Mililani Enterprise Creates Hip, Youthful Clothes And More
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For those who have opened a packed closet only to utter,“I have nothing to wear!”, a new Mililani-based company is here with some hip, new options. idkwhat2wear - I don’t know what to wear, for those who are not quite tech-slang savvy - creates T-shirts and accessories by combining text messaging icons with traditional Asian symbols.
Co-owners and friends Terri Dux and Karl Miyashiro first met 21 years ago working in the art department at C.S. Wo. Miyashiro and his wife silk-screened T-shirts on the side, and Dux started helping out with selling the shirts at craft fairs. Their first venture, WearHawaii, focused on local and family humor. However, Dux said that once the two families began having children, they wanted to reach a younger market.
“As our kids got into their teens, we noticed what interests they had,” she stated. “Younger kids are texting with their cell phones or in chat rooms. Our kids in particular were interested in Asian culture such as Japanese pop music, Anime and Manga. We combined our families to create idkwhat2wear. It’s really the best of both worlds. They inspire us with their ideas and interest. We learn a lot from them.
It really opens our eyes and keeps Karl and I young.”
She and Miyashiro were taught text “language” by their children, who now are part of the business. Laura Dux (13) and Garrin (20), Darci (18) and Kelii (16) Miyashiro have input on everything, from design concepts to shirt production to marketing tactics.
“We really believe we’re on to something big,” Miyashiro said, adding that during their first craft fair go this past August: “A customer who tried to be tactful asked me how can someone as old as I make designs that look so cool? After I stopped laughing, I told her we get a lot of help from our kids.”
One key feature of idkwhat2wear is that they are environmentally conscious. They print their fliers on 100 percent recycled paper and give customers paper bags instead of plastic to hold their purchases.
“By taking small steps to be more environmentally friendly, everyone can do their share,“Dux said. “The newest and really exciting idea we have is our bags that we call Wear2go - each bag is unique and made from T-shirt misprints or manufacturer defects. It gives our T-shirts a second chance at life.”
Get in the know at these upcoming craft fairs:
* Noelani Elementary, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 10
* Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, 5-10 p.m. Nov. 23, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 24 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 25
* Hawaii Okinawa Center, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 24 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 25
* Mililani Rec Center 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 1
* Hawaii Okinawa Center, 5:30-9 p.m. Dec. 5
* Moanalua High School, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 8
Guy and junior girl’s cotton T-shirts are $15, hoodies $21, bags and hats sell for $18 each, and mp3 cases are $5, $3 if purchased with a bag. For more sizes, colors and in4mation, visit www.idkwhat2wear.com
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