A Unique Boutique Out Waipio Way
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Nikki Watanabe, owner of Madison and
Company
Sharing enthusiasm with friends is a side effect for customers when they come across Nikki Watanabe’s store, Madison and Company.
Stepping into the Gentry Business Park emporium transports you into another world with a fragrant scent, soft music and an intricate display of makeup, candles, lotions, as well as women’s and children’s clothes.
“It makes me feel great to hear that someone loved one of the products from our boutique,” says Watanabe, a Waipio resident and entrepreneur at heart. “When I was younger, I sold the most greeting cards, and the most chocolates.”
The store’s products include the Kauai-based Malie line of products, which features Island scents like pikake in room spray, body lotion or natural reed diffuser. Another popular children’s bath and body product is Noodle and Boo’s set of bubble bath, shampoo, sunscreen and ointment. Also highly coveted is the cosmetic line called Body and Soul, which is created by Pahoa High School ‘87 graduate Tao Miller.
In addition to a fashionista’s fantasy of a variety of C and C California clothing, there are vintage pillowcases transformed into children’s clothing.
Watanabe, a Moanalua High School graduate and former flight attendant for Hawaiian Airlines, wanted to start a children’s pajama line because she loved wearing pajamas as a keiki.
She originally thought she would open an office space for her pajama line.
“Then I decided that I’d rather have a shop where I can carry some of the products of the stores that would also be carrying my line of children’s pajamas,” she says.
She named her line of pajamas after her 4-year-old daughter’s first and middle name: Kelly Tyler. The store is named after one of Watanabe’s favorite places, New York City’s Madison Avenue. In fact, the store’s chandelier is a special replica of the starburst-shaped lighting fixtures that brighten up the landmark Metropolitan Opera House.
Watanabe’s 1-year-old daughter is also named Madison.
Just to the side of the main portion of the store are two rooms. One is the Mystic Tan booth, which sprays on a faux tan that lasts 10 to 14 days. The other room has a massage table where customers can get massages, facials, waxing and makeup applications. Watanabe notes that businessmen who ride recreational motocross in the area enjoy coming in to the shop for a massage.
Watanabe acknowledges the support of her husband, Ryan, an electrician, as well as her three employees for the store’s success. She stresses communication as an especially important part in all areas of business.
“Many people say that our store should be in town,” explains Watanabe. “I think it’s great that we are in Waipio so people won’t have to go all the way to town if they need something.”
She’s also looking forward to the growth in the area, which includes new shops coming up across the way very soon.
Madison and Company is located at the Gentry Business Park at 94-1235B Ka Uka Blvd. The hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 678-6500 or log onto www.madisonandco.com
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