varied combinations of weightlifting, gymnastics and mono-structural metabolic conditioning (cardio) the workouts are adjusted to each fitness level.
“In CrossFit we like to use the phrase, ‘CrossFit is constantly varied, functional movements, executed at high intensity,’” she explains.
“Our athletes don’t know their workout of the day until they come into the gym. We only use functional movements in our workouts movements that you would see in your daily activity outside the gym,” Umeda adds. “Lastly, we add a time domain to the workout, which adds to the intensity we train the entire body, not specific parts.”
CrossFit 808 offers six hourlong classes Monday through Friday and two Saturday classes run by four certified coaches, including Umeda, who are all skilled CrossFitters. Participants can select from three different monthly plans to meet various needs, with monthly membership fees ranging from $85 to $155.
“I played basketball in high school and in college, so when I graduated from Princeton I went on a three month hiatus from any type of workout, besides surfing and running,” Umeda explains.
“Finally I had the guts to try a CrossFit class and after that I never looked back. I love working out again and I am fitter than I was in college I can lift more, run faster and jump higher.”
In fact, at the end of this month Umeda will put her skills to the test, as she competes for the title of “Fittest Female on Earth” at the 2011 CrossFit Games in Los Angeles.
“If you have a dream, never give up on it,” she says. “I know that sounds corny, but there were a lot of people who told me I would not be successful and did not think I could make it. I let those people fuel my drive and instead surrounded myself with those who believed in me and supported me.
“The athletes at our gym all have their own lifechanging story about how CrossFit has made them better.”
For more information on CrossFit 808, visit 808crossfit.com.
A Perfect Place For Pet Lovers
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When Ricky Baker and 17-year-old daughter Casey lost their jobs after the closing of Pet’s Discount in Waikele last month, they took it upon themselves to turn this unfortunate circumstance into a full-fledged opportunity. Within a few days of realizing they would have little income, Ricky and wife Debbie opened the doors to The Pet Hale in Waikele Center (occupying the former Pet’s Discount spot), where Casey now serves as manager and her sister Brandy is learning about the retail business.
“With a lot of hard work and long hours given to us by friends, family and future employees, we succeeded in getting the doors open June 17, and have been able to employ five former Pet’s Discount employees,” Debbie says.
The Pet Hale offers customers a full line of products, such as Taste of the Wild, Natural Balance, Science Diet, Eukanauba, Iams, and Nutro dog and cat foods, crickets, Pretty Bird pet foods, cages, crates, houses, beds and more.
“We also have a wide range of pets to choose from, including puppies, rabbits, Guinea pigs, chameleons, birds, fish, rats, mice and tortoises,” Ricky adds. “We have many pets of our own and love animals it shows.”
Business is off to a good start for the Bakers, as they say The Pet Hale has been well-received by the community. And there is seemingly something for every pet lover here, from higher-end products to more moderately priced items.
“We are owner-operated, so we can provide the flexibility in pricing and product mix by not being a corporately owned business,” Debbie explains. “We enjoy our customers and welcome them to visit, even if it’s just to talk story. We love hearing about our customers’ pets.”
The Pet Hale will continue to add new products and services moving forward, also offering low-cost vaccinations with a local vet clinic, as well as anesthesia, free dental cleanings, puppy training and pet adoptions in the near future. Casey is skilled in nail trimmings as well, and will bathe and clean ears on small-breed dogs.
“It’s rewarding that our customers appreciate us being here,” Ricky states. “And when we can all work together and have fun during the day with our family and staff, that is very rewarding as well.”
Debbie adds: “The challenges are the same as those faced by all small businesses in Hawaii making it through a very tough economy and competing against Mainland-owned ‘big box’ stores. But what we’ve learned is that life is about risks calculated but risks nonetheless,” she says. “If you believe in what you have to offer as a service or product, don’t be afraid to take a chance.”
The Pet Hale is located at 94-877 Lumiaina St. in Waipahu. For more information, call 696-1083 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Also, “like” The Pet Hale on Facebook.
She’s Selling Seashells
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Nakita Chun has turned a treasured pastime into a successful business venture with Beach Barrettes, which she founded this past December, creating and selling one-of-a-kind barrettes at various island boutiques.
“I wanted to make something special using the shells my mom and I have collected my whole life,” Chun says. “I began making these barrettes for my friends for Christmas, and people saw what I was doing and wanted to buy them.
“One day I was at Drift Boutique Hawaii on Waialae Avenue and mentioned it to the owners, and they began carrying the barrettes,” she says.
Each barrette, which Chun creates personally, is designed with love and care. In addition to Drift Boutique Hawaii, her barrettes also are sold at Pualani Kailua, Pualani Honolulu and Therapy in Kahala Mall for $20-$25 apiece.
Noticing that the art of hair accessories like Beach Barrettes was not yet mainstream, Chun, who also is a full-time student at UHManoa and works as a server at Cha Cha Cha Salsaria in Hawaii Kai, took on the task of creating a special niche for her business while showcasing a bit of island flair in her designs.
“The fact that each shell is something special to me and not shells I bought is really important to me,” she says. “Each one (barrette) is unique,” she adds. “No two can really be the same, since each shell and piece of beach glass I use is something I spotted and thought was special during a beach walk or a snorkeling adventure.”
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Chun utilizes various North Shore shells, Hawaii beach glass, freshwater pearls and coral as part of her many creations.
“When actually making the barrettes, I lay out each one before I start gluing anything on to figure out what the general layout is going to be,” Chun explains. “Then I start gluing everything together, and the smaller pieces of beach glass and the pearls come in to tie everything together,” she adds, noting that each barrette takes about an hour to make. “Sometimes I’m brainstorming ideas for weeks at a time.”
For Chun, an important part of being an entrepreneur is the fact that it also allows her to give back to the community. Currently $10 from each barrette sold goes to a nonprofit organization or charity such as the Performing Arts Center of Kapolei. Chun is using the funds raised to help the students represent Hawaii and attend the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, next summer.
For more information, check out the “Beach Barrettes” Facebook page.
Planting A Farm Up On The Roof
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Alan Joaquin is the mastermind behind FarmRoof, a proprietary rooftop farming system that provides social, environmental and economic benefits from soil to sale. As the president and founder, Joaquin has taken the farm-to-table concept from ground to roof. FarmRoof came into fruition in 2008 and over the last two years it has evolved into an ever-expanding business specializing in sustainable rooftop agriculture.
According to Joaquin, rooftop farming is most common in urban areas and promotes small-scale local agriculture.
“A farm roof is a green roof, so it has different layers within it,” Joaquin explains. “The FarmRoof has a waterproof membrane, a protection layer for the roof that’s underneath it, and mulch so that it absorbs storm water, and then of course it has a planting module as well.
“The cool thing about the FarmRoof system is that it’s really light in weight,” he adds. “It can be as light as five pounds per square foot. So what that does is that it allows us to put a farm on virtually any building with a flat roof.”
FarmRoof’s first 600-square-foot commercial-scale farm was recently installed at Sweet Home Waimanalo, a local market/cafe that specializes in serving sustainable food.
“FarmRoof made perfect sense to the owners because it represents everything they stand for: sustainable, fresh, nutritious food,” says Joaquin, who also is a pilot for Hawaiian Airlines. “FarmRoof gives Sweet Home Waimanalo many advantages over its competition as well, and it only took six hours to install. Sweet Home Waimanalo now has a zero food mile environment that really no one in Hawaii has at this time.”
It’s believed that rooftop farms are most economical and efficient when used to grow culinary herbs, gourmet greens and heirloom vegetables. Currently, Sweet Home Waimanalo’s rooftop garden is home to several varieties of red oak leaves, green oak leaves, green leaf lettuces, red leaf lettuces, romaine lettuce, kale, arugula and more.
“What we’re doing here is growing organic gourmet greens and seeing the process from conception to consumption,” Joaquin says. “We’re growing for look, texture, taste and nutritional value - trying to create super foods.
“The organic medium that we use has been supplemented with 70 different minerals, elements, micronutrients, omegas and micro-organisms that help to facilitate the uptake of all these nutrients. We’re trying to grow food that is ultra healthy. We’re farmers who get hired by our customer to start a farm on their roof. We grow everything for them, harvest it and sell to them at an agreed-upon price. We design, build and operate the farm, and work with the business and grow what they choose. It’s a team-oriented approach, and we really have a vested interest in their business.”
For more information on FarmRoof, visit farmroof.com or call 396-9454.
A Simple, Fun Stylish Boutique
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In the summer of 2006, friends Kimberly Chung and Mari Nakanishi joked about starting their own business if they didn’t find careers they loved by age 25. Now, five years later, they’re busy as the owners and founders of Beloved Boutique.
“Our business is a boutique that caters to college and young, working professional women,” Chung says. “We think the style we offer can be described in three words: simple, fun and stylish. We like that many of our items are versatile so they can be dressed up or down, and customers can make them their own.”
Beloved Boutique is temporarily located at UH Manoa Campus Center and is open once a week (usu-ally Wednesdays or Thursdays) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the duration of the summer. Chung and Nakanishi say they plan to host private events as soon as they find a permanent home for their business by the end of the year.
Chung graduated from the University of California at San Diego with a degree in biology, while Nakanishi earned a degree in business management from UHManoa. Together they occasionally travel to Los Angeles to seek out merchandise, which consists mainly of apparel ($30-$45), handbags ($34-$58) and accessories ($14-$23).
“While it (opening a boutique) was something we always thought would be a dream job, we never knew we’d really be embarking on this journey,” Nakanishi says. “It’s been so positive so far, and we are so excited about the future for Beloved Boutique.”
Chung adds, “The whole experience in itself has been pretty challenging because we’ve never done something like this before. We are learning so much along the way, but it’s definitely rewarding when we receive such positive feedback from our customers.
“Getting to wake up and do what we love every day is another added bonus.”
For more information on Beloved Boutique, visit belovedboutiquehawaii.com , or find it on Facebook and follow it on Twitter @beLOVEDhi.
Accessories For Summer Stylin’
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Summer is here, so, girls, it’s time to pull out those bikinis and maxi dresses from your closets and get ready for some fun in the sun. And we all know that an outfit is not complete without some fabulous accessories to match.
Enter Marylea Conrad, designer and owner of [ki·ele]. [ki·ele] launched in 2008 and offers fashionistas an array of jewelry, including handmade, hammered sterling silver and 14-karat gold-filled earrings, necklaces, rings, bangles and anklets that are perfect for summer.
“Toward the end of my university year in Sydney (Australia), I started to make jewelry as a side hobby,” Conrad says.
“Coupled with this new passion, I had always (and still do) had a love for the beach since growing up around the beaches in Sydney,” she adds. “I had a collection of shells that I collected from the beaches back home and here in Hawaii - I knew I wanted to make some beautiful jewelry with them one day.”
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[ki·ele] is named after Conrad’s youngest daughter, and means “fragrant blossom or gardenia.” According to Conrad, her business is all about delivering high-quality, reasonably priced, chic beach jewelry to her customers.
Conrad designs and creates all of her jewelry masterpieces by hand with prices ranging from $35 to $120 apiece. [ki·ele] designs are available for purchase at Fighting Eel, Nohea Gallery (Ward Warehouse, Moana Surfrider and Sheraton Waikiki) and Red Bamboo in Kailua. For the online shopper, ki-ele.com can meet all of your jewelry needs.
“I always do my very best to work with the jewelry from the inception of the idea to the finished product,” Conrad explains, noting, “being a perfectionist, I feel I present a quality product that is in line with my brand.
“This is not to say that other brands don’t offer this, but good quality, excellent customer service and creativity are elements I like to do my best to focus on.”
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Conrad hopes to expand her business beyond Oahu in the coming years, opening locations in the Neighbor Islands and on the U.S. mainland.
“It’s cliché, but my job is absolutely rewarding - I’m getting paid to do what I am so passionate about,” she says. “I really enjoy working with individuals, especially on custom orders, and designing ideas with them to help reach an idea that they like.”
For more information on [ki·ele] designs, visit kiele.com or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Local Plate Lunch At Heeia Pier
“Buy from the backyard first,” is what Russ Inouye, president of Heeia Pier General Store & Deli, is trying to promote through the new business endeavor he took on in April, offering local cuisine such as teri beef, guava chicken and hamburger steak.
“Just like the Hawaiians did in their ahupuaa, we get our fresh fish from the local fisherman, kalo for our Kalo Mac Salad is from Waiahole, our luau leaf is from Kahaluu and our burger buns are from Kaneohe Bakery,” says Inouye, who also oversees his own entertainment business, VJ Entertainment, and previously headed up V-Lounge.
“We soon will be getting some treats from Pae Pae O Heeia Fish Pond,” he adds. “We know we have to be price competitive with our surroundings, and we are trying our best to keep it local.”
Located at the end of the Heeia Kea Pier Small Boat Harbor in Kaneohe (46-499 Kamehameha Hwy.), Heeia Pier General Store & Deli offers local plate lunches cooked up by chef and business partner Mark Noguchi. You’ll also find all your other local favorites such as burgers, fries, saimin and a sampling of breakfast items including meats, local eggs and rice. Prices range from $5 to $12.
“Mark also serves up different salads, like tofu water-cress tomato salad. If fresh fish comes in, then we also offer Oio Fishcake Loco Moco, Ahi BLT, fried weke,” Inouye says. “Each day we try to do a ‘special,’ and some of the sellout favorites have been luau stew, pork adobo, braised pork katsu and beef stew.”
Inouye’s mission for the waterfront eatery goes way beyond satisfying people’s appetites.
“I think we are just really trying to make this place community owned and loved once again. By that I mean focusing on food and eventually ocean education, and having families take pride and ownership for their pier,” he explains, noting that VJ Entertainment’s biggest and most recent annual event is the Hawaii Ocean Expo.
“I now know what I am passionate about: the ocean and my community. It’s what I love and where I grew up, and where my kids will grow up.”
In the near future, Inouye hopes to offer shave ice, and also is on the lookout for a catering facility to accommodate big parties.
“With Heeia Pier I’m closer to home,” Inouye explains. “I am even better situated now with the ocean to really tie the Hawaii Ocean Expo together with the pier on a daily basis. And I can be a part of making yummy food with extra aloha for my home-town and community that I am proud to say I am a part of.”
Heeia Pier General Store & Deli is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Go to heeiapier.com or look for it on Facebook and Twitter.
Life’s A Cakewalk For Young Baker
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It’s a sweet, sweet life for local girl Kristin Kato, owner and cake artist for A Cake Life. Kato opened her award-winning cake shop in July 2009 with the belief that “there’s no life like a cake life!”
Kato, 26, specializes in creating customized cakes for any occasion, including birthdays, bridal or baby showers, corporate events and special parties.
“‘Less is more’ is our approach to designs,” says the 2002 Roosevelt High grad, who graduated from the University of Oregon in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. “We believe simple elegance accented with touches of details really showcases the special elements of your wedding cake.
“We love drawing inspiration for a cake design from the details of each couple’s wedding - whether it be a piece of lace or pleating from a wedding dress, the invitations or overall theme of the wedding - the possibilities are endless.”
A Cake Life currently serves as a cake vendor for The Wedding Cafe as well as Oasis World Estates, Sunset Ranch and The Waterfront at Aloha Tower. Kato says all cakes are custom ordered, and customers can select from traditional tiered cakes, cup-cakes, cupcake wedding cakes and sculpted cakes. Each cake is quoted individually based on size and intricacy of design.
Kato designs each cake from start to finish and works with each client from the initial cake consultation to setup of the cake at the event.
“We take the time to sit down and walk you through the design process, and discuss different options for creating your custom cake,” she explains. “Because each cake is so customized and detailed, we limit our orders to allow us to give each cake the attention it deserves.
“We often work with destination couples coming from across the U.S. Mainland, Australia, Canada and throughout Asia, and will schedule phone conferences ... or even Skype or video conference,” she adds.
“I got into this job knowing that, as a business owner, I would be working harder than I ever have before,” Kato says. “I made a commitment to make a name for myself and take a chance.”
For more information on A Cake Life, visit acakelife.com, or find it on Facebook (A Cake Life) or Twitter (@acakelife).
Giving History A Modern Look
FITTED was founded in 2005 by ex-pro-skater Rene Matthyssen and former Tori Richard designer Keola Nakaahiki Rapozo, and together they’ve taken what started as a simple hat brand and expanded it into a full-fledged clothing company that now produces T-shirts, accessories, outerwear and more.
“We all have very eclectic backgrounds and all bring different ideas to the table,” Rapozo says of his team. “One thing we all have in common is a strong sense of educating ourselves on history and culture. Through lots of digging, we unearth lots of lost history and try to educate through our product.
“What we do well is execute graphics and themes that have a direct connection with modern and cultural lifestyle and translate them through our merchandise,” he adds.
Rapozo graduated from Honolulu Community College in 2000 with a background in fashion technology, later obtaining an internship in the art department at Tori Richard. It was there that he says he acquired the knowledge necessary to operate a successful clothing company.
“The idea for FITTED came about from the lack of quality headwear and quality brands that represent the lifestyle we live in the islands,” Rapozo explains. “What’s gratifying is being able to work with my team and being able to be sufficient.
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“We all have a lot of kuleana because we’re a small business and every day it’s up to us to succeed, but it’s been a great ride so far - we are blessed to have amazing customers who stand in line waiting for releases,” he says. “It’s the most humbling experience to be able to create something and have a response like that. I love our supporters.”
Most recently, FITTED also added sizes and styles specifically geared toward women and children to its already established men’s line.
According to Rapozo, it’s the company’s mission to teach Hawaii’s youths the importance of embracing culture and history through its products.
“What I would say is a great character trait about FITTED and our team is that we are constantly thirsty for knowledge, discovering something new to us and sharing it with our community is an amazing feeling,” Rapozo states, adding, “knowledge, wisdom and understanding constantly keeps us inspired and elevated.”
FITTED is located at 1438 Kona St., across from Ala Moana Center and its merchandise also is available online. For more information, visit fittedhawaii.com or call 942-3100.
Planning A Super Sale
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Ever since she can remember, Nancy Cheung has possessed an entrepreneurial spirit and drive. At 18 she started her own jewelry business, Rainbow Jade and Gemstones, after assisting in her uncle’s jewelry business. Today, Cheung also is founder of Hawaii Projects, a new business organizing events in Hawaii.
“I established Hawaii Projects in 2010 to be able to implement my current and future business ideas,”
says Cheung, a 2005 graduate of Sacred Hearts Academy. “Our first project is the organization of Hawaii’s largest shopping event - Hawaii’s Super Sale Event. It will be a new and exciting three-day shopping event where shoppers can expect to get the best deals on a large selection of quality products and services,” she explains.
It’s scheduled Aug. 12 to 14 at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Cheung currently has 50 participating vendors and is in the process of looking for more. According to Cheung, Hawaii Projects is interested in vendors who sell quality products, offer quality services, or sell quality food.
“As a sales event, we want to offer our shoppers a large variety of quality products and services, not limited to a certain industry. We also accept craft vendors and companies from the Mainland,” she says, adding that the deadline to register as a vendor is June 15.
“This past year, I realized that visitors do not spend money as easily as before the economic downturn. My strategy to overcome this issue is to offer my shoppers quality products at a great deal with exceptional customer service,” she says. “What I would like to achieve from our event is to get shoppers great deals so that they won’t have to wait until Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving where thousands of shoppers stand in line at 3 a.m.”
Oceanic Time Warner Cable and Vacations Hawaii are title sponsors for Hawaii’s Super Sale Event, yet Cheung admits that her biggest challenge is getting additional vendors to trust Hawaii Projects, as this is a new event.
“I don’t blame the vendors because I understand their concerns, but we need them to understand that we have great sponsors to help us and we have an $80,000 print and radio budget plus another $30,000 television marketing campaign from Oceanic Time Warner Cable,” she states. “If everyone would not trust a new business, there would be no new businesses. I believe that a $110,000 marketing budget and eight Las Vegas vacation packages should attract a large number of visitors.”
Having recently earned her degree in business and a minor in fashion merchandising from UH- Manoa, Cheung is happy to utilize her knowledge and experience in the working world. Also, being a small business owner herself, she’s quick to realize that the current economic situation can be hard on small businesses, so she’s well aware that as a business owner she must be innovative and flexible.
“My goal for Hawaii’s Super Sale is to establish a semi-annual event where thousands of shoppers come to get the best deals,” Cheung says.
For more information on Hawaii Projects LLC and Hawaii Super Sale event or to become a vendor, visit SuperSaleHawaii.com or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
A Chocoholic’s Dream Come True
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Nathan Sato, like many of us, is a self-proclaimed chocoholic. Unlike most folks, though, he turned his love of chocolate into a business.
Thus was born Malie Kai Chocolates in September 2004.
Today Sato’s main focus is producing pure Hawaiian chocolate that attracts those with a sweet tooth - both locals and tourists.
“I decided I would start a business making chocolates that have a strong Hawaiian identity,” says Sato.
“We want people to experience the unique taste of Hawaiian chocolate. All of our chocolate bars and our soon-to-be-released gift boxes feature Hawaii-grown chocolate made from cacao grown on Oahu’s North Shore. We are growing world-class chocolates.”
Malie Kai Chocolates currently offers seven different chocolate bars: dark, milk, dark/milk, dark nibby, milk nibby, Kona Espresso and Kona Cappuccino. According to Sato, the bars cost between $4.50 and $6 each, and are available at R. Field (gourmet section of Foodland), Whole Foods, Dole Plantation, North Shore Soap Factory, Island Vintage Coffee, Tamura’s, Coco Cove and other gift boutiques in Waikiki.
“Currently, the chocolate we use is grown here on Oahu, but it is actually made on the Mainland,” Sato explains, adding, “this is because we do not have a cacao processing facility here on Oahu yet, but it is coming. I’m hoping that in one to two years, we will be able to make the chocolate here from bean to bar.”
In the next month or so Malie Kai Chocolates plans to release two new gift box sets- four-piece and 12-piece - of its popular North Shore chocolates. Sato says it’s his love of learning and creating new products, packaging and sales strategies that push him toward success.
“Without a doubt, Hawaii-grown cacao-chocolate is going to be huge for the state,” he says. “I would liken the island’s cacao industry to the wine industry in Napa Valley 50 years ago - the potential is enormous.
“Few agricultural products have the cachet that chocolate does, and we are in the unique position of being the only state in the nation that can grow chocolate,” Sato adds. “I believe in a few years we will see a new category of visitor to Hawaii - people whose sole reason for coming is to tour a cacao farm. Ag-tourism may be where the profit really resides for the cacao farmer.”
For more information on Malie Kai Chocolates, visit maliekai.com.
Providing The True Island Look
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Ralph Malani’s resume is extensive. He works as a stylist at Salon 808 three days a week and also serves as a wardrobe stylist for local and Mainland celebrities.
Malani has styled hair for premier models in the fashion industry at New York and Los Angeles fashion weeks, and has worked with several big-name Hollywood celebrities at that, including Rihanna and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. So, it’s only proper that he add owner of Hawaii Polynesian Model and Talent to that resume.
Malani founded the agency in August 2008, representing Polynesians of all ages and sizes, and since the agency’s inception Malani says his talent has been featured in every movie and television show that has been shot in the Islands.
“We offer the true island look that is unique to the Polynesian islands,” says Malani, who has been working as a stylist for 20 years. “We represent not only models, but dancers, musicians, costume makers, location scouters, hair/makeup and art directors. We always use local businesses and people first and try to keep as much money here in Hawaii as possible.
“Local casting directors have called me for local people for background and speaking parts in shows and movies like Soul Surfer, Battleship, The Descendants and Journey to the Mysterious Island,” he adds. “We also were hired to help coordinate the half-time show at this year’s Pro Bowl.”
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Hawaii Polynesian Model and Talent strives to showcase Polynesians not only for their beauty, but for their talent as well. Malani says his main objective is to create a sense of pride in young Polynesian people, while encouraging them to embrace their rich heritage and culture.
“The phone never stops ringing, and Hollywood is calling for these beautiful island men and women,” Malani says, adding, “I want to take these young people and make stars out of them and show the world that we are true exotic beauties.
“We hope that our events will continue to grow and share our culture with an even bigger audience, and that our young people will go back into their communities and be positive role models and leaders for our people,” Malani says, noting that he and his partner Cliff Duldulao created and produced the first-ever Mr. and Miss Polynesia Pacific Pageant last year.
“Every time I book someone and I see them smile, it makes all the hard work worthwhile,” Malani says. “The challenge is to break industry standards on what size models should be - I represent some of the most beautiful women and men in the world and they’re not a size zero.”
For more information on Hawaii Polynesian Model and Talent, visit hawaiipolynesianmodels.com.
Empowering With Pilates
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There’s a calm and graceful demeanor exuding from Jaydene Sniffen, owner and founder of Pilates Advantage LLC and Gyrotonic Honolulu, whose mission is to help individuals, at any age or stage of fitness, empower themselves and live from an inspired place, so that they too can empower and inspire others.
Pilates Advantage LLC and Gyrotonic Honolulu recently opened its doors in a new location last month in Kaimuki Plaza (3465 Waialae Ave., Suite 101), where Sniffen and her team of certified Pilates instructors teach the art and science of clinical Pilates applications and take part in corrective conditioning for strong backs and joints, as well as athlete game refinement.
“Pilates was something that I really took to because it made a really big difference in myself, and I discovered that when I’m able to balance out the musculature in my body, it’s also very beneficial to joint alignment,” says Sniffen, who has been exploring her passion for Pilates for the past 17 years.
“Now we have a much larger facility and the two cornerstones of this organization are reaching the next generation and connecting to the community in as many ways as possible.
“One of our core programs is our Cardio for a Cause.
We donate to the Hawaii Foodbank to feed a child for a week every time a client has done 15 minutes or more of cardio here before or after seven classes,” Sniffen says. “As they improve their health, clients are improving the health of a child in our community and showing them others care. But more importantly, the kids and teens coming in see that they each have the power to reach out and improve the lives of others.”
Pilates Advantage offers group, duet and private Pilates instruction which Sniffen describes as a form of exercise and conditioning that connects the mind and the body through neuro-muscular repatterning.
“You connect with the deepest muscles in your core, and Pilates targets these muscles in every movement,” Sniffen explains. “We connect the upper body movements and lower body movements to the core, look at faulty movement patterns, and then start to repattern the way the body actually moves - it’s very functional.
“Therefore, whatever activities you have going on throughout the day, you’ll be able to do it with much more strength and better joint alignment - which means much less wear and tear on the body. Also, with this inner focus, you have much better concentration,” she adds, noting that Pilates is great for stress management and relaxation.
“In addition, gyrotonic is a totally unique system based on yoga, tai chi, swimming, gymnastics and dance - where the movements are very fluid. We’re able to work the core, but also balance the energy in the body while simultaneously stretching and strengthening its musculature, so in essence the body is more resilient and in better shape,” Sniffen says.
Hourlong class sessions cost $15 and up. Pilates Advantage LLC and Gyrotonic Honolulu is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information or to schedule classes, visit pilatesadvantagehawaii.com or call 735-3533.
Zionic Watch Does More Than Tell Time
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Time is of the essence for Shaun Harada and Gavin Shibuya, owners of Zionic LLC. Together, they brought a unique brand of sporty, silicone watches to the islands in September 2010. The perfect waterman’s watch, Zionic is ideal for any swimmer, surfer, paddler and fisherman and anyone in between, as the watches are water-resistant to 99 feet or three atmospheres.
“We had a business meeting and saw a couple wearing a cool, sporty watch that was similar to what Zionic watches are,” says Harada, who along with Shibuya also owns G&S Shutter Designs, a plantation shutter business.
“We tracked the watch down and began to research, noticing that there wasn’t a prominent Hawaii business selling this type of product,” he adds, noting that these watches are recommended for everyone ranging from small children who are learning to tell time, to fashion savvy teens who are looking for some spunk in their wardrobe, active young adults who are always on the go, and others who are tired of wearing bulky watches that weigh them down.
According to Harada, Zionic watches come in a variety of colors and sizes, incorporating basic time and date displays. These durable watches are unique in that they incorporate negative-ion technology through the use of two natural minerals, germanium and tourmaline, which are beneficial to your well-being.
“These two minerals emit negative ions which help to balance out the positive ions that our bodies naturally produce,” Harada explains.
And it seems as though many are gravitating toward this timeless trend, as Harada and Shibuya have high hopes for their business.
“Business has been great! Being that we just came out a little more than six months ago, we have made a small name for ourselves and grasped the attention of a decent amount of people,” Harada attests, adding that Zionic LLC has sold approximately 18,000 watches nationally and is excited to have new lines of watches coming out within the next couple of months.
“We are energized to keep growing as there is always room for improvement. I can envision Zionic LLC becoming Hawaii’s prominent watch business,” Harada states. “Our hopes are to captivate Hawaii’s market and eventually move across the Pacific generating business throughout the Mainland U.S.”
Zionic watches are available for $18 at 25 retailers statewide, including T&C Surf, Bamboo Sky, Hanapaa Fishing Company, Red Ginger Cafe & Gift Shop and more. They also can be purchased online at ZionicHawaii.com for $16.95 (plus shipping).
For more information, visit ZionicHawaii.com.
Digging Candy’s Volleyball Supply
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Candy’s Volleyball Supply has you “served” when it comes to everything volleyball. Owner Candy Wong-Aki started this one-stop shop under one roof after finding it difficult to find volleyball gear for her own children. Today, she caters to all volleyball fanatics, whether they’re part of various schools, clubs, youth programs or the military.
“When my children started playing volleyball, I had to basically order gear online,” Aki says. “It was hard because you didn’t get to try it on, feel it, look at it or touch it. Also, shipping to Hawaii is very expensive.
“As the sport of volleyball became more popular, I knew there would be a growing need for volleyball gear. It’s been five years and I’m glad I took a chance at this new venture,” she adds.
A place you can really “dig,” Candy’s Volleyball Supply is family owned and operated, and Aki says business has grown simply by word of mouth. Prices vary from $3 for a mini-volleyball to $150 for a pair of shoes. It’s Aki’s goal to provide customers with the best prices and products possible.
“All customers are important and receive personal service that you won’t be able to find online or at a large department store,” says Aki, who has 25 years’ experience working in retail. “People are so happy when they come here and find everything they need - shoes, kneepads, ankle braces, tights, bags and volleyballs, to name a few.”
Interest has definitely “spiked.”
“Everyone I speak with tells me either their coach or friends highly recommended them to come here, knowing that they will be given the best service,” Aki adds.
Team discounts also are available, and Aki and her staff have built many lasting relationships with loyal customers since the store’s inception.
This entrepreneur plans to stay in business for as long as there is a need for volleyball gear.
“Being a one-sport shop, I haven’t given much thought to expand or open other shops,” Aki says, not that she’s “blocking” the idea.
“There are so many talented players from Hawaii receiving volleyball scholarships - I can definitely see why this is a growing sport.”
Candy’s Volleyball Supply is located at 210 Iolani Ave., No. 2. Store hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, call 546-1988 or check out Candy’s Volleyball Supply on Facebook.
Lisa’s Safe, Happy Little Lambs
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Lisa Ann Dumovich has been a professional nanny for more than 10 years, and recently took it upon herself to add entrepreneur to her resume. Enter Lisa’s Little Lambs, a childcare business that she started out of her Honolulu home just last month. Dumovich caters to busy parents, working moms and single dads who need assistance caring for their infants and toddlers.
“My most recent position was as a nanny and assistant for a family in their home. I handled all their household chores, took care of their pets, four children and ran errands,” Dumovich recalls. “In the meantime, I was getting asked by other families to help watch their children - so this business was a natural progression to allow me to offer my services to more than one family at a time.”
This “supernanny” remains dedicated to helping children learn to grow, communicate, problem solve and become aware of their actions in a safe, gentle and effective environment. Dumovich also believes all parents need to feel confident that their child’s caregiver will provide close supervision and positive guidance for their little ones.
“Lisa’s Little Lambs is unique in that I cater to a very small clientele, giving personalized one-on-one attention,” says Dumovich, who is Red Cross certified in child and toddler CPR and first aid.
“Some of my clients have shared stories with me of what they’ve experienced interviewing other daycare providers. Often, they’ve seen multiple babies left in car seats propped in front of a television set. My home does not have a television and I pride myself on having engaging, stimulating activities. It is this reason I limit my clients to only two to three to ensure private, quality care. It’s like having a personal nanny,” she adds.
Dumovich’s childcare services cost $995 per month for full-time care, and she is now offering a special rate of $895 for new clients for the initial month of service. She says she provides individualized, quality care to her clients and will even send parents frequent play-by-play updates via photo-text of what new adventures their keiki are up to.
“What I find most rewarding is nurturing the development of young children and knowing that I am making a difference in a child’s life,” Dumovich says.
For more information on Lisa’s Little Lambs, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Promoting The Bad Boys, Girls
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Hesham Metwally, owner and agent of Outlaw Agency, breaks the mold when it comes to your typical talent agency. Located in the heart of Chinatown, Outlaw Agency has made a name for itself by offering professional services to Hawaii’s rapidly growing production industry.
“It was about two years ago when I realized that Hawaii needed an agency with the bad boys, bad girls and unique-looking characters for the industry, since most agencies out here are all about the pretty boys and girls,” says Metwally, who started off as a photographer and now also works on the set of Hawaii Five-0 as an electrician.
“I started out by shooting my friends with tattoos and dreads, and actually got a friend on a local commercial, and I was like, ‘Yes, this is going to work.’ Later, Pirates came and I had a chance to meet up with the casting director and she loved a few of our characters.”
With a growing number of clients ranging from children (“Young Guns”) to adults (“Suspects”), Outlaw Agency has already booked many for local commercials, hit TV shows and movies, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Broke, Mystery Island, Off the Map and Hawaii Five-0, among others.
“I remember getting the first call from Hawaii Five-0 - they needed some ‘thugs’ to play prisoners, so they cast clients with tattoos,” Metwally recalls. “I was excited and they actually booked 18 guys one day for a jail scene, and from there it just keeps getting better.”
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Although the name Outlaw Agency may seem threatening to some, Metwally, who was born and raised in Alexandria, Egypt, before eventually relocating to Hawaii, says all his clients are honest outlaws for hire, all having gone through personal screenings.
“We do not want crazy people going on set and doing crazy things to give us a bad name. We might look crazy, but we are actually the nicest in the business,” he says.
“The No. 1 reward is seeing our clients on the big screen, whether it’s a commercial, TV show or movie. I can’t wait to see Pirates when it comes out.”
Metwally hopes to witness growth in the agency in the near future, and says he’s always on the lookout for possible clients with unique looks and great attitudes, with the goal to bring more diversity to the industry.
For more information on Outlaw Agency, visit outlawagency.com, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 345-8930.
Behind The Scenes In Fashion World
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Fashionistas and beauty gurus take notice. Leilani Bush, executive director of Dollhouse Promotions, is bringing the ultimate event to the islands.
The Hawaii Fashion and Beauty Expo is set to run this weekend at Neal Blaisdell Center. Attendees will have the chance to take a peek into Hawaii’s diverse world of fashion and beauty.
“The public is going to get much more than just an ordinary expo,” says Bush, who came up with the idea and concept for the event five years ago. “I have a vision of New York and L.A. meet Hawaii. Times have changed drastically here in the Islands, and the fashion industry has completely taken over and grown into something that our market has just begun to grasp on a larger scale.
“I started my own business where event planning was a major part of what I produced, and working behind the scenes was what I knew best,” she adds.
Approximately 65 vendors will participate, including various boutiques, spas, salons, accessory lines and other makeup and fitness vendors, to name a few. Bath and Body Works also will take part in the expo prior to launching its grand opening at Ala Moana Center later this year.
“My primary goal for the expo is to expose the community to what our industry is all about,” says the Kailua High graduate. “I want to give the attendees a place where they can shop under one roof and find companies that aren’t found at your typical mall. They also will see how production works within our fashion design and modeling world, and get the latest information from top leading professionals in the industry.”
Bush asked Juliet Lighter to serve as marketing director for the expo, as well as celebrity makeup artist and event director Mark Quirimit.
“And Andy South is an extraordinary designer with such a creative talent that his work will definitely be worn worldwide,” Bush explains.
The expo happens Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $7; free for children age 5 and under. A portion of the proceeds will benefit nonprofit organizations Women Speaking Out and Kids Hurt Too. For more information, visit hawaiifashionandbeautyexpo.com or call 372-8283.
It’s Always Tea Time At Puck’s Alley
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If coffee isn’t exactly your cup of tea, then you just may find what you’re looking for at The Tea Farm Cafe. Conveniently located at 2600 S. King St. in Puck’s Alley, this recently opened chic and modern tea house offers 50 types of tea, including green, black, white, oolong, herbal and floral teas.
Owner Ervin Gong opened the doors to The Tea Farm Cafe just last month and says operating a tea house has always been a personal aspiration of his.
“After graduating from college, I spent a lot of time in Beijing,” says Gong, who graduated from the University of Hawaii with a degree in finance. “Starbucks wasn’t as abundant in Beijing back then, so I went to all the tea houses instead. These tea houses inspired me to sell tea online, and I’ve always wanted to have a cafe or a tea house, so now I can say that I’ve finally fulfilled that dream.”
According to Gong, all teas available at the cafe are imported from across the globe, specifically from countries such as Japan, China, India, South Africa, Egypt, Taiwan and Sri Lanka. The herbal tea Hazelnut Honey Bush is from South Africa and has proven to be a top-seller.
“It has a nice hazelnut flavor and everyone loves it,” Gong says. “Also being that it’s herbal, those who aren’t fans of caffeine like it too.
“Other loose teas such as the Jasmine Dragon Pearl is also popular among locals,” he states. “This green tea is nicely rolled up into a ball with a fragrant jasmine flavor, once you put it in water it opens up and makes for a delicious tea.”
All teas are served hot or cold by the cup for $2.75, by the pot for $5, and loose tea is sold by the jar for $10 to $20, depending on the weight.
Gong welcomes all customers to sit back, relax and enjoy a cup of tea. Free WiFi is available with any purchase, and there’s a bookshelf with a variety of books to choose from.
“Customers are welcome to take any book from the shelf as long as they replace it with another book.”
Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., The Tea Farm Cafe also serves up sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads, breakfast items, desserts and, most importantly, chocolates.
“A friend of mine makes homemade chocolates made with tea - Earl Grey Chocolate Truffles, Green Tea White Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Krispies,” Gong explains, adding, “The cheesecake and tiramisu are very popular, too.”
For more information on The Tea Farm Cafe, call 945-2679 or visit Theteafarm.com/cafe. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Maui Divers’ Renovations
As Hawaii’s largest jewelry retailer and manufacturer, Maui Divers Jewelry has been serving the people of Hawaii for decades. Yet it wasn’t always the jewelry that had customers making their way to the first Maui Divers shop founded in 1958 in Lahaina.
Bob Taylor, president and CEO of Maui Divers Jewelry, says the business was initially a dive shop, filling scuba tanks, selling equipment and providing tours. Then in 1959, a diving expedition in the deep waters off the Molokai Channel led to something more. Divers discovered one of the ocean’s finest treasures, black coral.
“Intrigued by the beauty of this rare ocean treasure, Maui Divers’ partners established a company to design, manufacture and sell Hawaiian black coral jewelry,” Taylor say. “There is really only one place in Hawaii where visitors and residents alike can witness the magic of jewelry design from start to finish, and that is at the Maui Divers Jewelry Design Center.”
Since opening its doors in 1988, the Design Center has welcomed more than 3.6 million visitors, and most recently has undergone a face lift. According to Taylor, the $500,000 in renovations include the creation of a new educational video, a historical display, new jewelry production equipment and more.
“The upgrades came at a great time, especially with Hawaii experiencing an upswing in the overall tourism market,” Taylor says. “The experience has always been highly rated by our visitors.”
Upon setting foot in the Design Center, visitors are led on a tour through the new and improved gallery before being taken on a guided tour of the design facility, where, Taylor says, virtually every piece of Maui Divers Jewelry is designed and manufactured.
“Where the tour ends, another adventure begins - a multi-level shopper’s paradise with more than 7,000 designs of the company’s extensive lines of island-style jewelry, including pearls, gemstones, gold Hawaiiana charms, Hawaiian heirloom and precious corals,” he states.
The company currently owns and operates 56 concept locations - Maui Divers Jewelry, Island Pearls, Pick-A-Pearl and Maui Divers Jewelry Luxury Collection - throughout Hawaii, California and Guam. And with 530 committed members all part of the Maui Divers ohana, Taylor and his team have high hopes for the future.
“We see further expansion opportunities in Hawaii, and we also plan to expand on the U.S. Mainland and in Asia,” Taylor says. “Our hopes and aspirations are to continue to be the largest jewelry retailer and manufacturer in Hawaii and one of the largest travel jewelry retailers in the world.”
For more information on Maui Divers Jewelry, call toll free (800) 253-6016, direct at 943-8304, or visit www.mauidivers.com. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Brewing A Nutty, Island-style Ale
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Kona Brewing Company is committed to producing and marketing some of the best handcrafted ales and lagers our island has to offer, and it most recently announced the launch of its Koko Brown Ale. Brewed with toasted coconut for a nutty aroma and flavor, this latest brew is now available at restaurants and retail establishments through May 1.
“Koko Brown Ale is an island-style brown ale that boasts roasted malt, caramel and chocolate aromas and flavors, balanced by modest hop bitterness,” says Mattson Davis, president of Kona Brewing Company.
“More than 100 pounds of coconut is added to each batch of beer, giving this unique beer a complex, nutty favor. Koko Brown pairs well with spicy curries, coconut rice, caramelized meats, aged cheeses, barbecue and chocolate-dipped macaroons,” he adds.
As the third brew in the company’s Aloha Series, Koko Brown joins Wailua Wheat and Pipeline Porter in the seasonal lineup.
Kona Brewing Company traces its roots back to Kailua, Kona, where it’s headquartered and employs approximately 170 individuals at its brewery and restaurants. However, all brews are easily accessible, as its beers are available in bottles and on draft across the state (visit KonaBrewingCo.com for locations).
“Kona Brewing Company utilizes fresh, local ingredients in many of its beers, giving a unique flavor profile,” Davis explains. “We brew a beer for every palate, from the lightest Duke’s Blonde Ale to the almost black Da Grind Buzz Kona Coffee Imperial Stout and everything in between!”
According to Davis, there are many rewards that come with working for a top-notch brewery, such as watching guests as they sip a special brew and seeing their faces light up with pleasure; keeping in touch with the community by being integrally involved with numerous events; and reading positive feedback on our beers through our Facebook page, customer comments and letters.
Dedicated to its community, Kona Brewing Company sponsors a variety of standup paddle competitions, including the Molokai 2 Oahu World Championship Paddle Board Race, Battle of the Paddle and Maui Jim Surf Monkey, to name a few.
“Kona Brewing Company always strives for leadership in everything that it does, and serves the needs of its customers, suppliers and shareholders with skill and positive motivation,” Davis says.
“The company respects the effects of alcohol and stands for the consumption of quality in moderation.”
Easing The Stress Of Fundraising
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Fundraising can sometimes be a grueling task, but parents Rod Suzumoto, Yukio Yukawa and Cristy Louden-Agres have made it easy with Kala Kokua LLC - a fundraising program that they say can help make the most amount of money, with the least amount of work.
“Our fundraising programs are catered to any group or organization that needs to raise funds,” Suzumoto says of the program, which started in 2005. “Our events can be large or small, and our goal is to provide consistent and sincere customer service with quality products.”
Kala Kokua unveiled its initial fundraising product as fully cooked, smoked turkey drumsticks, like those sold at most amusement parks, which proved to be a hit among customers. Today, Kala Kokua provides a variety of quality products from H&W Foods (May’s), including kalua pork, fully cooked boneless teriyaki chicken, fully cooked smoked turkey drumsticks and Hawaiian Warrior Pork Jerky Classic. In addition, Redondo’s supplies Kala Kokua with its “Ono King Size” Portuguese sausages and Hawaii Food Products Inc. supplies Pau Hana Packs and fully cooked pastele.
A recently released fundraising item, the Pau Hana Pack, features local Hawaiian favorites, such as traditional style pork lau lau with butterfish, kalua pork and Portuguese sausage. Suzumoto believes the Pau Hana Pack will be a popular item in care packages shipped to college students and local residents living on the Mainland.
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“Our goal is to provide a ‘win-win’situation for everyone involved in a fundraising event,” Suzumoto says. “Our products are designed to benefit the buyer of the fundraising product with a larger portion and tasty product to make their $10 purchase a good value while supporting the organization.
“Groups and organizations sell our Kala Kokua 18-ounce Kalua Pork, 18-ounce Boneless Teriyaki Chicken and Pau Hana Pack for $10, and their profit is $3.50. They also sell our Redondo’s Ono King Size Portuguese Sausage for $10 and their profit is $4,” he adds.
Kala Kokua LLC provides personalized service for schools and organizations by attending meetings to answer any questions and provide product samples. According to Suzumoto, they focus on providing products that can be served as a quick and easy meal for a small family.
“We select food items that are local favorites, and provide large serving sizes for a good value for the buyer,” Suzumoto explains. “If we can satisfy the buyer, they will support future fundraising programs to help schools and organizations raise funds year after year. Our fundraising event is easy and requires minimum amount of labor, which parents truly appreciate.”
For more information on Kala Kokua LLC, visit kalakokua.com or find Kala Kokua on Facebook.
Hong Kong-style Treats At Frostcity
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Stella Tsang, owner of Frostcity, is quick to admit that she has a substantial sweet tooth, and to fulfill the need for sweet treats, she and her family opened a Chinese dessert shop on Beretania Street, (next to Jiffy Lube).
“When I immigrated to Hawaii, one of the things I truly missed from Hong Kong was a dessert place that I could sit down and enjoy the sweet treats that I grew up with,” Tsang says. “I was looking and waiting for 20 years for such a place in Honolulu.”
During that time, Tsang took it upon herself to learn to make desserts. Frostcity now offers a special one called snow ice. With more than 15 flavors to choose from, Tsang says this yummy treat won’t have you on a guilt trip, as it’s made with fresh fruits and is low in sugar.
“Snow ice is as tasty as ice cream and refreshing as shave ice,” she explains. “We use fresh fruits such as cantaloupe, watermelon, pear and mangoes.”
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The lychee snow ice and mango pomelo drink are two of the most requested items on the menu, and with prices ranging from $3.75 to $8, they’re well worth every penny. Frostcity also has Hong Kong Milk Tea available to customers - a tasty alternative to coffee.
Tsang credits her family - husband William, daughter Elizabeth and sons Ernest and Edwin - for their relentless hard work, dedication and support.
“Most of the desserts are fresh and made to order, many of them based on family secrets,” Tsang says. “If you’ve already had a hearty meal and don’t want to go overboard with a heavy dessert, top off your day with a delightful and refreshing dessert at Frostcity.”
Frostcity is located at 2570 Beretania St., Ste. 105. For more information, call 947-3328 or check out Frostcity on Facebook. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
A Private School For City Canines
We’re all familiar with the smash box-office hit and television series Sex and the City. But what about Pets in the City? Brooke Hasegawa took off on this business venture just last month, offering a private school experience for dogs that includes boarding, day care, grooming and more.
“Our schedule for our students is focused around providing a fun, safe and interactive environment for a select group of dogs,” says Hasegawa, a self-proclaimed dog lover. “I always struggled to leave my Frenchie Bully at a facility that was overcrowded and understaffed, where he might not receive the love and attention he is used to at home. Pets in the City offers dog parents a home away from home for their child and a school that is sure to train and tire out even the most active dogs. By collaborating with other knowledgeable members throughout Hawaii’s pet community, we hope that our dogs will be the most pampered and privileged pups on the island.”
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Serenity Pet Massage, Hawaii Doggie Bakery and Sirius Puppy Training with Wendy Mah are a few of many businesses that have contributed to Pets in the City’s private school curriculum.
“We specialize in small breeds, although often the 75-pound Lab has a miniature personality and enjoys the company of a Chihuahua,” says Hasegawa, who also serves as vice president for Progressive Communications LLC.
“We offer private walks four times a day, rubberized flooring to help alleviate strain on canine joints, air conditioning and organic treats. As a result, a dog who requires a specialized level of personal attention is our primary clientele.”
Hasegawa is fully aware of how important it is for dogs to socialize with other animals, which is why Pets in the City offers elaborate dog parties, complete with specialty “pupcakes.” Next up, a Valentine’s Day formal, where they will come dressed to impress.
Most recently, in honor of Chinese New Year, canines couldn’t help but wag their tails in delight after savoring doggie dim sum treats.
“Our parties for pets, high teacher-to-student ratio and private school-like setting separate us from the average doggie day care,” Hasegawa explains. “At Pets in the City, we don’t simply want to pass the time with your pet — we stimulate their mind and body through training classes, holistic massage therapy and most importantly socialization with their classmates. In addition, we have a very thorough admissions process that requires an on-site interview at our facility to assure the student is a perfect fit for our existing student body.
“Creating programs and activities for fellow dog owners who view their canine companion as an integral member of the family is extremely rewarding.”
According to Hasegawa, each canine student requires a customized curriculum to meet its needs, so prospective parents are encouraged to call for pricing.
Pets in the City is located at 1232 Young St. For more information, call 593-1505 or visit petsinthecityhawaii.com.
New Site, Theme For Doe Fang
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Doe Fang in Aina Haina Shopping Center stands as a landmark in the community and a place where countless people have gathered for a sip of “Magic Icees,” as Uncle Clay likes to call it.
Clayton Chang, affectionately known as Uncle Clay by loyal customers, purchased Doe Fang in 1996 and since then has served customers as if they were family.
Today, Uncle Clay’s nephew and business partner Bronson Chang has joined in the vision of his uncle - one of pure aloha. Together they hope to keep their business going strong and plan to open Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha sometime next month.
They recently launched “The Pure Aloha Campaign” to rally family, friends and the community both here and abroad to invest in their new concept and store through a new, innovative, online “crowd-funding” platform called Profounder.
“We started the campaign last November to raise awareness, build excitement and garner support for our new beginning,” Chang says. “The campaign will go on until our grand opening.
“We launched a Profounder public raise, which allowed anyone from around the world to contribute as little as $50 to help us build our new House,” the Punahou School and USC graduate adds. “Once we start operating, we’ll share a percentage of revenues to pay investors back. If we pay our investors back in time, we’ll then direct this revenue to support our designated nonprofit: Kanu Hawaii. In total, we have raised more than $63,000 through Profounder and our campaign.”
According to Chang, these funds will go to purchasing necessary equipment, including a shave ice machine, two refrigerators, a freezer, tables and stools, to name a few.
As part of The Pure Aloha Campaign, Chang says, individuals also can join in the Pure Aloha movement by making a personal pledge to live “pure aloha.” To date, more than 120 individuals have committed to the campaign via http://houseofpurealoha.com/do-pure-aloha-now/pledge-pure-aloha/.
Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha is set to be a Hawaiian treat shop and social enterprise located within a new 560-square-foot space in Aina Haina Shopping Center. Soon, customers will be able to enjoy more delicious treats like all-natural shave ice homemade from fresh, locally sourced fruits and ingredients.
“The new House is all about truly bringing people together and capturing the magic of Hawaii,” Chang explains. “There will be seating for people to enjoy their shave ice and time together, a prominent wallboard to fill with pictures of ohana and hopefully our old Doe Fang wood sign for nostalgia.”
The Chang duo also will be introducing a new concept called “Pure Aloha Coins,” in which customers will be given coins with every purchase to drop into jars representing various nonprofits. According to Chang, philanthropy is of the utmost importance: “As our business improves financially, our intention is to increase our level of giving. Over time, we will choose different nonprofits working to raise awareness and collect support for different issues”
To learn more about The Pure Aloha Campaign: http://www.HouseofPureAloha.com.
Giving Photos An Antique Look
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Cheyne Gallarde, photographer and stylist for Firebird Photography, has always had a passion for the arts. Throughout the years he’s acted in local community theater, done stints on the radio and also competed in the Showdown in Chinatown. But, for him, it’s photography that ultimately serves as a vehicle for creative expression and storytelling.
“Like many others, I started doing photography as a hobby,” says Gallarde, who showcased his talents at last week-end’s Bridal Expo at Blaisdell Center.
“I didn’t start doing it (photography) professionally until 2008. From the beginning, I realized the market was saturated with similar images, and storytelling in still images was a dying art.
So, I decided to focus on a specific niche - which was how I started to develop my vintage style.”
Gallarde, who was born and raised in the plantation town of Waipahu, now has a studio in the Chinatown Artists Lofts. But, he says, the majority of his shoots occur outdoors. Each shoot is custom-designed and custom-priced per client, and seasonal packages are offered as well.
“Photography should never be too unobtainable,” Gallarde states. “I have no problem working with people with little or no experience.
“While my work is primarily inspired by advertisements and images from the mid-century, it doesn’t stop there. My inspirations also lie in film directors such as Michael Gondry, Wes Anderson and Tom Burton - all professionals and artists who have an established style and unique vision.”
Over time, Gallarde has taken his talent for photography and created a distinctive style he calls “antique chic.”
“The only thing constant is change, and my style is no exception,” says Gallarde, who besides the help of a photography assistant and two hair and makeup stylists handles everything else on his own, from Web and print marketing to financing.
“While I strive to maintain my signature style, my fashion and photo-processing methods have evolved. Getting to work with clients who appreciate and value my style is definitely one of the best rewards,” he says. “My clients come from all walks of life, but the common thread they all share is a love of vintage fashion and nostalgia.”
For more information on Firebird Photography, visit firebirdphoto.com.
Lanai Makes A Splash With Wine
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Most people know Lanai Tabura as an accomplished radio DJ, special event host, actor and comedian. Now you can add entrepreneur to his resume.
Tabura is the owner and founder of Lanai Media, and now a winemaker for his company Look Me In The Eye Wine, which he started in January 2007 (lanaiswine.com).
“On one of my many visits to Santa Ynez, Calif., I met the ‘Grenache king’Mikael Sigouin, head winemaker of Beckman’s Vineyard and owner of Kanea wines. After our first meeting and several trips to his vineyard, Mike said to me, ‘You seem to have an opinion on everything you drink - you should make your own wine,’” Tabura recalls. “And that was it, the beginning of something ono!”
Tabura has two wines on the market - a white Grenache Blanc (7 percent Riesling blend) and a red 70 percent Grenache and 30 percent Shiraz. Look Me In The Eye is now available at most Foodland locations with a starting price of $21.99 per bottle. The wines also can be purchased at most boutique wine stores.
“All my grapes are bought from a few of the finest vineyards in the Central Coast area,” Tabura explains, noting, “Everything is processed after that on the property of Beckman’s Vineyard. Mikael is the head winemaker, so he produces Kaena wines simultaneously with his Beckman’s wines. Look Me In The Eye falls under his Kaena labels that we both produce together.”
According to Tabura, harvest usually begins at the end of summer and consists of 12- to 14-hour days of crushing and pressing the grapes before they hit the barrel.
“Most people are pleasantly surprised at the tastings,” Tabura says. “Most people are so familiar with the mer-lots, cabs and pinots, but my red was made for a new wine drinker but still can be enjoyed by a ‘cork dork.‘The feedback has been amazing - very drinkable and smooth with a great ending! Grenache is the new pinot noir. I have been told by many: When you let the red air out or decanter it for a while, it gets very creamy and hints of cocoa come out.
“The white was made strictly for women,” he adds. “Women love Rieslings and Zins. People look at the color, and think Riesling? Chardonnay? I’ll bet it’s sweet? But it’s not sweet or dry. It’s different and refreshing. There are hints of lilikoi, mountain apple and pear in it; it’s very drinkable, even for someone who is past white wines.”
In addition to wine, Tabura recently released an application for the iPhone, titled Pidgin 101, which teaches the basics of pidgin English.
“I always thought it would be cool to make a pidgin application to teach the younger generation where and why we use pidgin,”
Tabura explains. “We come from such a unique place - we are one of a kind.
“My hope is to have students use it as a tool one day and have teachers utilize it in their history classes.”
Pidgin 101 is available for 99 cents and will soon be accessible for the Droid and BlackBerry.
For more information on Look Me In The Eye Wines, visit lanaiswine.com.
Special Blankets For Special Pets
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As owner of BarkingDogBlankets, Ginger Edmunds knows a thing or two about pampering pets - more specifically, keeping them cozy and comfortable with a blanket all their own, because your favorite pooch or feline deserves more than just a ratty old beach towel to relax on.
Edmunds started her business in 2009 and credits her late dog Rockie, a heeler and Border collie mix, as her inspiration.“Rockie was a very vocal member of the family,” Edmunds says. “I was tired of using beach towels and an ugly furniture blanket to cover the front seat of the car. Also, she slept on the couch, and I was tired of using heavy blankets or sheets to protect the couch.”
So Edmunds created a special blanket that could be used in the car and on the couch, one that she says is “island-style cute” yet practical. She began making the blankets from her Lanikai home and gave them to friends as gifts.
“I used mine so much, I thought my dog-owning friends could use them, too,” she explains.
BarkingDogBlankets are now sold at Crazy Canine in Aiea, 55 Pawsh Place in Kapolei, Calvin & Susie in Kilohana Square Kapahulu and online at Esty.com and Bonanza.com. Edmunds’ “reclaimed” fabric blankets also are available at Muumuu Heaven in Kailua. Prices are $25 (small), $30 (medium) and $65 (large).
“Both dogs and cats can use these blankets,” Edmunds says. “They all have my signature bone trim, and I choose coordinating aloha fabric in fun colors. The large blankets all have a universal pocket design that fits over the front-seat headrests of most cars. It’s easy to fit the blanket around the seat, and it’s easy to remove when the ride is over. I also make backseat blankets upon request - you can keep it in your car, or take it from the couch to the car or vice-versa. The blankets can be used as throws to cover your couches or chairs that dogs and cats like to lie on.
“The medium/small-size blankets for smaller pets can be used for the furniture too,” Edmunds explains. “Also, they fit in pet crates, carriers and strollers, or you can use the blankets to lay on top of your pet’s bed. In Hawaii we don’t take road trips as much, but I have heard from Mainland clients who say the blankets are great to travel with because not only are they useful in the car, but when their dogs are in a new environment they have their familiar blanket to make them feel at home and have a place to lie on that is their own.”
For more information on BarkingDogBlankets, call 366-1297, e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or visit www.barkingdogblankets.com.
Where Stylists FLAUNT Their Skills
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While “beauty gurus” run the gamut showcasing their expertise in hair and makeup, Christine Gardner, owner and founder of FLAUNT by Christine Gardner, stands in a league all her own. As one of Hawaii’s premier hair and makeup artists, Gardner founded FLAUNT in 1996 while pursuing a career in fashion design. Today, Gardner and her team of stylists specialize in wedding day styling, yet their creativity in hair and makeup spans all occasions.
“We’re an on-location styling team, where the majority of our clients are brides and models,” says Gardner. “We also offer airbrush makeup application workshops and individual makeup artistry workshops to students for personal and professional use.”
Driven to gain as much experience as possible beyond her Aiea home, Gardner made the move to the Mainland to immerse herself in the eclectic world of beauty and fashion.
“A few years after starting my business, I made the bold move to New York and later to Burbank, Calif., to train under different hair and makeup artists and at beauty schools.
“I later moved back to Hawaii with all the training and confidence I gained, and was determined to launch air-brush makeup application workshops here at home. It was a unique application of makeup that stirred interests and helped to set my company apart,” she explains.
In addition to airbrush and traditional makeup application, Gardner also offers hair-styling, body painting, tattoo coverup and airbrush tanning. She says her business philosophy is not just to follow the current trends, but rather to create an intrigue of how FLAUNT will impact the beauty industry in Hawaii and beyond.
“I truly love what I do, and have a lot of fun doing it,” explains Gardner, who also is an award-winning figure competitor. She took home first place in her class and then first overall in the 2009 Paradise Cup Figure Competition. She also is currently preparing to compete in the Arnold Schwarzenegger Amateur Figure Competition in Ohio in March, while also inspiring others to reach their personal goals in life.
“This year, Jake Woolley, a national bodybuilder competitor, and I will be launching Hawaii’s Fittest events that will be dedicated to help inspire people to get that drive and determination needed to achieve whatever it is they have a passion for,” Gardner says.
“As for FLAUNT, I will be conducting more workshops to educate students for personal and professional use of airbrush makeup application, along with private workshops for individuals who would like a basic lesson in makeup application.”
For more information, call 955-7434, e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or visit www.makeup808.com.
Going Organic In The New Year
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The new year is just days away and that means it’s time to get your New Year’s resolutions in order. For many, one resolution may be to consume healthier, all-natural products.
Enter Land of Organica, a locally owned company that distributes fresh, organic juices and sorbets - all made right here in Hawaii.
Land of Organica was founded in 2007 by Janet Costello. Today, this family-run business makes all its products in its Maunakea Street plant.
Costello says it’s her passion to provide customers with a delicious and nutritious local choice.
“The products are high quality - no preservatives, additives, fillers, binders or artificial flavorings are used,” she says. “They’re also very clean - simply organic fruit that is sweetened with either local organic honey or organic agave.”
Land of Organica offers nine juice flavors and eight flavors of sorbet to soothe your palate, whether it be Acai Blue, featuring a blend of acai and blueberry, or Guava Berry consisting of guava and strawberry.
According to Costello, Acai Blue is rich in antioxidants, iron and omegas 3, 6 and 9, while Guava Berry provides a good source of vitamin C. There’s Ginger Breeze for the ginger enthusiast in you, and Orange ‘Oleana, the newest flavor of the bunch, which is orange juice that offers the additional health benefits of turmeric.
“Hawaiian Lemonade is simply lemons and noni,” Costello adds.
And during this hectic holiday season, it’s the perfect pick-me-up and stress reliever.
As for a light and delicious blend of tropical flavors, Lilikoi, Orange and Guava delivers just that.
“A great alternative to ice cream is the Coco Mango sorbet,” Costello says. “This delicious sorbet is smooth and creamy, and contains mango, coconut creme and banana. It’s lactose-free and agave-sweetened.”
The sorbets are available in a 6-ounce cup, 16-ounce container or a 1 gallon tub. All vegan and vegetarian friendly, they are sweetened solely with agave nectar. The juices, available in 8- and 16-ounce bottles, also are healthy alternatives for vegans, keiki and diabetics.
Land of Organica products are available for purchase at most health food stores on the island, including Whole Foods, Down to Earth, Kokua Market and Kale’s in Hawaii Kai. This local business also participates in Kapiolani. Community College’s Farmers Market Saturdays and the Thursday night Kailua Farmers Market.
“We hope to help sustain the earth, and there are many health benefits to going organic,” Costello says.
For more information on Land of Organica, call 548-2563.
A Peaceful Ending For Cherished Pets
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For many, pets are a beloved part of the ohana and, as with all living things, there comes a time when life must come full-circle. When dealing with an ailing or suffering pet, however, choosing euthanasia may be one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever make.
Dr. Brenda Smith DVM does her best to make the euthanasia experience as comforting as possible for both the pet and its owner. Smith founded Cherished Pet Home Euthanasia Service earlier this year, and says she appreciates the need for families to be able to spend their last moments with their pet in the comfort, privacy and familiarity of their own home or their pet’s favorite place.
According to Smith, a quietly and gently assisted passing can make a difficult time one of peace and compassion.
“I specialize in the euthanasia of dogs and cats. I believe it’s good for the client and for the pet because, generally, by the time they go into the vet’s office and they’re that far along, they’re either hard to move because they’re not getting up very well anymore, or the animal gets really stressed because every time they’ve gone in they’ve had blood drawn, and there are other pets and noises around,” she says.
“With Cherished Pet, it’s a lot easier for people to be able to spend some quality time with their pet and then have them quietly go without a big fuss.”
Raised in Kentucky, Smith graduated in 1995 from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and since then enjoyed private practice in Oregon and Washington before moving to the Islands five years ago. She says she’s always had a passion for animals, and also has dedicated much of her time and volunteer work to feral cat organizations and international veterinary assistance programs.
“I have three cats of my own, and my mother says that I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was about 7,” Smith says.
Euthanasia services range from $200 to $250, and Smith organizes all the details.
“The client will generally call me and give me an overview of the situation, and we will work out a plan and arrange a specific time to meet. Then I’ll go to their house or the pet’s favorite spot, we’ll sign a euthanasia release and give the dog or cat a sedative,” Smith explains. “The sedative takes about five to 10 minutes, and then we go ahead and do the euthanasia.
“To make the experience as peaceful as possible, I try to be as quiet as I can and make sure the animal is comfortable,” she adds. “We can position them on the client’s lap or on the bed or couch. And, if they’re still eating, sometimes we’ll give them some snacks to distract them.”
In terms of after-care, some clients have a place to bury their pet, but Smith can provide transport services to a crematorium as well. Clients may choose a private cremation with ashes returned, or a group cremation with no return of ashes.
“When I bring back the ashes and the client has had a few days to deal with the initial trauma of their loss, they’re really appreciative of how smoothly the whole process has gone,” Smith states.
Cherished Pet also provides referrals for grief counseling and pet-loss resources.
For more information, call 772-2156, visit www.cherishedpethonolulu.com, or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Keeping Family Business Afloat
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A passion for boating and the drive to succeed has opened up a world of possibilities for Tuoi Agon, who in 2008 started a business with boyfriend Terry Conden called Agons TC Marine & Cargo Global Marine Surveyors. Today, Agon’s sons Khai and Toan have joined the team.
“We travel to wherever the boats are docked to do inspections,” Khai explains. “Our business is kind of like a home inspection for boats.”
Together the Agons and Conden provide boat surveys, which include checking safety equipment, machinery, electronics and the integrity of the boat, along with the proper documentation for the boat owners and insurance companies. In addition, they grant Coast Guard certifications and mooring inspections, as well as dry-dock inspections.
Depending on what it is the boat owner needs, inspection rates cost $750 and up.
“We mainly deal with commercial fishing vessels and pleasure craft, but aren’t limited to these types of boats,” Khai says. “There are a lot of safety and risk factors for insurance companies that insure these vessels, so that’s why boat inspections are necessary.”
Business opportunities in the fishing community are rapidly expanding for Agons TC Marine & Cargo Global Marine Surveyors, especially among the Vietnamese vessels, thanks to Tuoi’s ability to communicate fluently with Vietnamese boat owners and crew. Currently, Khai and Toan also are learning to speak the language in order to help with other business ventures.
“My mom was born and raised in Vietnam and moved to Hawaii in 1975 with just $121 in her pocket, and she raised my brother and me as a single mom,” Khai says, noting that his mother obtained her U.S. citizenship soon after arriving in Hawaii. “She worked two jobs for most of her life, giving us the best life possible, and also taught herself how to speak English.
“While in Vietnam, our mom spent a lot of time with her dad walking on the docks and looking at all the boats - she always dreamed of living on a boat.”
Khai says all of his family members are boating enthusiasts, and Conden has been involved with the marine industry for more than 30 years, having previously owned a boat-surveying company.
“Owning our own business has been a great opportunity for my family to remain close-knit,” Khai adds. “As with any business, a lot of time and hard work have gone into making our business a success this far, and we are known for our family values and honest work ethic.”
For more information on Agons TC Marine & Cargo Global Marine Surveyors, visit boatandcargosurveys.com, e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Going Wacky For Cupcakes
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Calling all cupcake connoisseurs. If a fantasy of decadent treats is what you’re after, welcome to the world of Wiki Wacky Cupcakes. Cindy Kauanui, owner and founder of the Wiki Wacky Cupcake Company, has spent much of her life in the high-fashion industry, going from one designer party to another in Paris, and traveling the globe. Today, this home-grown Kauai girl is whipping up the finest cupcakes, all made with pure Hawaiian cane sugar and every ounce of aloha.
“I feel my cupcakes have a Hawaiian feel to them, and Wiki Wacky designs say aloha all over them and have a distinct feeling of royal Hawaii,” says Kauanui, who bakes the cupcakes herself out of a Kalihi facility.
With three cake flavors to choose from - French vanilla, chocolate fudge and red velvet - the cupcake artist calls these delightful cakes her canvases. It’s what she refers to as the art of edible beauty.
“It’s the frosting flavors that give it more variety and designs,” Kauanui explains. “I have a French butter cream that I enhance with tropical flavors like guava, pineapple, coconut, mango and banana, and fun, childlike flavors like bubblegum, cotton candy and tutti frutti.”
However, it’s the French vanilla cream cheese frosting that will always be a classic.
Selling a dozen cupcakes at a time, Wiki Wacky Cupcake gift boxes are a perfect gift idea for the holidays and a wonderful family vacation gift box.
“My goal is to cater to the tourists in Waikiki and have them enjoy the taste of aloha while they’re here. The cupcakes are perfect for weddings in Hawaii, too,” she says, adding that they are not sold individually, but rather in gift boxes and cup-cake tiers. Box sets cost $52, including balloons and delivery service, and the tiers cost $300 and up, depending on the number of cupcakes. Kauanui’s sinful creations are currently sold at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Sheraton Waikiki and Moana Surfrider, but she hopes to expand her service island-wide in the near future.
Once having purchased a gift box, customers can select their favorite design from the website wikiwackycupcakes.com. Each cup-cake is wrapped in a sleeve and frosted accordingly.
“Wiki Wacky Cupcakes are eye candy,” Kauanui says. “I wrap the white plantation-windowed boxes in beautiful pink ribbon and attach my pink-and-white polka-dot balloons or a mylar balloon upon request.
“I have Hawaiian flowers hand-painted on paper sleeves that go around the base of the cupcake that were painted exclusively for Wiki Wacky by Dondi Ho, Don Ho’s daughter,” she adds. “I even have a cupcake after her father called ‘Tiny Bubbles.’ It has bubblegum frosting and bubblegum pink jelly bellies on top showered with pink sparkling glitter.”
All cupcake designs are created around some of the most memorable places and people of old Hawaii and are inspired by Kauanui.
“A lot of love goes into these cupcakes,” says Kauanui, who traces her love for cupcakes back to her childhood days. “Each box is treated like it’s the only one going out the door, and I pretend it’s going to my favorite friend.”
For more information, visit wikiwackycupcakes.com.
For Women Who Love To Shop
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Define “love” for any shopaholic and it’s Eden in Love. Eden in Love Boutique was started by owners Tanna and Bryson Dang this past April, and it’s any woman’s paradise on earth.
It’s the newest division of The Wedding Cafe located in Ward Warehouse.
“Through the Wedding Cafe we have brides who come to all of our workshops. We get to know them so intimately and we even get invited to their weddings - we fall in love with them,” says Tanna, who since taking over the business in 2004 now has 125 vendors, making The Wedding Cafe a premier wedding resource center.
“These brides would get married, but it was kind of bittersweet for us, where we’re so happy for them, but then on the other hand we lose them as a customer - they don’t need to come back for another wedding planning. We really wanted to complete our circle of a customer, and our main customer is the bride. What we realized is brides are shoppers, and shoppers become brides. We really tried to find things that they would love, and every girl loves to shop.”
Tanna and her team of retail specialists and buyers travel to Los Angeles every four to six weeks, hitting up 50 to 60 different stores to hand-select each outfit that we girls go gaga for. Yes, you could most certainly call it an addiction.
“Our fashion philosophy is finding things that make people happy and make people comfortable,” says the Punahou graduate, who grew up working in retail. “A lot of people say they shop for retail therapy or they shop because they want to feel beautiful. Through clothing and accessories, we can make people’s day.”
And with a staff of 15 friendly and knowledgeable employees, you’ll find yourself walking out with a smile, not to mention a cute outfit or two. For Tanna and Bryson, customer service is key.
“When my employees meet a customer, they befriend her instantly - they’re genuine. It’s creating those relationships where they don’t think they’re too stylish to style you or they’re better than you,” Tanna says. “We also believe in philanthropy and a strong sense of community, and we train all of our staff to believe that too. Eden in Love is going to continue to thrive through fashion, but it’s also going to thrive through giving back, and that’s the only way all of us are going to sustain.”
Eden in Love also offers free personal styling appointments for any fashionista looking for the perfect outfit or accessory. Call the store beforehand or ask any retail specialist for assistance while at the boutique and a complete outfit will be waiting for you.
“Whenever you pick a top or a dress that you want to try on, it always goes into the dressing room with a belt and with some kind of accessory, whether it’s a scarf or necklace,” Tanna explains. “It’s all about having that complete look and feeling good about yourself with everything put together.”
With a wide array of styles to choose from, Eden in Love caters to women of all ages, from teens to those in their 40s or 50s. Whether you’re after something trendy or a conservative look that’s work-appropriate, Tanna promises that there’s something for everyone.
“It’s rewarding to see women and shoppers come in complete outfits, because I know when you’re leaving the store with a dress, a belt, boots or a necklace, you feel amazing. When you feel amazing you exude that confidence, and with that confidence you’re touching so many lives. Every single person we touch here has a greater purpose, and that’s
the best part of doing what we do.”
For more information on Eden in Love, visit edeninlove.com, Eden in Love Boutique on Facebook, or call 591-1005.
Planning Parties Big And Small
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We all know that there’s no better time for a party than the holidays. And now that we’re in the midst of this festive season, it’s no surprise that the amount of office parties, family gatherings and corporate events is endless. Who knows, a proposal may even be just around the corner for a few lucky gals as well! Are your muscles tensing at the mere thought of the necessary planning that goes along with all the fun?
Relax. Enter Fete808. Founded a little more than a year ago by good friends and event specialists Darnelle Chung, Connie Kramer and Ivy Ogawa, Fete808 provides a fully customizable service for planning private parties, weddings, corporate or promotional events - turning any vision into reality.
“We primarily do weddings, but we’ve also branched out to corporate events, baby luaus and retirement parties,” Chung says.
Ogawa adds, “The bread and butter will always be wedding services, but there’s also other demands for holiday parties.”
The women all have backgrounds in business and work hard to make sure that weddings and any other events go off without a hitch.
“Planning a wedding has so many moving parts and vendors want to know all these little details that need to be pulled together,” Chung explains. “A lot of these brides have jobs, families, kids and other responsibilities that they have to tend to, so that’s where we step in.”
Chung is the detail-oriented and self-proclaimed “Type-A personality” of the bunch, making sure all deadlines are met. Kramer oversees many of the creative aspects of the business, including floral arrangements and design ideas. As for Ogawa, she serves as the middleman and handles the website.
“We balance each other out very well,” says Kramer, who was born and raised in Los Angeles and worked for many years in film and television production. “The triad of us work very well together and we bring all of our strengths to all the events that we do.”
These entrepreneurs recommend setting aside nine months to a year to plan a wedding, but they say they can work with any time line or budget. In fact, in just six months they planned the wedding of Michelle Raab and Angus Mitchell, son of Jolina and Paul Mitchell, the late hair stylist and product magnate.
“It was beyond any wedding anyone could ever imagine,” Chung states. “We actually had to move the earth. It was in Hilo on a private farm that had no level land, there also was no electricity or running water. But it was extravagant; there was even a fireworks show. After that we can do anything!”
“We have a lot of vendors we work with and with whom we have good relationships, so anytime anyone needs a recommendation we always have one that we’re ready to give. We work out of our homes and we meet clients where it’s convenient for them.”
For more information, visit fete808.com.
An Accidental Artist’s Inspiration
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Having never considered herself an artist per se, Jeanne Bernauer, owner of her self-titled jewelry business, showcases her natural talents in each individually tailored creation. Utilizing semi-precious stones, pearls, crystals, woods, shells, corals, bone, ceramics and porcelain, to name a few, Bernauer, who works out of her Kaneohe home, says that no two pieces are identical.
“I’ve always loved jewelry,” she says. “I want to create pieces that make a statement, are beautiful, enhance and complement the wearer, that are unusual and unique.”
Bernauer began her jewelry-making business in 2005, after her stepdaughter Karen gave her a book on the craft. It piqued her curiosity, and it wasn’t long before Bernauer realized that she was quite comfortable with the process and concept of jewelry design.
“When I am working on a piece, I am thinking of the piece as art alone - unless it is a commission - then the individual comes into focus with the work,” Bernauer explains. “My business philosophy is to make beautiful pieces that people will enjoy. I love the freedom to work at my own pace, and the colors of nature in the early morning greatly inspire me.”
In addition to her jewelry line, Bernauer devotes a portion of her time as a registrar at the Institute for Clinical Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Chinese Cultural Plaza in Honolulu. She was employed at University of California at Davis for 37 years, and retired as an assistant dean of Academic and Staff Personnel for the College of Letters and Science.
These days, it’s her art that keeps her busy, as well as spending precious time with husband Ed, mother Lucinda and lovable black Lab Cookie.
“I wish I could get to every show or gallery to show my work,” Bernauer says. “The reward is when people compliment me on
my combinations of materials or contrast of colors. I have many of the same customers coming back to me to commission a piece. However, the most challenging aspect at the moment is responding to the current demand of economic boundaries - but sales are improving.
“Each event or fundraiser has been increasingly successful,” she adds. “I am so grateful to the many people who have opened doors for me and introduced me to individuals who have been instrumental in furthering my career opportunities.”
For more information on Bernauer’s jewelry designs, call 284-0726.
Dressing Up Fun For Keiki
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Valzey Freitas, owner and manager of Oogles n Googles, is helping to create a lifetime of memories for children while also saving parents time and energy.
Oogles n Googles is a children’s education and entertainment franchise catering to ages 2 to 9 that specializes in themed music and imagination programs for preschoolers, and dress-up, themed birthday parties for older keiki.
“My daughter loved dressing up when she was young, so we booked a princess party for her and her preschool friends, and they had so much fun,” Freitas recalls. “In the following years, we looked for something similar for my son, but there weren’t really any options available at the time. I was finishing up my master’s degree and knew I could either return to the workplace as employee or I could take my chances as an entrepreneur. I chose the latter and am very happy with my decision.”
Today, Freitas says, the business runs with very little effort, although when she started it back in 2005, she admits it was time-consuming, to say the least.
“I learned all about the challenges of business startup, financing, advertising and bookkeeping. Then one by one I had to masterfully deliver each of the 15 themed parties and 12 preschool enrichment programs,” she says.
Freitas currently runs the part-time business from her Kaneohe home and provides all on-site services - leaving parents stress-free.
“The parents simply select the theme their children would enjoy, the package that fits their needs and reserve the date and time over the phone. On the day of the party, we bring the dress-up costumes, games and activities,” Freitas explains. Parties are priced from $250 to $450.
“The kids love getting dressed up in the costumes, and the facilitated games and activities that accentuate the theme they selected. For an hour or two they are totally immersed in their role as a princess or super-hero,” Freitas says, noting that the most popular themes for girls are the fairy-tale princess and tea party, while the boys gravitate toward the dinosaur, pirate and super-hero themes.
Music and imagination programs also are performed monthly at preschools, malls and libraries.
Freitas says life is ever busy and fulfilling at the moment. In addition to Oogles n Googles, this wife and mother of two works for a nonprofit organization coordinating the Parental Information and Resource Center’s program that aims to improve students’academic achievement through family engagement in education.
“I am just a parent fueled by love for children, family and my community.”
For more information on Oogles n Googles, visit ooglesngoogles.com or call 239-7067.
Making Traveling With Baby Easier
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Traveling with an infant or toddler can be tough, not to mention the added luggage and baggage fees. As parents, North Shore residents Cara and Bill Ballard saw a business opportunity, and thus was born Paradise Baby Co. earlier this year. It’s an islandwide service that rents out baby equipment along with other items a traveling family may need.
“We work out of our home, and our goal is to make traveling with kids or having them visit easy and enjoyable,” says Carla. “We rent top-of-the-line cribs, strollers, toys, high-chairs, beach gear and lots of other gear to families visiting the island.
“As a parent myself, I know that traveling with children is not always easy,” she adds, noting that by renting from Paradise Baby Co., traveling families eliminate the hassle of bringing everything with them as well as dealing with baggage fees.
All equipment is maintained in excellent condition and sanitized prior to delivery. The Ballards upgrade and add to their line of baby equipment constantly to provide the best for their customers.
“The majority of our business is from tourists and traveling families visiting the island,” Cara states. “Depending on where they’re staying, what they rent changes. If a family is staying on the North Shore, they might get bikes with child carriers for the bike path. Kahala vacation rentals always want a hiking backpack to hike Diamond Head. BOB jogging strollers are big in Waikiki to run the parks.
“And we work with many of the real estate agents and rental companies on the island servicing their customers,” she says. “Weddings have been good as well, with lots of families visiting Oahu for them. We have been really happy to assist locals when they have grandchildren, relatives and friends visiting them.”
Paradise Baby Co. rentals range from $15 to $200. A minimum order of $100 is required for all rental items to be delivered, set up and picked up free of charge.
“Our No. 1 priority at Paradise Baby Co. is to provide great service to our customers. Everything about our service is first class, and we intend to only get better at what we do!”
For more information, visit paradisebabyco.com or call 561-1061.
Planting Sustainable Koa Forests
In 2008, business partners Jeff Dunster and Darrell Fox worked with landowners on the Big Island to set up a 2,700-acre sustainable koa forestry project - growing rare, tropical hard-wood trees for investors all over the world. Today, this project-turned-business is known as Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods.
According to Dunster, Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods, located on the Hamakua Coast just mauka of historic Umikoa Village, is an evolutionary model for tropical restoration, using sustainable forestry principles and practices.
“We have two objectives,” Dunster explains. “The first is to provide a sustainable source of native Hawaiian koa (Acacia koa) for Hawaii’s fine furniture makers, woodturners, sculptors and instrument makers. As a superior tone wood, it is coveted by musicians and instrument makers all over the world.
“Since the majority of what is being used today comes from dead, fallen and dying trees, and much of koa’s native habitat has been lost to agriculture and gazing animals, the supply is dwindling,” he adds, noting that by creating a sustainable supply, we are taking pressure off old-growth forests and providing green jobs for Hawaii’s economy.
“Our second objective is the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative - our way of reforesting King Kamehameha I’s former lush, private koa forest.”
Koa legacy trees are currently being planted by the HLH staff and will provide habitat corridors for native birds as they return to newly forested land. Dunster says these trees are part of a managed forest and will not be harvested. Legacy trees are available for purchase to honor an individual, memorialize a loved one or commemorate a special event.
“Every tree dedication is a living legacy and a gift which grows grander year after year,” Dunster explains. “These trees are the foundation for the forest and are sold throughout the year, then planted during the rainy season, December through April.”
The legacy trees retail at $60, and all orders are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, tree owners can schedule a trip to visit the site and its trees. A portion of the proceeds are donated to The Nature Conservancy and a specified charity or organization as well. HLH also invites anyone to invest in its trees as a sustainable commodity by purchasing specific units (100 koa trees per unit).
“In addition to creating a sustainable supply of Hawaii’s most prized native hardwood and restoring a native ecosystem, one of my goals is to have HLH educate the next generation about these practices,” Dunster says. “There also are opportunities to develop Big Island ecotourism, which could provide even more local jobs.
“Finally, with Hawaii being one of the few locations in the world where you can grow tropical hard-woods, it could be a beneficiary of the emerging carbon-credit market,” he states. “All this will leave a positive legacy on the sustainable future of Hawaii.”
For more information, or to give a gift of a koa legacy tree, visit hawaiianlegacyhardwoods.com.
Boot Camp With An MMA Fighter
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Whether you want to lose weight, get into shape or stay in shape, MMAfighter and multi-sport athlete Egan Inoue has got you covered. Last month he kicked off Hawaii Fit Body Boot Camp, Hawaii’s only indoor fitness boot camp that he says offers the most effective and innovative fitness workout program that will have you seeing results in no time.
“Boot camp is a whole new thing. It’s something that I used to do a long time ago, but we changed it from an outdoor boot camp to indoors,” says Inoue, who also runs The Studio by Egan Inoue in Manoa Marketplace.
“You get a really good workout, working the whole body. It’s a lot of fun because you have all your friends together and the energy that we have in the morning is just unbelievable,” he adds.
Boot camp is held five days a week, with a variety of hourlong classes (Monday and Friday at 6, 8 and 9:30 a.m.; Tuesday and Thursday at 6, 8, 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m.) at Inoue’s Manoa studio, with Saturday’s class held at Ala Moana Beach Park.
“The response has been great - in two weeks we sold out the whole boot camp, so we added more classes,” says Egan’s wife, Marcia.
“We tell people that if they’re in there to lose weight and they want fast results, then of course they should attend five classes a week - the more the better. Three to four times a week would be minimum,” Egan adds.
Boot Camp is instructed by Egan, Marcia and certified trainer Corrie Rimell. Each class can accommodate up to 30 participants in all levels of fitness.
“We have the whole spectrum at boot camp - people who are already in great shape and just want to stay in shape, and then we have those who are out of shape and may have an injured wrist or knee that can’t exercise, and we show them different ways of doing the exercise,” Egan says. “Every exercise that we do in class has an easy, medium and advanced way of doing it.”
Muscle confusion is key, he says. The more you confuse the muscle, the faster the muscle responds.
For more information and enrollment costs, call 271-3779 or visit hawaiifitcamp.com.
Providing Cage-free Canine Care
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Chris and Kim Barretto, owners and managers of Ohana Doggie Daycare, are making it their mission to expand the bond between canine and human by providing a safe, fun and stimulating environment for man’s best friend. The 5,000-square-foot Kakaako facility offers room for all breeds and sizes with both indoor and outdoor play areas.
“The concept of our business is Hawaii’s largest and first cage-free doggie day-care and boarding. We have two rooms, little tykes for the smaller dogs and the large room for the larger dogs,” says Chris. “We also have two Web cams in both rooms for ‘parents’ to view their dogs.”
Initially, Ohana Doggie Daycare was started in 2004 by Anna Doell and Michelle Jim. The Barrettos took over the business at 611 Cooke St. in June, with Doell and Jim helping with grooming and administrative work.
“We have a great team of people who have a great passion for dogs,” Chris says, noting that the majority of the staff have pre-vet and kenneling backgrounds, making them highly knowledgeable about the care and service of their clients’ dogs.
“We provide grooming and spa services three times a week, and provide complimentary feeding and medicating, if needed, at no extra charge - of course, the parents must provide their own food. Walks are given by request as well.”
The Barrettos run a 24-hour operation, so a night attendant is always on hand to care for the canines that board at the facility. Daycare is available daily (Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.).
In order to offer a safe and nurturing environment for canines, Chris says that all dogs must go through a four-hour temperament screening prior to attending daycare and boarding.
“We integrate the dogs into the pack and watch closely for any signs of anxiety or aggression - I would say 97 percent of the dogs pass their evaluation,” he explains.
“We care for puppies - which must be current on all shots - and elderly dogs. We currently are caring for a 19-year-old dog that gets specialized treatment.”
The Barrettos have been married for 10 years and have always shared a love for dogs and animals in general. Kim is devoted to animal welfare and actively promoted it in Taiwan, Malaysia and Thailand, while Chris takes it upon himself to foster abused dogs - mainly hunting dogs.
Together they call Kaneohe home with their three Jack Russell terriers Pablo, Sunny and Willy.
“The most-rewarding aspect of having our own business is working with my wife, being creative, setting up our own hours and having that flexibility,” Chris says. “Also, nothing can be better than working with dogs. They make you smile even on a stressful day.”
For more information on Ohana Doggie Daycare, call 791-3647 or visit ohanadoggiedaycare.com.
Hauling Boats For Disney And You
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Marlon Rhoden, owner and operator of Marlon’s Boat Trailer Rental LLC, offers boat trailer rentals island-wide for those who need to get their boat from point Ato point B without any hassle. Most recently, 46-year-old Rhoden provided his services to Walt Disney Productions, which sparked a dramatic boom in business for this Mililani resident.
“In April I received a very exciting phone call from Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides 4. They needed a trailer and they needed it now. They had an emergency and I delivered,” Rhoden recalls. “They wanted to rent my trailer for one day - one day turned in to three days. Fast forward: I was signed up with Walt Disney Productions as a contract vendor before I knew it.”
A Screen Actors Guild member, Rhoden marveled that he was now on the other side of the business - no longer as a stand-in, extra or production assistant, but as a business owner.
“For the past 20 years, I have been featured in movies such as George of the Jungle, Blue Crush and many others,” he says, “and it made me so proud to say that, wow, Disney was using my trailers.”
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Rhoden started his business in 2005 after realizing that few people own a 30-foot trailer that could accommodate his own boat. Since then he has received many requests for help from new and experienced boat owners.
“I will come out and pick up your boat using my new ABT all-aluminum trailer, take it to your destination, or pull it out of the water for you so your mechanic can work on it, or when it’s time for cleaning,” Rhoden explains, adding that he offers high-pressure waxing services as well.
Prices range from $500 for roundtrip service to $250 for a trailer rental (per boat pull-out/in water, etc.), $150 for a high-pressure boat wash and $75 a day for trailer rental.
Visit marlonsboattrailerrental.net or call 342-3152.
A Doctor Who Makes House Calls
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The concept for Dr. Mom, Dr. Debbie WagnildNojima’s new urgent-care house-call practice, began when one of her own children got sick.
“My 6-year-old son Parker woke up with horrible ear pain at about 11 p.m., and his pediatrician’s office was closed,” Nojima explains. “Luckily, I had a pocket oto-scope and was able to diagnose the ear infection and get antibiotics, and maybe more importantly pain medication.
“My husband Craig remarked, ‘Good thing you were here or else I’d be sitting in the ER with two kids all night!‘That’s what started the idea.”
Nojima graduated from Punahou School in 1987 and went on to complete her undergraduate studies and obtain her degree in medicine from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. From there she did a three-year residency in pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston before returning to Hawaii to practice medicine.
In addition to fulfilling her duties as Dr. Mom, Nojima works in the Mother/Baby unit at Castle Medical Center, while also working once a week in the Birth Center and at Dr. John Nagamine’s office practice.
“Dr. Mom is like any other office-based practice. You may call me at any hour of the day or night if you would like a house call,” the Kaneohe resident says. “I am happy to see children of any age, but if they are younger than 6 weeks I will screen them very carefully and have a very low threshold for recommending a visit to the emergency room. I do have occasional periods when I may be unable to attend a visit immediately, but I will usually discuss a case with the concerned parent to see if they can wait for me to come or if they need to go to an emergency department right away. It is very important to understand that a Dr.
Mom visit doesn’t replace your primary care physician - Dr. Mom is an added service to what is already available to most patients,” Nojima explains, adding that she also subscribes to an electronic health record service that’s able to fax or e-mail a visit note to a patient’s primary care doctor within hours of a completed visit for necessary follow-up.
“Not only do I prescribe needed medications, I carry common over-the-counter medications that parents may purchase from me at a cost. I’m also able to provide inhalation treatments, office-based lab testing and a few injectables, if needed.”
Dr. Mom Hawaii will be a featured guest at the Oh Baby! Family Expo Oct. 9 and 10 at Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall. Nojima will provide a brief talk at 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, discussing the most common things pediatricians are called for.
“My mission for Dr. Mom Hawaii is to provide information and confident knowledge to all the families I encounter,” Nojima says.
For more information , call 258-1287 or visit drmomhawaii.com.
A New Twist On Traditional Kava
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In 2007 while serving in the U.S. Navy, Brian Brooks visited Vanuatu, where he tried kava for the first time. After returning to Oahu, he put together a formula for a great-tasting kava drink, and by early 2008, RZO (pronounced “rizzo”) Beverage was born. Today, Brooks serves as CEO, and Dustin Schoedel is COO of the Hawaii-based corporation.
“We came up with the idea when we realized, first, how awesome kava is and, second, that RZO could meet the consumer’s need for a non-alcoholic, great-tasting and relaxing drink,” Brooks says, adding that after two years of perfecting the taste, RZO finally launched this past January and is available at Don Quijote, Down to Earth, Cafe 2600, Fresh Cafe, Kalapawai Market and Umeke Market for $1.99. RZO also can be purchased at amazon.com.
Brooks and his team contract several companies to manufacture and bottle the beverage. He says the drink helps relieve stress, works as a sleep aid, great post-workout and is a popular social beverage.
“RZO is a relaxation drink - one of very few,” Brooks explains, noting that kava and orange juice concentrate are the main ingredients. “Because kava is the active ingredient in RZO, the effects of drinking RZO are the same as the effect of drinking kava. It chills you out. It calms you down. It gives you a buzz. It’s a 3,000-year-old Pacific tradition with a modern style and taste. No caffeine, no alcohol.
“Despite the fact that RZO provides the opposite effects of caffeine, we actually share the same market,” he says. “Even the high-speed-low-drag population of the work force needs to relax - our bodies need a healthy balance between high energy and relaxation.”
According to Brooks, an overwhelming percentage of people who have tried the drink like the way it tastes.
“Our ultimate goal is to provide a kava drink that everyone can enjoy,” says Brooks, who is an avid biker, surfer and hiker.
“Being fitness buffs, our favorite part is that RZO causes the feeling of relaxation by releasing tension on tight muscles. When the muscles relax, blood flow and circulation improve, and when the blood flow increases in an area, it heals any ailments faster than it would otherwise.
“Our philosophy is to provide a great product that is safe and healthy through ethical, honest and sincere methods.”
For more information, visit rzorzo.com.
Building A Bear-y Fun Business
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You’re never too old for a teddy bear, especially one built from the heart. And since last April, Gina Meinhardt, owner of Loveable Stuffables, is bringing that “build-a-bear” experience directly to you.
“Prior to their closure, my 6-year-old daughter, Monroe, and I used to go to Build a Bear for our birthdays, Mother’s Day and special occasions. We were missing the experience, and after some research and learning, I knew that I could offer a similar experience - thus Loveable Stuffables came to life,” says Meinhardt. “I am so excited to be able to offer a quality, hands-on, creative, fun and unique experience. People of all ages love to build a bear!”
Loveable Stuffables is a family-run, home-based business in Kailua, and Meinhardt has been busy providing this hands-on experience for birthday parties, weddings, graduation parties, local schools, day care centers and more. Whether providing clients with a stuffing machine or pre-packaged kits ready to be built, she says it’s an activity that guests can take part in with creativity and imagination.
“The building experience of an animal is so much fun! People of all ages love to know they had a part in creating their own Loveable Stuffable by adding just the right amount of stuffing, to inserting the perfect heart, to filling out the birth certificate,” Meinhardt explains, noting that there are more than 60 varieties of animals to choose from, along with a vast selection of animal “skins,” clothing and accessories.
“The pre-packaged kits for hand-stuffing include the skins of choice, the stuffing, the heart inserts, bows for the ears, stuffing instructions, a birth certificate and a very attractive carry-home box.”
Meinhardt, who also works as a mortgage loan officer, is gearing up for the Oh Baby! Family Expo set for Oct. 9 and 10 at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, where she will be an exhibitor. And although she admits that juggling a business, family, friends and mortgage loan clients can be a bit challenging at times, it’s an experience that she welcomes with open arms.
For price inquiries and more information on Loveable Stuffables, call 254-1489 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
A Super Tea To Boost Your Health
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Turning an obstacle into an opportunity is exactly what Maria Tan did after suffering from a debilitating car accident 13 years ago that left her with no energy and nearly physically incapacitated. That experience led Tan to create PepTea, a Hawaii-based company that produces a fermented drink known as Kombucha.
Tan, the company’s executive director, says the tea contains essential ingredients that are beneficial to your health.
“PepTea contains black tea and green tea and a special culture, vitamins, and glucaric, lactic and folic acid, which regulates the level of ‘good, friendly’ bacteria, and reduces the toxic pathogens that cause ill health,” says Tan, a native of Indonesia now living in Kaneohe. “The tea also contains traces of potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese and sugar.
“A few months after my accident I developed the culture for the tea, and have been drinking it on a daily basis ever since. I was able to teach piano and sit longer without pain. I could carry a purse and do regular grocery shopping and take longer walks feeling more energized, and my depression was gone,” she says.
Now in her mid-60s, Tan credits her exceptional health to PepTea, saying she never experienced hot flashes during menopause, has no allergies and is rarely sick.
“As a matter of fact, I haven’t taken any prescription drugs or aspirin for 13 years,” she adds. “I also have no hair loss and found there is more elasticity in my skin.”
The tea also is believed to help restore acid/alkaline balance, relieve constipation, regenerate cell walls, relieve headaches and stomach pains and proves effective for fatigue, nervous tension and aging symptoms.
Kombucha traces its roots back to China and Eastern Europe and has been widely researched in Russia and Germany as promoting increased energy, improved digestion and even regulating blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Tan’s tea is produced locally, made with fresh island water, natural and organic ingredients combined with her collection of a specially formulated culture. PepTea sells for $1.65 for an 8-ounce bottle and $2.75 (16-ounce), and is available at Bubbleberry in Kaneohe, Down to Earth, Don Quijote, Kokua Market Natural Foods, Kale Natural Foods, Tamura stores and select Foodland stores.
“PepTea is tangy and refreshing,” says Tan, who is a pianist by profession and also works as a feng shui consultant and wedding coordinator. “It’s appropriate for people of all ages, although women who are pregnant may need to consult their doctor. I have received lots of positive feedback from customers.”
For more information, visit pepteahi.com or call 256-8423.
Creating Custom Storage Solutions
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There’s a vast selection of “do-it-yourself” closet organizing systems available at many hardware stores across the state. But Malia Gurney, owner of Dream Closets Hawaii, has been working her magic creating custom storage solutions for those who would rather have an experienced team take care of the installation process in their own home.
Dream Closets Hawaii specializes in closets, home offices, garage cabinets, entertainment systems and pantry systems - all custom-designed to meet the unique and ever-changing needs of clients.
Gurney, who was born and raised in Honolulu, says the custom systems offered at Dream Closets Hawaii are a durable, flexible and cost-effective way to organize and simplify your life.
“This process guarantees you a product that not only meets your needs, but also will maximize the space of your closet,” says Gurney, who started the business in 1995 after returning to the Islands from the Mainland.
“Since our product is custom-designed and our goal is to offer clients the best value possible, our showroom is our website (dreamclosetshawaii.com). All our business is done at the client’s home, and with our 3-D design software, without having the inconvenience of leaving their home.”
Every project begins with a free in-home consultation, where a skilled design consultant works closely with the client to analyze their space and needs. Each closet is then carefully planned using the latest closet-design techniques - in fact, the closet plans can be provided in either hard copy or in an Adobe PDF format representing a 3-D rendering in the exact color and design features discussed in the initial meeting.
Once the client’s design has been finalized and approved, the project and production documents are passed on to the manufacturing facility, where high-quality materials are used.
“At Dream Closets Hawaii, we utilize five-panel glazed drawer fronts, full-extension glides and wood drawer boxes as our standard offering.”
Once the installation process is complete, the entire system is wiped down with a gentle cleanser, and your existing closet is removed free of charge.
Gurney says the cost varies based on the size of the closet and the type of features included, but a typical reach-in closet with a combination of hanging space, drawers and shelving can run from $500 on.
“Our philosophy is simple: We want to offer our clients the best overall value and service,” Gurney says. “A properly designed closet can add 30 percent to 100 percent more storage space.”
For more information, call 387-0400 or visit dreamclosetshawaii.com.
The Traveler’s Dream Come True
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Angie Higa, founder and CEO of Sky Dreams, knows that the process of getting from here to there can take a toll on you, so she’s developed unique travel blankets that make it easier to endure those long flights to your final destination by keeping you comfortable and warm in a travel-friendly manner.
“What makes my Sky Dreams travel blanket and matching comfort neck pillow so travel-friendly is that the 40-by-58-inch blanket conveniently folds into its own bag called ‘Maxxy,’” Higa says. “There are several travel blankets on the market. However, they have a separate bag that you have to put your blanket in and they come with an inflatable pillow.
“What my customers love about my blanket is that it makes it convenient for those who wish to travel light. Most of all, they love that it’s stylish, too, and when folded into a bag, the pocket can hold their favorite travel accessories as well.”
This Mililani resident and mother of two launched the line in July 2009 and admits that business has been booming ever since - she sold more than 266 of her creations at just two craft fairs last year. The blankets are made with 100 percent polyester fleece, which is soft, cozy and fitting for all seasons; they also are available in 100 percent cotton. Higa most recently designed a travel blanket especially for the keiki as well, named after her 2 1/2-year-old granddaughter Kaianna, which debuted last weekend at the Made in Hawaii Festival. The 40-by-40-inch blanket folds into a backpack, which makes it easier for the little ones to carry. Another new design Higa is proud of is the “Randy,” named after her husband, biggest fan and supporter. It’s a 40-by-58-inch blanket that folds into a duffel bag.
“All three designs come with a matching neck pillow, and both pillow and blanket are machine washable and dryable,” she says.
“My timing is perfect, especially since some airlines are either charging for pillows and blankets or there are just not any to be found.”
The Sky Dreams travel blankets range from $29.99 to $34.99.
Higa currently works out of her garage, now converted into a workshop, designing and creating all the travel blankets, which can be purchased from her online store, skydreamsllc.com, or at A Little Bit of Everything, a new shop on Kapiolani Boulevard. Higa also is set to showcase her creations at several craft fairs around town later this year.
The Cleanest BBQ Grills In Town
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Many would agree that nothing says summer more than a barbecue with ono food, wonderful friends and ohana. But it’s the dreaded chore of cleaning the grill that no one wants to speak of. That’s where Ecogrill Clean comes in - a service that is an all-natural, non-caustic, environmentally friendly way of degreasing, sanitizing, cleaning and maintaining a healthy grill.
According to company owner Joel Himelhoch, his team uses 100 percent biodegradable products specially formulated for high-heat surfaces to leave your grill as good as new.
“We use biodegradable, non-corrosive products that you can literally drink,” says Himelhoch, who established Ecogrill Clean in the summer of 2008. Since then the company has been providing its service to commercial, residential and property management companies across the island through its main warehouse located in Waipio.
“Ecogrill is committed to providing a service that ensures that not only will our customers’grills look clean and be safer to cook on, we also guarantee that the food will cook more evenly and taste better,” he explains, adding that a full-service clean consists of degreasing the grill and parts, sanitizing the interior and exterior, polishing the exterior, cleaning the grease trap and doing a safety check.
“We do the dirty work for you,” he says. “People should realize that in high-rise living they are not the only ones cooking on the grill - the leftover residue and burnt-on carcinogens, unless cleaned regularly, will stick to the grill’s surface and fall through to the burners causing sanitary, health and fire-safety issues.”
Originally from Detroit, Himelhoch has called the Islands home for the past eight years, but it was on a trip back to his wife’s home-town in Australia that his idea for a grill-cleaning business was born. It didn’t take long for him to notice the constant barbecuing that took place at all times of the day in the land down under.
“The quality of the food and the cleanliness of the grills really stood out,” says Himelhoch, who now resides in Waipio. “When I asked how they achieved this result, the majority of people said they do the dirty and time-consuming job themselves.
“Upon returning to Hawaii, I perfected the cleaning system and took the environmentally friendly route to not only improve the already great business, but to give back to the environment as well,” he says. “In today’s fast-paced society time is of the essence, so being able to provide a service that gives the folks of Oahu more time to spend with their family and friends is rewarding.”
Cost of a full-service clean ranges from $100 to $200 and up. Maintenance programs also are available.
With Ecogrill Clean at your service, it’s time to fire up the barbie and get those steaks and kabobs a cookin’!
For more information on Ecogrill Clean, visit ecogrillclean.com or call 861-1791.
A Gourmet Chef Assists Kupuna
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Chef Michele Ramia of Michele Ramia Co. is taking her passion for cooking and using it to help others. As a single mother of three, she spends her time as a guardian angel to many of Hawaii’s kupuna, doing their grocery shopping and preparing healthy meals that meet their needs and lifestyles.
“I love each and every one of my clients and like to look into their eyes and see what makes them sparkle when I ask, ‘What do you love to eat?’” says Ramia, who jump-started her business early last year. She also serves as a wedding planner and hairstylist, and is a psychology student at UHManoa.
“I build a menu specifically designed for that senior citizen who is diabetic or has salt restrictions,” she adds, “and we break the mold of tasteless cardboard dinners.”
Ramia charges a $15 flat fee for shopping, with an additional $25 an hour cooking fee, noting that it takes one-and-a-half hours on average to prepare an entire four-course meal. The meal consists of a salad, main entree and another vegetable dish and is topped off with a dessert or fruit salad - all while accommodating the dietary needs and restrictions of senior citizens.
“I go to their homes with the groceries and cook it right there. I put some in the freezer for later and they get a hot dinner that night,” explains Ramia, who previously ran Hope Chapel Cafe in Waikele.
“I also make healthy double chocolate chip oatmeal (semi-organic) cookies that I bake for our elderly, and they absolutely love that! The house fills with that homey fragrance of butter and chocolate, and brings back good memories. I bring my own knives and basic things people don’t normally have if they are not a gourmet chef.”
Ramia credits her grandmother, whom she affectionately called Honey Maire, for her love of cooking. She says her grandmother was the life of the party and fed everyone in the neighborhood, even inviting the mailman in for a hot lunch from time to time.
“It warms my heart when people eat my food and think it’s lovely. ‘Good’ means it tastes all right, ‘Mmmm’ means it’s delicious. I always want to be the ‘Mmmm’ girl,” Ramia says with a laugh.
The responses she’s been receiving from her business have been quite positive. According to Ramia, some family members have even teared up when they see their kupuna enjoying a home-cooked meal.
“Maybe I am doing what some sons and daughters can’t do for their parents since they work and have kids of their own,” Ramia says. “I am contributing to society in a positive way - a way that will not only touch people’s tummies, but their hearts. The writer writes, the singer sings, the chef? Well, she shops, cooks and tells jokes while sauteing the tilapia!”
For more information on chef Michele Ramia and Michele Ramia Co., e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 685-5115 or 782-8066.
Fast, Professional, Affordable Designers
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Imagine part of your house transformed into a manifestation of your dream home in just a matter of hours. Does this seem too good to be true? With the help of Designer for a Day, it isn’t.
Designer for a Day is a collaboration of award-winning interior designers Jean Wall and Joan Robinson-Whitaker, who collectively have more than 50 years of design experience. Together they provide a service that redesigns rooms or homes in a short amount of time at an affordable price, all the while utilizing the client’s existing furniture, art and accessories with a limited amount of shopping required.
“The concept is to complete the service within one day or less. It is limited in scope and limited in cost, where a full-on custom-design service is not needed or affordable,” says Wall.
Two years ago, Wall and Robinson-Whitaker were collaborating on a potential project that didn’t transpire.“After brainstorming different ways to attract more business, we had similar ideas of how to approach the business from a different angle,” Robinson-Whitaker explains. “That was to make interior design more accessible, less intimidating, affordable and fun.
Both interior designers specialize in residential properties and commercial spaces.
“We have a short discussion with the client about what we do and what they would like from us. We discuss whether there is a budget for purchasing the items we may need, which can run from $500 to $2,500 and up. Then the client leaves to go to work or shopping,” Wall says, explaining a typical work day.
“We analyze the furniture we have to work with and decide its basic placement for the best effect, then we pull out what we are not going to use and we work fast. Having placed the basics and removed what we are not going to use, we quickly make a list of things we need to purchase. If purchasing is not necessary, we continue to hang art and place accessories. If shopping is necessary, we refine our list in the order of the most efficient use of our time.”
It’s interior design made easy. Wall and Robinson-Whitaker take their clients’ visions and desires to heart and with their creative expertise create a masterpiece.
“The rewards are seeing how much our customers love their spaces after we are through,” Robinson-Whitaker says. “They fall in love with their own things all over again.”
For more information, to make an appointment or to discuss cost, call 486-9191 or 737-1886, e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) r.com or visit Designer ForADayHawaii.com. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Office Space When You Need It
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Daniel Kaneshiro, managing partner of Resource Suites LLC, is making it easier for budding entrepreneurs to find an office space to call their own while establishing themselves in the global market.
Having opened its doors in 2008, Resource Suites LLC, located at the Waikiki Landmark on Kalakaua Avenue, offers an alternative to traditional office leasing by providing a business address to clients, as well as on-demand hourly office rentals, short-term offices, work stations, meeting rooms and more. Kaneshiro says he and his team of five dedicated employees are working tirelessly to exceed their clients’ rising expectations by revolutionizing the virtual office and relabeling it the HybridOffice.
“Hawaii has always been an entrepreneurial community since we lack large corporations. Also, because of our high cost of living, most people have a second or third job,” Kaneshiro explains. “We are here to bridge the gap between the home and corporate office.
“Like all businesses, it takes a while to gain traction, but we hit our stride and are now getting word of mouth referrals,” he adds. “We are constantly hearing how much of a needed service we provide as well as the infamous, ‘Wow, I didn’t even know your service existed!’”
Resource Suites LLC currently works with close to 100 different companies and clients who utilize its services, many of whom are new to the islands and need a place to make their mark. Yet Kaneshiro believes the company’s greatest strength and asset is that it’s locally owned and operated.
“From concept to construction to implementation to reinvention, it has always been myself and partner Dan Tronson.”
“We are looking to double the physical size of our current location and will be adding larger office spaces to accommodate current clients who are outgrowing their existing space,” Kaneshiro says.
In addition to providing office space, Resource Suites LLC also has professional office equipment available to clients and the company receptionist acts as the clients’ personal receptionist as well.
According to Kaneshiro, the minimum address-only service costs $300 a year. If a client is seeking a HybridOffice, usage plans range from $99 to $300 per month, and full-time office suites start at $900 a month.
High-speed Internet and all utilities are included in the rent.
Resource Suites LLC is located at 1888 Kalakaua Ave., Ste.C312. For more information, visit resource-suites.com or call 447-5801.
A Focus On Keiki Photography
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Darla and Todd Smith of Aloha Island Photography are breaking the stereotype of the formal studio portrait and session. From the moment you enter the front door of their beautiful two-story Kapolei home, it’s evident that they live and breathe their passion for photography. The first floor has been transformed into a studio, complete with colorful backdrops, lighting and props.
“We don’t want you to realize that this is still a house. We looked very specifically for a place like this,” says Todd, referring to the vaulted ceiling, bamboo flooring and natural light that floods through the windows. “This is a business we take seriously, but we also cater to our clients so they feel ‘at home’ here.”
Originally from Pennsylvania, the Smiths, along with their two children Nick, 4, and Sadie, 3, moved to the Islands earlier this year after having visited in 2009. Combining their love for island culture and passion for photography, they founded their business in June. Specializing in photographing newborns to 3-year-olds, the Smiths have taken advantage of marketing resources such as the recent Baby Expo.
“Business has been really good. There seems to be a lot of interest for what we do and we’ve really been enjoying meeting people in the community,” says Darla, who’s been working as a professional photographer for the last two-and-a-half years.
“It’s not an in-and-out type of studio. I like to work with the babies and kids and catch their true personality in candid shots with bright colors. There’s lots of smiles, not stiff poses.
“With newborns, I usually ask the moms to book an appointment two months in advance when they’re still expecting. We reserve their due date on our calendar and they call us when they’ve had the baby, and usually within the first two weeks they bring the baby in,” she adds.
“The studio will be pretty warm, around 90 degrees, to keep the baby sleepy and we just go from there. We have lots of baskets, hats and different props that we use for them. As long as the babies have a full belly and are kept warm, they usually sleep well and it works really well for us.”
Darla and Todd utilize the highest quality camera equipment and incorporate the latest technology into their
work. For example, iPads are used for proofing, and all editing is done on a Mac. Yet it is the complete experience clients receive from the start to end of a photo session that means the most to them.
“We’ve really tried to bring in a boutique feel to our studio. What sets us apart and makes us unique from other studios is the customization that we provide,” explains Todd, who is responsible for the marketing aspect of the company. “We want families to come in and bring their props that mean something special to them. We also offer refreshments.
“We want people to have a different feel and what we’ve tried to concentrate on are a variety of factors. Right
from the get-go we have no session fees. We feel like families should be able to come see our work - let us prove ourselves. This isn’t your normal, traditional venue. It’s so important that our clients understand this as a safe, clean and healthy environment,” he says.
Photo packages range from $250 to $1,000 and include anything from prints to canvases and digital images on CD. A military discount is available, and there is a referral program as well.
For more information on Aloha Island Photography or to book a photo session, call 341-2219 or visit alohaislandphotography.com.
Bikinis To Bring Out The Goddess
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Summer’s officially here, which only means one thing, ladies - it’s time to get out those bikinis, hit the beach or relax poolside, and bring out the goddess in you.
For Mariel Garrido Melchor, president and founder of La Diosa Swimwear, her mission is to have every person who steps into her swimwear feel like a goddess all her own.
Originally from Argentina, Melchor now resides in Honolulu with her husband, John, who is in charge of sales and marketing for the company. Melchor says she chose the name La Diosa because it means “goddess,” which in Spanish-speaking countries is the highest form of compliment given to a woman.
“La Diosa Swimwear is more than just bikinis,” Melchor explains. “We design our swimwear to enhance a woman’s figure. We also incorporate a special combination of colors and styles, resulting in a unique look that is both sophisticated and fun.”
Upon arriving in the Islands in March 2008, Melchor was on a mission to find swimwear similar to what she was accustomed to in Argentina, one that was unique to her body type and figure. It wasn’t long before she realized Hawaii was lacking such a line.
“When I started with the idea of a swimwear line, I spent almost a year researching swimwear and organizing different focus groups with American girls to see what kind of swimwear they were looking for,” she says. “Our customers seek beautiful design, contemporary fashion, high quality, value and comfort.”
La Diosa Swimwear is designed by Melchor, along with the collaboration of friend and Argentinean designer Marina Bornand.
“I create my designs here in Hawaii and then fly to Argentina to work with Marina to finalize the design and begin the manufacturing process. Then when the swimwear is ready, we import it to Hawaii,” she says. The swimwear retails for $80-$100 a set and is available at Allure, Becca Beach, Bikinis & Things, Therapy and My Evolution.
On July 31, the new collection from La Diosa Swimwear will be featured at Bar 35’s monthly event, 80s Pop Muzik. The party kicks off at 9 p.m. and rages on until 2 a.m. Those 21 and over can enjoy the best of ‘80s music along with a bikini fashion show showcasing the La Diosa line. There is a $5 cover charge and one lucky person will win a La Diosa bikini. Other prizes will be up for grabs as well.
“I love the challenge of competing and making a unique product that women will love,” Melchor says.
With the perfect swimsuit, any woman can be La Diosa!
For more information, check out the La Diosa line on Facebook.com.
A Kapahulu Winery That Does It All
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With the firm belief that wine is for everyone and not reserved for a particular class or culture, Shannon Ball brings together a synthesis of his chemistry background and food and beverage experience to feature a culmination of all things vino at Wine The Experience.
Once setting foot into this Kapahulu winery, your senses are awakened immediately by the aroma of Pinot Noir, Luna Rossa, French Sauvignon Blanc and more.
“All the wines fermenting in the back room give off the scent of a winery right away,” says Ball, who opened his business in October 2004. “Most people are usually surprised when they walk in. This place strikes them as being a nice, yet comfortable atmosphere. It’s a relaxed setting, but we’re all about wine.”
It’s a wine lover’s paradise, for sure. Ball and his staff produce 60 types of wine, sourcing grapes from vineyards across the globe, from the West Coast to South America, Australia and New Zealand. Classic favorites, Ball says, are the New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Pacific Chardonnay and Chilean Pinot Noir, to name a few.
“We do the fermentation here,” he explains. The Punahou graduate went on to pursue his education at Northeastern University, obtaining a degree in biology with a concentration on chemistry.
“We pitch the yeast, inoculate the wine and kick it off. One of our tasting professionals will take each customer through a wine tasting, and we host all kinds of parties and events. Most people will choose their wine of choice after going through the wine tasting and then make an event of wine bottling. They can make their own custom labels for the bottles, too.”
Even in a down economy, Ball admits business has been on a steady incline. He says his main philosophy is simple: Make people happy and give them good wine.
“We wanted to bring something different to people and give them something fun to do. It’s important to us that we have a place where people will feel comfortable learning, experiencing and enjoying wine,” says the Kaimuki resident.
“This place is for everyone - for those who already enjoy wine and also for the first-timers who are just learning and want a place where they can come to ask questions and not feel like people are looking down on them. We want to capture all of that and be that for everybody.”
The entire wine experience ranges from $360 to $450 and includes the tasting and selecting of the desired barrel, which produces about 30 bottles of wine total. A bottling service also is available.
“We’re in the process of working on including sparkling wine and champagne to the menu. We’re also trying to create some local products like honey wine, which would be 100 percent local, and just trying to provide more for our customers - giving them the total wine experience,” Ball says.
Wine The Experience is located at Kilohana Square, 1016 Kapahulu Ave., Suite 1. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information, call 738-0738 or visit winetheexperience.com.
Hot Sauces That ‘Broke Da Face’
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When it comes to cookin’ up mouth-watering, savory cuisine, more often than not there’s always that one secret ingredient that makes a dish perfect. Whether it be a hint of sugar or a dab of spice, as chef Emeril Lagasse would say, “BAM!”
For Cody Kimoto, aka “Da Sauce Man” and owner of Broke Da Face Sauces, the secret ingredient is in none other than - you guessed it - the sauce. A self-proclaimed true lover of the food arts, Kimoto says his passion for all things edible is the driving force behind the company, which he founded in May 2008.
Now, more than two years later, “Da Sauce Man” is always looking to create new and unique recipes to add to his arsenal of condiments, dressings and marinades - all made right here in Hawaii.
“I’ve always had a passion for sauces, and when the idea to start this business came into my head, it just felt right,” Kimoto says. “I had a great recipe for chili pepper water and people kept saying, ‘You should bottle it and sell it.’ So I did.
“I had a great product that you couldn’t find in stores, and I thought it was the right time to introduce to consumers,” he adds. “With constant support from my friends, family and loyal customers, this company continues to steadily grow and expand further every day.”
To ensure quality and consistency in all his products, the sauces are made, manufactured and bottled in a kitchen in Kakaako. There are currently four items available for retail purchase, including Chili Pepper Water, Da Ring Stingah hot sauce, Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing and Chili Pepper Butter. He has three more products still in the developmental stage.
“The Chili Pepper Water and Da Ring Stingah hot sauce have been the most popular so far,” explains the Hawaii Kai resident. “I consider my sauces very balanced in flavor - a perfect combination of spicy, sweet and tangy.
“I believe in supporting local businesses, so I use as many fresh, local ingredients as possible to keep my products of the highest quality and tasting great. I also manufacture my sauces in micro-batches to keep them fresh when going into stores and markets. Even though there are a lot of other great local products similar to mine out there, I think this is what sets me ever so slightly apart from the rest.”
Broke Da Face Sauces are available at Executive Chef, Ward Warehouse; Tamura’s, Wahiawa; V-Lounge, Kona Street; Island Keepsakes, Nuuanu Avenue; It’s Chili in Hawaii, Aloha Stadium Swap Meet and at various farmers’ markets island-wide. Kimoto’s products can even be purchased at Uwajimaya Market in Seattle/Renton, Wash., and in Portland, Ore.
In the future, “Da Sauce Man” hopes to expand his business to a full manufacturing warehouse, creating local jobs and a bigger, more diverse product line.
“Owning my own business has been very rewarding, the greatest being able to provide the public with products created by myself and seeing their positive response,” says Kimoto, whose wife Nicole is expecting their first daughter in October.
“The biggest challenge I have encountered so far is trying to control the growth of my company. While growth is essential for a successful company, expanding too fast before you’re ready can be harmful to a small business like mine.”
One thing’s for sure, Kimoto has definitely succeeded in spicing up any diner’s palate.
“Just like a sommelier pairs wine with food, I believe there is a sauce that goes with every dish,” he explains.
“No just broke da mout’, broke da whole face!”
For more information on Broke Da Face Sauces, visit bdfsauces.com or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Giving New Meaning To ‘Bag Lady’
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What began as an obsession for purchasing hand-made clutches online quickly turned into a business for Makiki handbag designer Ruth Shiroma Foster, who recently launched an online store - www.ruthshiromafoster.com. There you’ll find one-of-a-kind, eco-friendly handbags, featuring vintage, reclaimed and specialty fabrics.
“Each handbag has a beginning. Say I’m in a thrift store, and nestled on a crowded garment rack is a print that catches my eye. I fall madly in love with it and can see into its future,” says Foster, who runs her business from her home and also works as a full-time writer and project manager for a local technology firm. She graduated from the University of Hawaii in 1995 with a journalism degree.
“I see each handbag as a tangible expression of that very moment when I was captured by what I saw. In that regard, each handbag is pure expression. There is so much variety on the Web site because the human expression is so varied.”
For instance, what some may think of as a costume for a ‘70s-theme party Foster will view as a treasure and part of a future handbag. She began producing the handbags on her own last December, and says she hasn’t stopped sewing since.
“I usually can make anywhere from one to three handbags per fabric print, so in many cases, the handbag is one-of-a-kind or a very limited edition,” she says of her designs that sell for $60 (some on sale for $50) at her online store. “On some rare occasions, I luck out and can make up to seven or eight handbags from a single garment.
“I did a fair amount of trial and error before establishing a pattern that could be used as the template for the bags on the Web site.”
Constructing the bags, she says, involves seeking out interesting fabric, pre-treating the fabric, cutting specific pieces such as lining, pockets and handles, machine stitching and ironing.
“If I work on a single bag from start to finish it may take up to two hours,” Foster explains. “But my process isn’t that way - I sew multiple parts and multiple bags at once. For example, I might sew 20 handles one evening, then on another night sew linings.”
While sewing is a relatively new hobby for Foster, she’s already using her skill to make a difference. One of her handbag designs, the Pop Series, is a fundraiser for the Honolulu Symphony musicians - including her husband Norman, a clarinetist. All profits from the sale of these handbags go to the Symphony’s Live Music Awareness fund.
“My husband was cleaning out his closet one day when he found an old Honolulu Symphony Pops aloha shirt with a loud red hibiscus print. I told him to send it to Goodwill, but he insisted the material was of good quality and could be used for something,” Foster explains. Hence the first Pop Series handbag.
“After Norm showed his colleagues the bag, they loved it and started sending me their aloha shirts to transform into more bags,” she adds. As a Jane-of-all-trades, Foster also is a singer-songwriter, pianist and vocalist. Together, she and her husband write and perform original songs at showcases around town with the Oahu Songwriters Group.
While Foster’s passions stem from many things in life, she admits that sewing is the perfect complement to a long workday, adding that it is meditative and allows her to unwind.
“My adventures in sewing have taught me that you don’t have to fall into the molds set forth by the market around you,” she says. “If you think of something, consider constructing it yourself. Sewing is an exercise in free will and has been one of the most liberating skills I’ve taken up.”
‘Accel’-erating Island Party Fu
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Parties are a lot of fun. Setting up the tables, tents and chairs is not.
That’s where Scott Rabe comes in. Since 1996 when Rabe’s father, Michael, noticed there was a lack of companies able to assist him with his catering business, Accel Party Rentals & Design has specialized in medium- to high-end rentals, but is still able to help out with small family functions.
“Our core focus is midto high-end, so we do a lot of nicer weddings, we do a lot of black-tie events, we do a lot of fundraisers, we do things for Jack Johnson,” Rabe says. “But that doesn’t preclude us from doing something for the neighbor down the road, for their kid’s graduation or a simple ceremony at a beach somewhere.”
Rabe says Accel is a full-range provider but that it doesn’t handle the live stuff - meaning no food, flowers or wait-staff. But after 14 years in business, Accel has accumulated a network of companies with which they work to fill in any gaps that an event may have.
“We do more than 2,000 events a year, so we deal with a lot of people in town,” he says. “We’ve got the contacts already, and it makes life easier if we are able to short-list a small handful of vendors for our clients to work with.”
In April, Rabe was one of two people honored by the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii as a young entrepreneur of the year. For the guy who has been running his own business since he was 16, it was recognition for many years of hard work.
“It’s definitely an honor to receive that,” he says. “On one level, it does provide some validation that what I am doing is getting recognized. At the same time, it is hard to identify that as a plateau. Every day I receive that validation because we do so many events, and after each and every event, to have the clients, whether it is a small letter or an e-mail or a phone call or just hearing it through the grapevine that everyone had a great time, we get instant gratification every day.”
Accel is located at 99-1405 Koaha Place in Aiea. Call 484-2258 if your next event needs a bit more help than you can provide.
A Clean, Green Diaper Service
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It’s easy for families to be green with Anthony Ing’s Dolphin Diaper Service.
“Some customers have reused us if they have a new baby,” he says. “A couple of them have said, ‘Wow, I’m glad your still in business. It’s good to see you’re still going.’”
Ing’s Web site notes that disposable diapers take 500 years to decompose, whereas cotton diapers take six months - and they’re reusable.
A couple of weeks before the baby arrives, Ing delivers a diaper pail, explains how to use the cloth diapers, deodorant disks and diaper covers. When baby comes, and they start using the diapers, he collects the used diapers, counts them and has them commercially washed.
“Because babies have sensitive skin, no chlorine bleach is used, which prevents rashes from harsh chemicals,” says Ing. “There is a quadruple boiling process that uses an alkaline-based solution with enzymes that destroys bacteria.”
Most people find out about the service online, and fliers are distributed to new parents at hospitals.
“I’m green myself,” explains Ing about one reason he got into the business. “Living in Hawaii and being part Hawaiian, I see our landfills will fill up really quickly. This is one of the small things we are hitting directly at the root. It adds less to the landfill, and it can be used more than once.”
The business began in 1990, and Ing took it over in 2007.
“I wanted to see what I could do with the business to expand it, seeing how there is a green
movement,” says Ing, a Kaimuki High School graduate and BYU-Hawaii international business management major. “The growth potential was there as it came with established clientele and inventory all set up. The green view is swinging back around.”
Delivery is once a week, and he hopes to expand the business so that he can deliver more often. He says he’s looking forward to someday getting a new delivery truck, adding more earth-friendly diapers and, of course, getting the word out about Dolphin Diaper Service.
For more information, call 261-4775 or log on to www.dolphindiaperservice.com.
Health Care With A Focus On ‘Care’
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Staff portraits and group photos are on display in the Prime Care Services office, just as in a private home.
It’s evident that Beth Hoban takes pride in her professional staffers, who specialize in caring for homebound patients.
“We treat each other like family,” she says. “So when you go out to see patients who are older, it’s like your grandmother, your auntie or your mother. How would you treat them? That’s what we look for.”
With 25 to 30 full- and part-time staffers, Hoban has an administrative team and clinicians - registered nurses, home health aides, physical, occupational and speech therapists, and social workers -who give part-time help to patients a few times a week.
Hoban was a labor and delivery nurse on the Mainland before moving to Hawaii in 1974. The Kaneohe resident conducted Lamaze classes, and worked at Queen’s hospital as a labor and delivery nurse manager until 1994, when she started Prime Care Services in part because her mother had broken her ankle, legs and hip in a car accident. Upon release from the hospital’s intensive care unit, she was referred by her doctor to a skilled nursing facility about an hour away from home.
“She is very family-oriented,” Hoban says about her mom. “She asked, ‘Is there a way I could stay home so my family can visit me?’ Home care was suggested.”
After researching home health care, it was decided that a nurse and a physical therapist were part of the healing process.
“Mom wanted to dance at her birthday party six months away,” recalls Hoban. “So she was very diligent about her exercises, and she did get to do her cha-cha-cha.”
A family affair, Prime Care Services’ administrative staff includes husband Jim and their children Sean, Lynn and Michelle. Her children Jamie and Carlo also are supportive of the business.
The agency’s team-building activities include regular lively conversations while enjoying home-cooked meals at the office kitchen table, and participating in community service, such as the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. She’s also active with Friends of UH Manoa School of Nursing, Rotary International and the National Association for Home Health Care, as well as other health-care associations.
“We are looking forward to seeing how technology can help our industry,” she says. “It’ll be another way we can help our patients.”
Prime Care is located at 3375 Koapaka St., Suite I-570. For more information, call 531-0050, or log on to www.primecarehawaii.com.
The Solution For IT Professionals
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To provide an island presence for information technology professionals using IBM products, Aloha Technical Solutions keeps customers needs at the forefront.
“If you have an issue with technology, we are here to help,” says owner Ross Battaglia. “Before, if you needed something, you got it from the Mainland. You had to go there to go to school or see the demo. We provide local IT services.”
There are two main ways his company of 10 employees provides local IT services for IBM to small businesses as well as state and federal government offices. First is the business partner innovation center, or BPIC. Battaglia says Hawaii is the only business partner that allows customers to give the equipment a try in their own office.
“If there is a piece of equipment here that you’re interested in, bring it back to your place,” Battaglia encourages. “Make a live demo of it and put production on it to see how it works.”
One of the reasons he does it that way, he explains, is because he believes you have to do things differently in Hawaii.
“When you look at our name, it has a value of why it is Aloha Technical Solutions,” he says. “It tells you how we want to do business, the kind of business we do and what we provide. In Hawaii, you have to live it, you can’t just talk it. Our business culture is our life culture.”
The second way the company helps local IT professionals for IBM is with its training center. Having an instructor here saves residents airfare and travel time. With 18 workstations, customers can learn a variety of skills, such as how the new software works, or what Lotus Notes can do, or the disadvantages and benefits of the Power 7 UNIX.
Battaglia says he is an original developer of the Tivoli software product and owns Tivoli Associates, which provides backup solutions for IBM worldwide. It was while working as an IBM expert that he saw a need for a local presence in Hawaii, so he started Aloha Technical Solutions in September 2006. Vice president of operations Jackie Branch and director of IBM sales Mike Kebo were there from the start.
Since its humble beginnings, Battaglia says the company has become one of the top 10 business partners in the country for IBM, and last year it was No. 9 in sales of the X series of Intel computers.
To demonstrate his commitment to his employees, he allows six weeks a year for employee training.
“An investment in their future is an investment in our future,” says the Kailua resident.
He acknowledges the support of his clients, staff, friends and family, especially wife Betsy, his seven children and 12 grandchildren.
In addition to the BPIC and the training center, the company also has a build shop where they can quickly put together a component for a customer.
“When I do business with somebody, I do it as if I were buying it for myself,” says Battaglia. “What would I want (in customer service)? I’m straight with you, and we help with an IT solution that is best for you.”
Aloha Technical Solutions is located at 677 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 402. For more information, call 254-6200, or log on to www.alohatechnical.com.
Crafting Greeting Cards With Aloha
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Lindy Styer stuffs her aloha into an envelope - her aloha shirt origami greeting cards, that is.
Her Hawaiian Style Greetings cards have matching buttons on them, and inside the shirt is a piece of paper for a handwritten note. The origami aloha shirts come in three sizes.
“Our smallest one can hold a business card inside,” she says. “It also can be used as a gift tag, as it can come with a raffia loop.” There’s a medium-size card as well as the Big Kahuna, which fits in a 5-by-7-inch envelope.
Her cards can be found at Party Pizzaz, Kalapawai Market, Castle hospital, Fresh Inc., Na Mea, Mac Nut Farms, Island Keepsakes and Under the Koa Tree in Waikiki.
This business venture began when Styer bought a beautiful origami aloha shirt card once and she hadn’t seen one since.
“I think it’s so clever,” she says.
Since she hadn’t been able to find one again, she set out to make her own line of origami shirts four years ago. A lover of all things crafty, she made them for baby announcements for relatives.
“I’ve always liked doing things with little kids,” she says. “My craftiness came out, and I’d make Kris Kringle gifts for neighbors.”
Her career path includes working in the airline industry and as a college admissions counselor. With lots of encouragement over the years from friends and family suggesting she could make money doing this, she started Hawaiian Style Greetings this year.
The cards are hand made by one of her Kailua neighbors in Pohakupu, Tammy Dawson, and are inspected for quality by Tammy’s mother, Linda Dawson, who works at MidWeek. When she expands the business, Styer will hire additional staff in Hawaii.
Based in Washington state, she commutes to Hawaii often to showcase the cards. She credits all the people who helped her with the business, such as those who’ve made time to hear about her product as well as customers, friends and family.
“Small-business owners are so generous with coaching and mentoring,” Styer says. “I’m astounded by their kind spirit in that they want to see others succeed.”
Her gratitude gushes when she talks about the amount of support she gets from her husband, Will, a Kailua High School graduate, and their son Scott.
While her concentration is on the aloha origami shirts, she also accepts custom orders that can reflect a favorite sport, party theme or hobby.
“What the card is really saying is somebody went to a lot of trouble to get you something unique and memorable,” she says. “If you want to make someone feel special, you get something that makes the person feel special.”
For more information, call 808-489-3848, or log on to http://hawaiianstylegreetings.com.
A Myriad Of Options For Any Household
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In the hustle-bustle of modern life, it’s difficult to juggle all the responsibilities at work and those in your personal life, such as a well-run and maintained home.
Stephen Hopkins’business is taking care of the home, whether it’s providing chauffeurs, butlers and maids to tend to every need, or connecting people with a landscaper, handyman or electrician. He says he brings the homegrown aloha spirit to his company, Hopkins Options.
“My word is my bond,” he says. “I guarantee high quality work whether by me, personally, or my in-house staff, or by the network of subcontractors.”
He scrutinizes resumes, verifies work history, does background checks and conducts interviews.
For domestic staffing, he recommends an estate manager to head the team that keeps the home in order, which can include a variety of expertise, from personal assistants to nannies to chefs. His services also offer help with short-term projects such as shopping, event planning, bill paying, entertainment reservations, surfing guides and private tour guides.
It’s something the former sports administrator for the departments of the Army and Navy knows about personally, as he was hired as a private chauffeur and personal assistant for a marine life artist in 1995. The father of four worked his way up to chief of staff, and he was responsible for setting up mobile art studios across the globe. Hopkins helped others set up their domestic staff, and started doing it as a business in 2002.
The fourth of five siblings, Hopkins, a Kalani High School graduate, gushes with praise for the support of his clients, staff, friends, family and especially his four sons, Kailipeleuli, Alika, Shawn and Kanaia.
Hopkins also can be found working in the field as a full-time estate manager.
Working as a chief of staff branched out to recruiting personnel for property maintenance.
“The wear and tear of living in the Islands’ salt air plays havoc,” says Hopkins. “You have to budget to maintain the beautiful property so it keeps up the value. You want to make it more liveable and loving for you.”
Hopkins prides himself on accurately assessing how much a project will cost and how long it will take. Homeowners and property managers utilize his pool of people, which includes professionals in construction, plumbing, flooring, painting, carpentry, remodeling and upgrades. He notes that the company puts forth the same effort in each of its jobs, no matter the size.
“We will do it as if it is $12 million home, whether it is, or even if it is just down the street,” he notes.
Hopkins hopes to someday establish a training institution in Hawaii to groom private service professionals in a formal mansion setting, the way it is done with the Colorado-based Starkey International.
“Hawaii is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean,” he says. “We ought to offer the aloha spirit quality training to the rest of the world.”
More plans for the future are to provide business consulting and increase the construction business.
For more information, call 352-7511, e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or log on to hopkinsoptions.com.
A Couple’s Creativity Is In The Bag
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Carol D’Angelo and Dexter Doi are thrilled when they see their artwork come to life on three styles of canvas bags.
One of the latest silk-screened designs by their company, Ecolicious, features hibiscus flowers and a butterfly on a large hobo-style canvas bag with a single strap, a snap and a zippered inside pocket. Their new line includes an embroidered shoulder bag with an adjustable strap.
“We wanted something pretty that people could use,” says D’Angelo about how the couple started their business. “We’d talked about putting our art on evening bags a long time ago.”
Doi says they thought starting off with canvas bags would serve the community better. “It’s the right thing to do to serve a purpose,” he says.
Six of their designs are showcased on an earlier line of canvas tote bags.
Customer Laura Clagstone proudly uses several different styles of the bags simultaneously on a daily basis.
“I have some extras at home that I give away to people as gifts,” says Clagstone.
All Ecolicious designs have the word “Hawaii” intricately placed. Several stores carry them, including North Shore Swimwear, Barefoot Dreams, UH Bookstore, Global Village and Na Mea, just to name a few.
The couple started their business in 2007 after noticing a canvas tote bag with big green letters that read “This is not a plastic bag.”
“We both looked at it and said we could do something better,” D’Angelo recalls.
The Kaneohe-based artists sketch out ideas independently, show them to each other, then decide on finishing one together. To start off, the husband-wife team launched their line with two bags.
“We didn’t know anything about how to start a business,” she says. “We’ve started from step one and learned along the way.”
In addition to showing their paintings in art galleries at least once a year, running their business and selling at craft fairs once in a while, they also maintain full-time jobs. D’Angelo works as an instructor at the Apparel Product Design and Merchandising program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she also is the curator for the Historical Costume Collection, which consists of more than 20,000 pieces. Doi works as a senior artist at Tori Richards.
He admits there are some challenges to running the business.
“Every time we do a new design or a reorder, there are minimums from the manufacturers,” he says.
To expand their product line, Ecolicious plans to debut its artwork on reusable stainless steel water bottles to reduce the use of plastic drinking bottles.
“You want to be eco conscious, but I don’t want to pound someone on the head with it,” Doi says.
They hope to introduce more bags, T-shirts and silk scarves in the future.
For more information, call 225-2045 or log on to www.doidangeloartworks.com.
Growing A Garden The Wiki Way
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No need for noisy weed whackers, lawn mowers or tillers. Alan Joaquin invented an “idiot-proof” organic garden with his company The Wiki Garden.
“Hawaii imports 90 percent of its food right now,” Joaquin says. “We have year-round growing conditions, so it’s just insane that we are importing all these containers of food from the Mainland.”
The Wiki Garden is three feet of soil in a mesh sock with an irrigation tube in it. Customers can visit the factory for a hands-on look at the 1,000-square-foot demonstration garden in Waimanalo, where 125 Wiki Gardens bear 150 varieties of vegetables, herbs and fruits. Plug The Wiki Garden irrigation tube to a garden hose, cut holes for the plant seeds or starter plants, and that is how the garden grows. The product also is available at Waikiki Worm Company and some City Mill locations.
Carol Ai May, co-owner of City Mill, says the only thing she keeps alive are silk flowers. She and husband Mike say they are now having fun growing and eating their own fresh herbs, such as basil and parsley.
“When we eat our first tomato, I have to take pictures of it,” she says enthusiastically about their Wiki Garden.
The biggest challenge Joaquin has, he says, is teaching people just what The Wiki Garden is. To overcome that problem, he strives to make everything as simple as possible, including his Web site and brochures.
The Kaiser High graduate’s varied career path includes owning his own commercial landscaping business and working as an airline pilot. He also owns Envirotech Biosolutions, which recycles organic green waste.
The Hawaii Kai resident says he created The Wiki Garden out of necessity. He and wife Tannya, a broadcast journalist, were alarmed that the average child receives four times more exposure than an adult to cancer causing pesticides from food.
“We didn’t want that food going into our newborn,” Joaquin says about son Kaimana. “I told Tannya I could grow our own food. I researched techniques and I realized that most people who tried to start an organic garden failed.”
For the debut of The Wiki Garden in November 2009, he donated one to the Institute for Human Services, which has a program to teach families in its shelter for women and children about sustainability and organic food.
Joaquin appreciates the support of his staff, customers, friends and family. His business partner Judith Guido arranged for The Wiki Garden to be given away as a prize during Earth Day promotions two weeks ago for NBA basketball team the New Jersey Nets in two contests honoring those who live a green life. The promotion included a life-size cardboard cutout of him holding a Wiki Garden on the basketball court. He jests that that’s the closest he’ll get to being a professional basketball player because one time when he got the ball, he ran the wrong way with it.
To give back to the community, he set up AlohaVictoryGardens.org, where 12 Wiki Gardens will be given away each year to individuals, schools or companies.
“It’s good for the plants, and good for the people who are growing them,” says
Joaquin. “It’s also fun. More and more people are getting into it.”
The Wiki Garden demonstration garden is located at 41-530A Waikupanaha St. For more information, call 396-9454 (WIKI), or log on to www.thewikigarden.com.
Say Fiddlesticks For Fun Crafting
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Fiddlesticks owner Randy Grobe created several needlework gifts as a present for friends while she watched football on television.
“I find it relaxing,” says the cross stitch and needle-point boutique owner.
Her staff at the store can help find the perfect cross stitch or needlepoint project that makes crafters smile with pride and delight, whether they are beginners, intermediate or advanced.
“If you are going to do all that work, you should have good quality,” emphasizes Grobe.
The quality of the projects come from trunk shows held at the shop once every couple of months, where new ideas are on display so crafters can pick their pleasure. Fiddlesticks offers finishing services to turn your piece into a completed stocking or pillow. The emporium conducts classes on weekends where men and women can learn the basics in a three-hour session or come out with enough knowledge to continue a decorative piece on their own time. There’s even office lunch-hour sessions as well as instructions in schools. The shop is stocked with at least 50 varieties of threads to pick from, including silk, cotton, shiny, furry, patent leather and velour.
Customer Bev Fleming’s “eight mortals” cross stitch piece, which took two years to complete, is among the many customer handiworks that adorn the walls of the store.
“Everything you need is here,” says Fleming, who shared her completed cross stitch of a Chinese woman sitting by the water playing her flute, the pai xiao. “I prefer to come and see what I’m getting.”
Other things at the store include surprise grab bags filled with items from the shop. Store manager Joan Rembold, who was a customer before she joined the staff 20 years ago, says when customers buy the grab bag, proceeds go to Ronald McDonald House in Hawaii. Sometimes customers also donate needlework materials to the grab bag.
“When they bring in things, they feel good that it is going to a good cause,” shares Rembold. “It goes on to someone else that stitches, so it is used and it is going to a good cause.”
Little did Grobe know growing up in Kahaluu watching her grandmother paint, knit, weave and spin her own wool that she too would follow a creative path. The University High graduate visited Denmark during college and the house she stayed in was filled with cross stitch. Grobe got a cross stitch project there and was hooked.
“I couldn’t find it at home so I told my mom, ‘We should open a needlework store,’” recalls Grobe, whose mother owned a wholesale toy store.
Grobe’s career path included studying occupational therapy and working at Queens Medical Center for five years. The Kaneohe resident raves about the support of her customers, staff, friends and family, especially husband Jim and their children Travis, Jonathan, and Kelli.
Grobe admits one of the challenges of running the business is the economy.
“We try to have more varied selection of classes listed in our newsletter,” “We include some projects that take less time to do, and cost less.”
For those that don’t want to do needlework, the store also has some other crafty classes on the schedule.
“It becomes like a group of friends,” says Grobe. “Everyone has a different vision for their project, and to make it so it’s another art.”
Fiddlesticks is located at 620 Coral St. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 533-4565 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
A Strategy For Global Marketing
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When the owners of Big Island Bees Natural and Organic Hawaiian Honey wanted to sell their sweet product in Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong, they relied on the knowledge of Kevin Kraft, who specializes in marketing American products in Asia through his export management firm, Tradewinds Global. He represents many natural and organic companies, products for pets and children, as well as creations from Hawaii.
“Here in Hawaii, if you see a lot of Japanese tourists wearing the ERGOBaby Carrier (from Maui), it is a good chance they purchased that over in Japan,” Kraft says with delight. “You can see how the distribution of products comes full circle when you see them wearing something you set up.”
Tradewinds Global compiles an export strategy for companies that want to sell their products in Asia.
“Every product is a living organism in how it is perceived, how it grows and where you start engaging a product,” says Kraft. “There’s an evolutionary process with a company with its own sales and domestic growth as well as how a brand is ready overseas. A case-by-case evaluation and creativity go into a successful marketing plan, taking into account cultural differences.”
He points to his strong partnerships in markets overseas for the success of his clients’ products. He manages the relationship with suppliers and gets the product ready to export, in addition to finding new promotions with the U.S. Department of Commerce, agricultural trade offices and other agencies. His account managers take care of the details, watch the shipments and communicate in Japanese and Chinese.
Success for his clients’ brands to become established overseas, he notes, needs a commitment of at least three years.
“To help with marketing support,” he says, “we can assist with trade shows and brainstorm marketing ideas.”
Tradewinds Global also works with companies to sell directly to consumers online.
Kraft, who was born and raised in the desert of Apple Valley, Calif., majored in anthropology at University of Colorado. He worked for a year in a hotel in Saipan, and then lived in Japan, among other places.
“I love different cultures and different people,” says Kraft, a Kaneohe resident. “It’s my love of culture and trying to find the solution for business that made me create Tradewinds Global.”
With the help of two staff members, he hopes to add complementary product lines to the natural lifestyle clients he has now.
The Small Business Administration recently selected Kraft for this year’s Small Business Exporter Award for the City and County of Honolulu.
He profusely thanks his staff, clients, colleagues, friends and family, especially wife Yumi and their sons Koah, 5, and Forrest, 3, for the success of the business.
For more information, call 457-1904 or log on to ww.tradewinds-global.com.
The Ukulele Ambassador Of Kaimuki
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With its comfortable couches, a coffee table full of food and photographs displayed on the walls, the Ukulele Hale living room is where people can eat, talk story and play music.
Ukulele Hale owner Jody Kamisato and his four instructors teach students of all ages in Kaimuki to strum the strings of the ukulele.
“Ukulele is for everybody,” says Kamisato. “It’s two strings easier than a guitar.”
He offers private and group 30-minute lessons weekly, and students are urged to practice daily.
“The repetition is important so the fingers start to remember,” says Kamisato, a Kaiser High graduate.
Ukulele Hale students also can learn songwriting, improvisation, performance techniques and enjoy tours of an ukulele factory.
And tourists can sign up for a 45-minute lesson to learn a song.
Ukulele Hale also has a room where students get the feel of being on stage and performing in public so when the call comes to play at a family gathering or in a talent show, they’ll be ready.
“I feel it’s important to bring our students out into the community to reach out and give back,” explains Kamisato, noting that students play for patients at Shriner’s Hospital.
Kamisato opened Ukulele Hale in 2007 after working as an instructor for Jake Shimabukuro at Ukulele Academy, and then for Shimabukuro’s brother Bruce.
To combat cuts of music and arts programs in public schools, in 2008 Kamisato started Ukes on the Loose during after-school hours. Ukulele instructors guide students, and members of Big Brothers and Big Sisters in high school help teach students in elementary grades. The Ukes on the Loose competition even includes a category for air ukulele as well as several age group divisions.
With the support of his friends, family, students, staff and the community, Kamisato is on a mission to spur interest in the ukulele worldwide. While on vacation in Soweto, South Africa, he said he had one of his most intense feelings when playing ukulele for a group of children who lived in extreme poverty.
“I looked into this one girl’s eyes,” he recalls, “and she looked up to me and she had the biggest smile. At that moment, I realized why I’m here. My purpose is to use the ukulele to communicate with people on a different level.”
Soon after that he sent some ukuleles to the children in Soweto for their theater program. He also is starting an ukulele program in Thailand.
“How can we use viral marketing, the Internet, YouTube and portals of technology to educate people, and to gain their interest in the ukulele?” Kamisato asks. “I see the ukulele as one of the instruments that can touch people no matter where they live in the world, what culture or what language they speak. It is such a humble little instrument that can do so many great things.
“When you strum the ukulele, it strikes a chord in people.”
Ukulele Hale is located in the Kaimuki Professional Building at 1109 12th Ave., Suite 203. Hours of operation are noon to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 258-7237, or log on to http://www.ukulelestudio.com. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Where The Staff Are The Stars
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Good-looking talent can liven up a show so it is a bit more interesting, and pretty models at conventions are a great way to attract attention to products.
Charmaine Williams, owner of Star Event Staff, provides models to promote products for booths, in-store demonstrations and street team marketing. The company has promoted a variety of products, ranging from food to motor oil to alcohol.
“Our models are well-versed in the product,” says Williams. “They’re not just cute. We specialize in getting your brand out there at the right time.”
Her models are even able to answer some customers’ questions, as they learn the highlights of the products through informational handouts. The models pass out business brochures, input orders and collect customer information for follow-ups.
With her pool of 150 men and women, she also can provide models with bartending and food server experience, and she books emcees as well as live entertainment.
In addition to dispatching models, Williams can create a marketing idea to promote your business. For example, a bank contacted Star Event Staff to help think of ways to get the word out about its new tagline. The Star Event Staff models were posted at several high-traffic locations, where they gave out coffee sleeves with the new tagline printed on them. The sleeves could be presented to the nearby shop for a free cup of coffee.
After each promotion, she provides a recap report. For Love’s Bakery vice president Byron Chong, his report includes customer feedback on products.
“We ask their demonstrators to take a count of the beginning and ending inventory of our competition, so we know what kind of movement they have as well as being able to compare our own sales,” says Chong. “It gives us a good opportunity to judge how much has been converted over from our competitor. We can also judge the particular sales on the street versus how it does in another area of the street.”
To give back to the community, Star Event Staff recently spearheaded a clothing drive and fundraiser to benefit the Institute for Human Services.
Williams had worked as an event model herself, promoting other people’s products, and she learned enough trade secrets of what happens behind the scenes to start her company in 2004 in Arizona. She has since opened up offices in California, Nevada, Hawaii and most recently in New York.
The McCully resident says when she just started her business, she had to learn very quickly how to maintain her friendship while gaining the respect of her staff, who had been her peers.
“I treat people with respect,” she explains. “To get respect, give respect. For tough issues, I learned not to make snap decisions. I sit back and think it over rather than reacting with emotion only. After I’ve thought about it, I handle it in a respectful way. The company would be nothing without my staff.”
She still works some of the promotional jobs.
“Working on the promotion with my staff helps keep it fresh,” says Williams, who hopes to have a presence in every big metropolitan city. It’s hard work, and I love it. I believe in it, and it’s my passion. I love helping clients get their brand out there.”
Star Event Staff is located at 1936 S. King St., Suite 201. For more information, call 548-8844 or log on to www.StarEventStaff.com
The Gallery’s Ohana Of Artists
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The Gallery at Ward Centre is not your typical art gallery.
As an artists’ cooperative, the shop is staffed by member artists who put in one day a week, which gives customers the opportunity to speak with one of the gallery’s talents.
“People who work here have all kinds of skills,” says Roger Whitlock, a painter and a former English professor at the University of Hawaii. “They are not only good artists, they have to be salespeople. They also need to be knowledgeable about their fellow artists. People like to come into the gallery and talk to the artists.”
“We all have one shot at being the feature show,” adds Lynda Sakraida, a handbag designer and former marketing executive for L’Oreal. “And we are all showing our art at the same time. You take advantage of everyone’s differences and talents when you have 17 artists.”
Gallery browsers could possibly meet Sakraida, or Whitlock’s fellow painters Susie Anderson, Mark Norseth, Gregory Pai and Debbie Young. The staff lineup also features woodworkers Michael Lee and Roy Tsumoto, as well as jewelers Babs Miyano-Young, Joel Park, Barbara Edelstein and Charlene Tashima. Rounding out the diversity of the gallery are scratchboard engraver Cindy Conklin, printmaker Laura Smith, glass artist Bud Spindt, silver metal clay artist Gorden Uyehara and mixed-media artist Doug Young.
Members say The Gallery at Ward Centre is one of the longest running art co-ops on Oahu, founded in 1988.
“It works because it is a family,” says Sakraida.
Whitlock adds: “We make sure everyone is fairly represented in terms of the work assigned and the space assigned.”
At the end of each month, the artists rearrange their artwork in a different location in the shop. The number of artists is determined by the amount of existing exhibit space, and new artists interested in joining when a space opens go through a four-month probationary period.
The inventive artists recently updated their logo, revamped their Web site and renovated their 650-square-foot space. With input from all 17 artists, the art emporium remodeling was done with suggestions from art installation expert Diana Tusher of the Tusher Architectural Group. The renovation planning committee consisted of Whitlock, Miyano-Young, Smith, and Sakraida as chairwoman. Conklin, president of the board of The Gallery at Ward Centre, guided the efforts as each of the artists rolled up his or her sleeves over four days to demolish, sand, paint, vacuum, organize, hammer, repair, clean and modernize for the Feb. 25 grand reopening celebration. The artists had to move all their pieces two days later, as the impending tsunami could have destroyed their work.
A small fire in the shop across the way, Mocha Java, on March 8 also caused some concern about the possibility of fire and water damage, but the gallery suffered no damage.
The cooperative gets the word out in many ways, including inviting guest artists. Whitlock says the guest artist sends out invitations for the opening to his or her own list of contacts.
“Then we send out invitations to our list,” he adds. “We hope that brings in people who don’t normally come. It creates a lot of activity in front of the gallery and inside the gallery.”
The gallery also spreads the word with painting demonstrations most Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., as well as monthly artist opening receptions on weekends, artist exhibits at other venues and an active e-vite list.
“We are always looking for more innovative and saleable art to bring here,” says Sakraida.
The Gallery at Ward Centre is located at 1200 Ala Moana Blvd. and is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 597-8034 or log on to www.gwcfineart.com.
Catering Much More Than Food
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Yaneth Leialoha specializes in putting together luaus, where the aroma of food wafting from her six-foot grill beckons hungry guests.
Her catering and event-planning company Island Luau offers a menu of about 50 items, such as appetizers ranging from meat sticks to fruit and vegetable platters.
Hungry guests graze on a variety of dishes including laulau, chicken long rice, pulled pork, teriyaki chicken, haupia cake, brownies and cheesecakes. The most popular dishes include Huli-Huli chicken and coconut rice.
“We’re cooking right there in front of them,” says Leialoha. “It’s like we become a part of their family.”
Leialoha’s executive chef Kathryn Krohn, who previously owned a pasta business and an oyster bar, handles the grill on-site.
“It brings them together to see where their foods are coming from,” says Krohn.
Leialoha gushes about her team of 15 staffers, who make it possible to have parties for 10 to more than 700 people.
Leialoha’s forte is table decorations, for which she uses fresh flowers, plants, other adornments and music to create an atmosphere of aloha.
“We want to make it look good,” says Leialoha. “People tend to take lots of pictures. We also change the decorations so that the clients will see some different variations each time they hire us.”
“It’s from the beautiful heart that she has,” says Krohn.
Leialoha started her business two years ago, and since then the company has branched out to offer patriotic, sports, baby shower, Valentine’s, Mexican, Italian and holiday themes.
Ten years ago she coordinated her husband’s mandatory military picnic at Bellows Beach for 400 people.
During that picnic, she was refilling the food when someone asked her to cater a retirement party. Her calendar was soon filled with military events, baby showers, baby luaus, birthdays, graduation parties and corporate functions. Leialoha, a former banquet and catering manager who loves surfing and hiking, says that most of her catering events are outdoors.
The Kailua resident acknowledges the support of her clients, vendors, staff, friends and family, especially husband Frank, who is in the Navy, and their children, 16-year-old Iniki, 12-year-old Ikaika, 9-year-old Makoa and 2 year-old Mahealani.
Now she’s again looking forward to getting donations to compete in this year’s national Great American Bake Sale contest, as she won first place for Most Patriotic in the United States in 2009 and donated $800 in proceeds to the nonprofit organization Share Our Strength, which is dedicated to ending childhood hunger.
For more information, call 389-5380 or log on to www.islandluauevents.com .
The Family That Tattoos Together
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Husband-and-wife team Dave and Peggy Sucher have run the gamut with tattoos, from ones that scratch the surface of a person to tattoos that provide a look into the soul of their customer.
“Every picture is a story,” say the Suchers, owners of Tattoo Hawaii Studio.
One heart-wrenching tattoo was requested by a student who got a full scholarship to Notre Dame. He asked for a portrait of his mother, who died when he was 12 years old, to be tattooed on his arm. The student looked in the mirror, touched the finished tattoo, and said, “She’s always with me.”
On the fun side, a customer got a tattoo in Thai writing that says, “It’s a tattoo.” His point was that when people ask him what the design says, he could tell them it says “It’s a tattoo.”
He hoped that they’d say, “I know it’s a tattoo, but what does it say?” An Abbott and Costello fan, no doubt.
The 1,100-square-foot studio offers custom tattoos as well as new designs to go over a tattoo a client wants covered up. He does the body tattoos, and she handles the cosmetic eyeliner and eyebrow tattoos.
For a complete tattoo removal, they refer their customers to laser removal studios.
Peggy says sometimes people think they want a tattoo, but it may not necessarily be such a good idea for them in the future.
“I have an obligation to play mom to talk about the tattoo,” she explains. “They may think that’s great, but it could be a job-stopper and a career-ender. Or let’s say your tail light is out. The police officer pulls you over. He sees that pot leaf tattoo on you. It becomes more than just a traffic stop now. It will change their life in one way or another. We want that changed in a positive way. We don’t want any ramifications down the road of ‘I wish they talked me out of that.‘They can get that tattoo elsewhere. I hope that when that tattoo comes back to bite them, they remember the lady who said not to do that.”
Dave previously worked as a journeyman machinist for an automotive company, and Peggy worked as a sales trainer for a department store while doing tattoos part time until 1994, when they opened their Altered Images Tattoo shop in Chicago. The couple moved to Hawaii in 2004 to join family and get away from the cold. The Maili residents worked in Waikiki at Skin Deep Tattoo for five years before opening their Tattoo Hawaii Studio on Kona Street in October. The couple and their two visiting artists have tattoo licenses from the state Department of Health, which requires an exam and passing tuberculosis and syphilis tests.
The Suchers are longtime members of both the National Tattoo Association and the Alliance for Professional Tattooists. He also makes custom pool cues, and she writes a column on tattooing and serves as a blood-borne pathogen instructor and lecturer on tattooing.
Being married and running a business together may not work for some couples, but it has worked out great for them.
“We understand each other,” Peggy says. “We talk about everything - if we have anything that upsets us, we don’t let it fester. We love our business. We love the world of tattooing. We are fortunate to share it with each other and to be able to do it together.”
Tattoo Hawaii Studio is located at 1430 Kona St. and is open from 1 to 8 p.m. daily. For more information, call 945-3120 or log on to tattoohawaiistudio.com. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Shooting South Seas Surfboards
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To Karl Meinhardt, hunting for the just right shot to capture the essence of classic surfboards is what makes his business stand out.
“I look for the uniqueness of each board,” says Meinhardt, owner of South Seas Photography. “Some of the older boards that have been through the rigors of life - even boards that have been under people’s houses - those tend to have the most character because they have dirt, sand, grit and wax ingrained into the board. It brings out the character of the board. And I’ll do photos of old, classic boards that are so pristine and beautiful.”
The Kailua resident says his lens focuses on the best shots when he uses a combination of access to some of the top surfboard collectors with finding a board lying on the side of the road.
“The images sometimes come up unexpectedly,” he says. “If I see a board just lying there on the grass or in the dirt, that will be the shot. It is a combination of using a nice collection and the hunt to look for the boards in the unknown. That goes for the perfect beach shot, too.”
Meinhardt’s clients include homeowners and interior designers who want to to decorate with a framed photo of several brightly colored surfboards.
“When a client decides, they know the colors and the images they want,” he says.
Meinhardt gives clients several images to chose from at first, and provides additional options until one is chosen.
“They pick an image that means something to them personally,” he says.
Meinhardt grew up in Northern California, surfed Steamer’s Lane in Santa Cruz, traveled to many places and moved to Hawaii in 1995. His background includes working in advertising and interior design.
He shot photos and wrote articles about surfing for various publications for about a year before deciding to plunge into the fine arts aspect of surf photography in 2006.
“I just felt that the people of Polynesia have enriched my life so much, I decided to focus on their beach and the surf culture of Polynesia,” he explains. “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing. It’s the people of Polynesia who influenced me the most - their lifestyle and their family life.”
He gushes about his gratitude for the support of his clients, collectors, collaborators, friends and family, especially his wife Gina, who does the books, and their 5-year-old daughter Monroe.
Meinhardt notes that, at the start, getting the word out about his business was a challenge, but he found displaying his artwork at galleries helpful.
“If we work together as artists, we will do pretty good,” he says, noting that things are a little easier these days. In addition to his surf-board photos, Meinhardt has a large selection of pictures of Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji and the Cook Islands to complement his stock photography of waves and coastlines. He does personalized family portraits on the beach as well as photo sessions to capture the spirit of the surfer in action. When he’s not busy working on his upcoming coffee table book, titled Pure Polynesia - Lifestyle of Surfing, Paddling and Beach Culture of Polynesia, he is the go-to guy on the radio airwaves giving his expert opinion as travel consultant on what to do in the South Seas as a guest on McCoy Travel Radio with show host Melissa McCoy on Fridays at 1 p.m. on KAOI 1110 AM on Maui, and KUMU 1500 AM on Oahu.
For more information, call 383-9770 and www.SouthSeasPhotography.com.
Giving Creative Youths A New Voice
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The young hip-hop community has a friend in Nicole “Niki” Kealoha.
Kealoha’s Diverse Art Center offers after-school classes in dance, DJ and urban art for young people. She says her 3,500-square-foot Kakaako studio is a hot spot for youths to get creative in a positive, supportive and productive environment.
“We use the arts not only to develop their skills, but to give them a voice,” she says. “We also let them know that their voice does not need to be one with no integrity and no character. We try to help them in their lives through the arts. It is our gateway to get them to a better place.”
The center also offers performance poetry and a special-needs class. Its human beat-box class - where students learn to use their voice to do percussion sounds and mimic DJs scratching records on turntables - has never been done in a classroom setting.
“It’s like vocals,” she says. “You have to do vocal warm-ups and strengthening and stretching.”
She also has an aerosol class, which is graffiti art.
“We are trying to change the mindset of everyone - of our youths and our community - about the stigma that is attached to the word graffiti,” she says. “It is a redirection of the youths’ energy.”
In the aerosol class, students are sometimes invited to do murals for beautification of businesses and in exchange, when they’re finished, the students keep the leftover expensive paints.
They are under strict direction to use their talents wisely.
“Some of our instructors have a fine arts background, and they also are teaching our students about the freedom of street art,” explains Kealoha, noting that they work with local artists.
The Castle High graduate did hip-hop dancing with Base, Big City Productions and 24-VII. Her background is varied: She has worked as a bank teller and as a performance arts assistant. It was during a transition period in her life when she pondered starting this business.
“How can I connect my need to use my passion for the creative arts and leave a legacy - for not only my children, but for the generations to come, and to impact the character of the younger generation?” says Kealoha, who started Diverse Art Center in October 2008.
She acknowledges that the success of her endeavors is made possible with the support of her friends, colleagues, collaborators and especially her husband Kalvin, and their children, Chloe, 9, and Ethan, 3.
To get the word out about what the Diverse Art Center does, Kealoha has several plans, including performances on Centerstage at Ala Moana Center. Meanwhile, beginning Feb. 13 at the studio, there is a once-a-month bboy dance-off.
From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 27 the studio will use its parking lot to host an elements of hip-hop festival called Kala Hookuku Pahiahia (Art: Day of War) Competition, with booths, competitions for emcees, crew-on-crew b-boy and aerosol on canvas.
“We want the community to know what the youth is involved in,” adds Kealoha. “We want the community to know that it can be a lot more positive in its influence. We want to give the youth a platform to let them know you can be successful and you can use your art form without being destructive.”
Diverse Art Center is located at 1024 Queen St. on the second floor. Hours of operation are Mondays through Thursdays, 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 275-7776, or go to: http://www.myspace.com/diverse arthi or diverseart.word-press.com.
Siblings Strive For Sweet Success
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Joyce, Danny and Kelly Yeh are keeping it in the family with their Yo Go Krazy shop, where they offer both shave ice and self-serve frozen yogurt.
“Sometimes we can argue as siblings,” Danny admits, “but then we just get over it.”
The siblings, ages 22, 20 and 18 respectively, say they love the flexibility of being able to change things at the store according to what’s popular.
With an inventory of 50 flavors, they serve 14 flavors of frozen yogurt at a time, making sure to include two no-sugar-added flavors and two sorbets. Pre-packaged yogurt containers are also available. Honeydew, they say, is among their top selling flavors, and the honeydew/pineapple twist also is in high demand.
Their ice shaver produces the fine ice that soaks up the flavored syrups. They also sell snow bowls which have creamy ice and two toppings.
“We have dragon eye, gummy bear, jelly, walnuts and halo halo toppings,” says Joyce about some of their customer requests.
The Kalani High School graduates learned the ins and outs of business from their mom Nhu Diep and dad Ching. Since their elementary-school days they helped out at their parents’ booth at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet selling jewelry, gifts and teeth-whitening kits. The two oldest ran a teeth-whitening kiosk for a year at Pearlridge Center, which they closed just before opening Yo Go Krazy in October 2009.
The partners work together on lots of tasks in the store, but each also has their own responsibilities. Joyce orders the flavors, Danny cleans the machines and Kelly makes the shave ice. Mom and Dad still maintain their booth at the swap meet, but these days they also pitch in at their children’s business.
The siblings appreciate all the support from their friends, customers and especially their parents. The Kahala residents says they use business lessons they learned from Mom and Dad.
“Save money,” declares Joyce. “Don’t waste.”
“If it’s slow, don’t give up,” Danny adds. “It’s not always going to be busy.”
“Being clean is very important,” explains Kelly. “We are always scrubbing.”
With the help of one employee, they look forward to satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth.
“Go crazy,” quips Kelly. Yo Go Krazy is located at Pearlridge Center, Downtown lower level, during mall hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 487-3979, or log onto http://www.yogokrazy.com.
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