Pacific Edge Q2 2022

Q 2

H A W A I ‘ I ' S

B U S I N E S S

A N D

L I F E S T Y L E

Women who soar

Check out Hawai‘i’s SBA 2022 Winners!

2 0 2 2

M A G A Z I N E

Among mid-size banks, no one does more for small businesses in Hawaii.

Central Pacific Bank is proud to be recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the 2021 Lender of the Year for mid-size banks in Hawaii. For the twelfth time since 2007, we’ve ranked first among Hawaii’s banks for number of loans originated.

We are honored to serve our community and the people and businesses of Hawaii.

It’s just another reason why people like banking at CPB. We’d love to help your business.

Meet us at cpb.bank Member FDIC

LOOKING FORWARD THE FUTURE OF FASHION HAS ARRIVED

HONOLULU ALA MOANA CENTER | 808.951.8887 | neimanmarcus.com

T A B L E

O F

C O N T E N T S

Contents PUBLISHER'S NOTE Inspiration and innovation.

CATHY (RODRIGUES) LEE

Giving back with the Innovation Center, that would become the Academy’s first STEAM environment

4 6

SBA AWARD WINNERS

19

TAMMY TEIXEIRA

32

US Small Business Administration celebrates and recognizes this year winners

Senior Vice President, Business Development HEMIC

SUSAN UTSUGI

Business Banking Division Manager Central Pacific Bank

TAKE A CHANCE

Courtney and Drew Honda knew that the world was full of endless possibilities

BUSINESS AWARDS GALA Celebrating 2021 Business Achievement Awards winners and finalists in attendance

MARCH OF DIMES

Pacific Edge attended the March of Dimes Event, A Brunch to Honor Moms.

ONE WOMAN, ONE DREAM Hawai‘i’s Best Kept Beauty Secret

36 54 58 60 62

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Naomi Hazelton Sales/Brand Manager E. S. Adler Production Creative Director Chase Nuuhiwa Editor Jacob Kamhis Contributing Writer & Social Media Emma Williams Social Media & Marketing Kasey Lee

PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE 1088 Bishop St. #1130 Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 737-8711 info@elementmediahi.com

ADVERTISING Naomi@elementmediahi.com (808) 721-1300 Pacific Edge magazine is a quarterly publication available through subscription, direct mail and at bookstores throughout Hawai‘i. The views expressed within Pacific Edge magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of management and ownership.

Pacific Edge magazine may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

2 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

P U B L I S H E R ’ S

N O T E

Team Work @ Events

Publisher's Note Inspiration and innovation. Two key concepts that every businessowner—be it a young entrepreneur or seasoned veteran—draws upon to maintain their company’s competitive edge. As such, these are two consistent themes we highlight throughout every issue of Pacific Edge Magazine. In a recent conversation with several of our most loyal readers and supporters, it came to our attention Pacific Edge Magazine was the catalyst that gave them the confidence to start their own businesses and venture into the often-unknown territory of entrepreneurialism. Our features about colleagues, who have made the same leap and faced risk head-on, provided these new business-owners with the hope that “They could do it, too.” It is this very message we aim to communicate through both our magazine and business networking events.

Pacific Edge and Green Magazine, the voice of sustainability here in Hawai‘i, are striving to bridge the gap between the community and sustainable business owners. Notably, Hawai‘i is home to a powerful collective of women who are not only changing our world but caring deeply about our ‘āina, our keiki, and our planet. With this in mind, we are excited to announce three new multimedia Women in Business Television Shows that will feature incredible women entrepreneurs who continue to make positive impacts within our community.

The news follows the success of last year’s first-ever Women in Business Television Show that Pacific Edge launched to continue giving voice to extraordinary women leaders here in Hawai‘i. The first show, Women in Sustainability, will air on April 28, 2022, on both KITV4 and Pacific Edge Magazine’s Facebook page via livestream. To check out last year’s show, please visit Pacific Edge Magazine’s YouTube channel.

And we are celebrating our new Pacific Edge Podcast Series, Women Who Soar: Business in Paradise. We created the podcast as a way to recognize the outstanding achievements of some of Hawai‘i’s most successful and innovative female business leaders and professionals, and with the hope of inspiring all of our listeners throughout Hawai‘i.

To honor the fab and powerful female leaders in our community, Pacific Edge is excited to host our next event on June 1 at Mariposa at Neiman Marcus: A Women in Business Soiree. To purchase your tickets, visit our Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-inbusiness-soiree-tickets-293483877177?aff=ebdsoporgprofile Pacific Edge will continue to bring you stories of inspiration and innovation. Yet, Pacific Edge Magazine is more than just pages of a quarterly publication, we are a community and forum for business professionals of all ages to gather and to learn, but most of all—to share hope.

Mahalo & Aloha,

Naomi Hazelton Owner, Publisher of Pacific Edge Magazine

4 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

Trisha, Julie, and Kasey from our ‘Alohilani Event

Sanoe, Vince, Emma, and Naomi from the March of Dimes Brunch Event

First recording of our podcast episode, Women who Soar: Business in Paradise.

Voted Hawaii’s Best Hotel 2021.

Discover simplicity that surprises at Waikiki’s newest boutique hotel. Voted Hawaii’s Best Hotel by Condé Nast Traveler 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards for the second year in a row. Visit Halepuna.com.

// E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P

Cathy

(Rodrigues) Lee OWNER C AT H Y L E E S T Y L E

6 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

// E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P

Tick, tock, tick, tock. Cathy Lee stands in Sacred Hearts Academy’s new Innovation Center, her mind racing. The soaring, light-filled room is familiar to the Academy alum—years ago she was a student here, in Mrs. Lopez’s biology class, the clock on the wall a constant reminder that she was behind. Though biology was one of her favorite classes, Cathy’s mind wandered if she wasn’t conducting experiments or doing other hands-on activities, and her pen filled the margins of her notebooks with doodles and poems. “Miz Rodrigues, would you please pay attention?” The rejoinder always snapped her back to reality.

T

oday, standing in the same space, it’s a far different reality for an alum who soared despite—and because of—her unconventional learning abilities. Now a successful interior designer, Cathy was tapped to redesign this room, and as a gift to her alma mater, waived her professional fees.

It’s a more fitting assignment than the school could have known. Despite admonitions in the classroom, Cathy thrived in the Academy’s nurturing environment, taking to heart its underlying lessons and forming lasting friendships. She can still recite favorite cheers from her years on the cheerleading squad and laughs about her multiple infractions for wearing her skirt too short. It was at Sacred Hearts, where she enrolled in her sophomore year, that Cathy realized that she learned differently from others. Classes in traditional areas were often frustrating, but she excelled at creative writing, speech, art, photography—anything that encouraged outside-the-box thinking.

Coupled with her own creativity and personality, the combination of strong discipline, moral values and work ethic instilled by her parents and the Sisters and teachers at Sacred Hearts Academy would take Cathy to the top of Hawai‘i’s interior design world. Here, the girl who couldn’t sit still in the

classroom became a teacher. Through her own company, Cathy Lee Style, she led interactive design workshops that taught thousands of local homeowners how to style their own spaces. For years she was the featured design expert on KITV's morning news program, Good Morning Hawai‘i. Her weekly column, Celebrate Style with Cathy Lee, ran in the Sunday editions of the Honolulu StarAdvertiser. For her career achievements, philanthropic contributions and community leadership, Cathy in 2014 was recognized as one of the Academy’s Distinguished Alumnae. In 2018 she ended up where she never dreamed she would be: delivering the keynote speech to 164 girls at the school’s 2018 commencement ceremony.

When she learned that Dr. Lawrence Tseu had made a significant donation towards the renovation of her old science classroom, Cathy knew she wanted to pay it forward. The Innovation Center would be the Academy’s first STEAM environment, giving girls the tools and space to collaborate on science, technology, engineering, art and math projects. “It was a deeply personal project for me because I didn’t just want to design a space for great students to excel,” she says. “I wanted to design a space where girls like me could also discover that their brain is a beautiful thing—and that when they can harness

all that crazy creative energy, their potential is limitless.”

Envisioned by Cathy, Sacred Hearts’ new Innovation Center would be inclusive.

It would speak to girls of all ages and learning abilities. Symbols on the back wall—the universal symbol for female overlapped with the SHA logo, a lightbulb and an infinity sign—tell Academy girls that with imagination, they can do anything. A giant dry erasable art wall lets students imagine (and color) outside the lines. Tables that are rearrangeable invite collaboration with peers. They’re also height-adjustable for students from kindergarten to high school; a grassy area in a corner invites play by younger girls. Custom light sculptures draw the eye up, where tech-related symbols laser-cut into the lights remind girls that tech and other STEAM subjects are as wide open to them as to boys. For students like Cathy, who was constantly shaking her leg and tapping her pencil, there are even “fidget chairs” specially designed to help students calm their bodies and engage their minds.

Today Cathy smiles at the irony: A girl who often felt one step behind has designed Sacred Hearts’ Innovation Center. “I am proud,” she says, “to be empowering Academy girls to embrace their uniquely beautiful minds and soar to new heights.”

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 7

W O M E N

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

Describe yourself in 3 words: Passionate, intentional, driven.

How has your career shifted from the 2020 pandemic impact?

Over the past two years, our investment team and portfolio experienced tremendous changes and we emerged in a very good position. Despite the considerable uncertainty, I feel like my career meaningfully accelerated. I am very grateful for the leadership who empowered my team and me, the resilience, and tenacity of the teammates around me, and the mission of Kamehameha Schools that guided and focused me every day.

How do you manage stress and selfcare?

I compartmentalize and multitask quite well. I can quickly shift between work, my board roles, and personal time with family and friends. This helps a lot when tensions rise or the pace of life picks up considerably. In terms of selfcare, I am very protective of my time with family and closest friends, who calm and love me so unconditionally.

I also make time to run and do pilates with Lauren Chun. I regard my board roles as a form of selfcare because of the intentionality of my reasons for joining them and because each board allows me great space to think and care passionately.

Cara

Nakamura

MANAGING DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL ASSETS DIVISION KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS

8 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

What are your favorite virtual tools to use currently in business?

Microsoft Teams has been a game changer in terms of internal communication within my team.

Zoom is critical for communication

W O M E N

with the investment fund managers shepherding Kamehameha Schools’ capital all over the world. However, as valuable as these technology platforms have been, I do miss the tangibility of face-to-face meetings.

I am naturally a people person, so virtual tools are hopefully just one tool in my toolbox going forward.

Did you always want this career track?

I thought I was going to be an investment banker in my senior year of college. Thankfully, I came under the mentorship of two great leaders, Alan Krueger and William Bowen, who recognized that investment banking probably wasn’t the best fit for my personality and passions. I credit the time and effort they spent listening and guiding me with my discovery of endowment investment management. Upon discovery, there was no turning back. I cold called the Chief Investment Officer of Princeton University in 2003 and volunteered to work for free if I could learn investing from him.

Thankfully, he took my call and he said yes. Roll forward 18 years and I feel so fortunate to be able to invest creatively on a global scale, with tremendous teammates and broad networks, and for such worthwhile missions.

If you could look into a crystal ball, what would you want to know about your future?

Professionally, I would want to know that I stayed true to doing what I love and do best, and that is investing for institutions, organizations, and/or families with a

firm sense of mission and direction.

Personally, I hope that I was a giving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, and that I always prioritized and treasured those among me who mattered the most.

What are two of your proudest accomplishments of your career?

I am proud of serving as a mentor over the past 20 years: I keep in good touch with about 20 former mentees throughout the investment industry.

Seeing each one of them go out and assume their own leadership roles at mission-bearing institutions across the world makes me so happy. Their willingness to keep returning for conversation and to give/receive advice makes me so proud of the time we spent together.

I am proud that I had the confidence to pursue a career path less traveled in 2003, when endowment investment management wasn’t the established industry that it is today, and that I found the courage to cold call the veteran CIO of Princeton University to ask if I could shadow and learn from him.

What has been the most rewarding part of moving home to Hawai‘i for your career?

I have the rare privilege of doing what I love (investing) with a world-class set of teammates, for leadership who empowers in a place—Hawai‘i—that I love, and for a mission that brings meaning and purpose to my every day.

Achieving that kind of professional combination is rare and something I hope I never take for granted.

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

Biggest sacrifice for my career.

I have historically spent a lot of time—12 weeks a year on average— on the road in search of attractive investments located across the world. I have sacrificed days of family time to build what I have built. My amazing husband, Dave, has generously and seamlessly picked up what I don’t get done day to day. I hope that my children see me as an example of someone who identified goals and opportunities, built meaningful relationships and networks, worked very hard, and did good work in an effort to give back for all that was given to her. I also hope that they honor their father as someone who very graciously made tremendous sacrifices to lift up his wife in order to create valuable opportunities for the entire family.

If you could tell your younger self some advice, what would it be?

I’d tell her that success doesn’t follow one path or have one definition. As I gain more experience and meet more people, I realize that the individuals I admire most have rarely followed a linear path and their success is, in fact, multidimensional. I would miss out on so many amazing opportunities on the peripheries if I followed a singular, common path. Through tremendous ups and very difficult downs, I’ve learned a lot about myself and hopefully emerged a smarter, humbler, and more thoughtful individual.

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 9

HAPPINESS IS FINDING ENERGY-SAVING REBATES AT HAWAIIENERGY.COM

Your business property, equipment, vehicles, and the people who count on you.

We protect all of it.

For 25 years, HEMIC has been taking care of Hawai‘i businesses as the leading provider of workers’ compensation.

Today, we do much more for customers like you by recommending the most effective insurance solutions for your business. Through our family of companies that includes HEMIC Insurance Managers, Inc. (HIMI) and Employers’ Protective Insurance Company (EPIC), we can bundle insurance products tailored to protect your business property, equipment, vehicles, and employees. Because we are 100% locally owned and operated, HEMIC is able to navigate the complexities of Hawai‘i’s insurance landscape and help your business with its unique challenges and needs.

To learn more about bundling TDI with your workers’ compensation program and other commercial insurance products available through our subsidiaries, please contact your agent or visit HEMIC.com.

W O M E N

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

Ellie Ventula-Honda P R I N C I PA L /C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R THE VANGUARD THEORY

PROFESSIONAL FUNDRAISING COUNSEL ELITE PARTNERSHIPS LLC

12 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

W O M E N

Describe yourself in 3 words: Loyal, caring, and hardworking.

How has your career shifted from the 2020 pandemic impact?

My career has pivoted in many ways.

Feeling confined to my office and thinking out of the box more than usual. Creating different programs for fundraising support and needs.

Helping and supporting others in making changes in their endeavors. I think one of the challenging experiences I encountered was not being able to socialize, which included meeting with people face-to-face to check how they are doing, attending galas and other engagements which was a normal activity for me.

However, during those challenging times, other opportunities paved the way for a big career change. I was humbled for the opportunity to oversee an organization here in Hawai‘i and Guam and was honored to be asked to serve on additional community boards and committees in Hawai‘i.

How do you manage stress and self-care?

I’m not sure if I manage my stress well.

I’m just naturally hyper and try to be a perfectionist (not good for sure) so I add a little more stress to myself. However, I start my day by praying, meditation and a walk. I’m an early riser, therefore everything is done before my household is up and running. My mother always taught me to take time for you, she would say to me: “If you don’t do things that you want to do, when you’re able to, you can’t be useful to others.” If I am able to, I go to the movies or have a meal alone— that’s my stress reliever. I get so excited when I receive a complimentary drink or popcorn at the movies.

However, my two beautiful babies (young adults) would say to me, “The only reason why they give you things is because they feel sad for you, seeing you’re alone. That’s why you are getting

it free.” I think their comments are so funny…my children are my world, they always want the best for both my husband and I. Sometimes they can be my stress relievers…laugh out loud!

What are your favorite virtual tools to use currently in business?

I don’t think it is my favorite tool, but I use it quite often because it’s one of the ways to “socialize,” whether for work or a little chitchat, and see beautiful people on the other side. I feel as though I’m tech savvy when I can go on the conference call. The virtual program is the conference calls platform. Though I may think I’m tech savvy, I’m not.

And like everything else dealing with the computer…(laugh out loud…), I set my alarm to join the call in advance so I don’t miss being on the call. It’s because there are times the program just doesn’t want to work for me. Actually, it’s because I don’t know what I’m doing….

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

Sir Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” As I start my day, this special quote resonates in me and reminds me why I do what I do to make an impact in our community. It was told to me by my mentor, a most caring gentleman, a father to me, whom I truly respect—philanthropist Dr. Lawrence K.W. Tseu, BS, DDS, FAGD, PhD(h).

If you could look into a crystal ball, what would you want to know about your future?

If I had an opportunity to look into the crystal ball, I would like to know how long will I have the honor of living. I want to know that my two children will be living their lives to their fullest, and how long will my husband (presently 47 years together) and I be able to serve others, our loved ones, our community and see our dog, Rosey, continue to bring joy into our lives.

Did you always want this career track?

I was a buyer for fine cosmetics and fragrances and owned my own luxury wedding and events business for destination couples, primarily Japanese clientele, since my second language is Japanese. I always enjoyed helping others, whether to make themselves look and feel good about themselves or lending a helping hand as a volunteer.

My parents always volunteered and gave back to the community, and I always was a part of their activities and learned from them. When I grew older, I continued to volunteer for organizations that were non-profits. Today, 42 years later, I am still part of an organization that I joined way back. It became my career to help others.

In terms of philanthropy, what has been your best giving experience and why?

My best experience as a philanthropist has been to support a mission and have the naming opportunities in honor of my parents. It is because I am so grateful that God allowed me to choose my parents. They brought me into this world and provided the many opportunities I am humbled to have had.

I am truly passionate about making a difference in someone else’s life and to be a part of this amazing “Fundraising” field. I try my utmost to serve the community in many ways that I am able as a volunteer, philanthropist, and consultant.

If you could tell your younger self some advice, what would it be?

Never doubt yourself. Be the best version of yourself daily…life is like a garden and it doesn’t grow overnight. (quote by Drew Honda, entrepreneur and philanthropist)

Biggest sacrifice for your career.

My biggest sacrifice in my career was leaving an organization, the corporate world that I enjoyed making a difference for their mission, and going out of my comfort zone to pivot and develop my own fundraising and capital campaign consulting business.

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 13

W O M E N

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

How do you overcome obstacles in your career track?

I overcome obstacles that arise in my career by having a positive attitude and working with an open heart and mind.

Did you always want this career track?

My Grandma Ramona was my role model. It was through her that I wanted to go into the culinary field. She taught me the desire to cook by the dishes she made from scratch. Her love of cooking gave me the passion to want to cook as she did, from the heart.

Raylynn Kanehailua

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF WAIKOLOA BEACH MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA

Describe yourself in 3 words: The three words I would use to describe myself are caring, dedicated, and hardworking.

How has your career shifted from the 2020 pandemic impact?

My career has shifted from a Kitchen Operations Supervisor to being furloughed in 2020. I used my experience and knowledge of the hospitality field to help my community by reaching out to local vendors for help with food boxes. Thank you to Suisan, Y. Hata and Kona Fish Company for their affordable ohana food boxes for our community and nearby communities to purchase.

My hometown church Kalahikiola, not only became the hub for these pickups, but through our church I was blessed to deliver food boxes and soup to the senior housing and families in my hometown. When I went back to work in 2021, I was grateful and humbled for being able to be a part of helping my hometown.

What is your favorite part about working in lodging and tourism?

My favorite part about working in the lodging and tourism industry is to help our guests with their special requests or needs. I enjoy helping them make their stay enjoyable by removing their worries or concerns and putting their trust in me and the Waikoloa Beach Marriott and Spa team.

14 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

If you could look into a crystal ball, what would you want to know about your future?

If I could look into a crystal ball, I would want to know that I helped to inspire women to reach their goals. To know that through their hard work and determination, they became caring and dedicated women in the industry.

What are two of your proudest accomplishments of your career?

The first accomplishment of my career is as a single mom, I was given the opportunity for advancement in the culinary field. I started as a server. I applied for the baker position, and then moved up to cook. In 2013, I became the Kitchen Operations Supervisor. The second accomplishment happened in January of this year. I was fortunate and blessed to become the Executive Sous Chef. It is with a grateful heart that I can humbly say I have been with the same hotel for 26 years.

How would you describe hospitality?

Hospitality comes from within. Here in Hawai‘i, hospitality means to welcome. Aloha starts at home. You take it to work to welcome and help others, and at the end of your workday, it is still with you to take home.

Biggest sacrifice for my career.

I can’t say that I had to make a big sacrifice.

I worked hard and did my best at the job opportunities that I was fortunate to obtain.

Working in the hospitality industry has brought me endless joy.

If you could tell your younger self some advice, what would it be?

If I could tell my younger self some advice, it would be the same advice that I learned while growing up: Every day is a learning experience.

Our ‘āina.

Our ‘ōpio.

Our future.

The land and sea were the classrooms of our kūpuna. It is here that keiki learn the kuleana we all share in preserving our honua.

Together, we malāma ‘āina for generations to come.

Hānai i ke keiki, ola ka lāhui

ksbe.edu

@kamehamehaschools

W O M E N

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

Christine Lanning

PRESIDENT I N T E G R AT E D S E C U R I T Y T E C H N O LO G I E S I N C .

16 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

W O M E N

Describe yourself in 3 words: Authentic, fun, humble.

How has your career shifted from the 2020 pandemic impact?

The pandemic actually helped narrow my focus because nothing else mattered at that time other than the safety of employees and the security of customers. After all, our mission is Leading Hawai‘i to a Safer Place. We quickly moved to a virtual world and had to change our long-term plans. I learned the value of communication during this time as well—emailing staff daily during the upswing of the pandemic and then switching to weekly.

How do you manage stress and selfcare?

As a business owner, this is a difficult one because I could just work all the time. Recently I’ve picked up two new hobbies—golf and SCCA (this is where you race around the stadium in a car through cones). In addition, every year I take a trip—just me without anyone else.

I let my team know and I completely disconnect. I use that time to work on myself. I’ve been to yoga retreats, on cycling adventures, and hiking expeditions.

What are your favorite virtual tools to use currently in business?

I use all the traditional virtual tools like Microsoft Office, Teams, etc. But one of the coolest virtual tools I’ve been using is Traction Tools. If you know me, you know my undying dedication and commitment to EOS Traction. There is now a virtual tool that tracks your Level 10 meetings. I don’t like technology for

technology’s sake, but 15 days into a 45-day trial I was sold. It makes our meetings quick, efficient, and productive. There is even a tangent alert—where anyone in the meeting can click on it to signal to the group that they feel someone is squirreling off-topic. It makes our meetings more fun for sure!!

Did you always want this career track?

Absolutely not. I had a goal in college of working for Microsoft and moving my way up to a parking space next to Bill Gates. No one grows up and wants to be in security. We all just kind of fall into it and realize how interesting of an industry it is. The video analytics of old have given way to data analysis driven by machine learning. We are mining metadata from security applications to become a business solutions company—solving not just security problems but also using that information for improving customer service, ensuring job-site safety, and continuity of operations.

If you could look into a crystal ball, what would you want to know about your future?

Nothing. If I knew my future, it wouldn’t be as fun to find out. I like the mystery. I like not knowing.

Keeps me on my toes and always striving.

What are two of your proudest accomplishments of your career?

I am very proud of being a 10year Best Places to Work company because it isn’t about me saying we are a Best Places to Work company—it’s our employees

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

saying we are Best Places to Work company. And that third-party validation means everything. We are celebrating our 25th business anniversary next year. That is no joke and something to be proud of.

The time has flown by and while it hasn’t always been easy, it’s been extremely rewarding. Even the difficult times have contributed to my learning and ability to be resilient.

Best leadership advice?

Hire great people—foster a psychologically safe environment— delegate based on competence and appropriateness—and then let your team go!

Biggest sacrifice for my career.

My introversion. It died in 2015 when I took on the face of the company. Prior to that, my husband/ co-owner managed sales and was seen as the face of IST. Once we received our woman-owned 8a Certification, I decided that I needed to take a more active role in networking and engagement.

I’m not natural at it and it took a lot of work. I get most of my energy from being alone. So along with my “presidential” duties, I need to ensure there is plenty of alone time in my schedule. That relates back to my self-care comments but when I can’t get away, it translates into fulltilt trail runs with IST’s employee engagement manager, Hunter. You can check him out on our website.

If you could tell your younger self some advice, what would it be?

You cannot have success without failure. Be bold, just go for it.

Chance ‘um!

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 17

Congratulations, Susan Utsugi!

SBA 2022 Women in Business Champion of the Year – State of Hawaii With more than 30 years in the banking industry, Susan has devoted her career to Hawaii’s small business community. From being part of the team that led CPB’s successful Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) efforts during the pandemic, to her work in developing robust support resources specifically for women-owned businesses, her dedication goes far beyond traditional financial services.

Mahalo to Susan for her esteemed efforts, and congratulations to all of the top Small Business honorees.

Susan Utsugi

SVP, Division Manager Business Banking

Meet us at cpb.bank Member FDIC

THE 2022 NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK AWARDS US SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Celebrates

AND RECOGNIZES THIS YEAR WINNERS!

The Hawai‘i-Pacific Islands District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) would like to congratulate all the 2022 National Small Business Week (NSBW) award winners. These prestigious awards are a testament to your talent, business skills and dedication, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic. Once again, congratulations!

For more than 50 years, the annual SBA NSBW awards have recognized the top performing companies in the Nation and Hawai‘i. These awards appropriately reflect the endless hours spent to be the best of the best, which is why we honor you today.

I would like to acknowledge the commitment and hard work of this year’s co-sponsors of the Hawai‘i­-Pacific Islands Small Business Awards event - The Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership Women's Business Center and The Maui Chamber of Commerce. Without their assistance, this event would not be possible.

Finally, a big Mahalo to the nominators, who represent all sectors of the local business community, for submitting many quality nominations for these awards. The work you do to support and promote SBA programs and services to these businesses help to make them successful. We look forward to continuing to work with you all during the coming year.

On behalf of our Hawai‘i-Pacific Islands District Office team and the National SBA leadership, I wish you all continued success in the future!

T. Mark Spain District Director

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 19

2 0 2 2

W I N N E R S

Small Business Person of the Year State Winner

Women-Owned Business of the Year State Winner

Truss Systems Hawaii, Inc Scott E. Loomer, President Nominated by: Pat Matsumoto, VP & Branch Manager Central Pacific Bank

Istanbul Restaurant, Inc. Ahu Hettema, Chef/CEO Nominated by: Derick Tam, VP & Kacie Bergantinos, Relationship Mgr. Hawaii National Bank

Honolulu County Winner

Honolulu County Winner

Choco le’a Erin Kanno Uehara, Owner Nominated by: Stacey K. Suzui, VP & Business Banking Team Manager, Central Pacific Bank

Kumabe HR, LLC Marie H. Kumabe, Principal Nominated by: Michael Kim, VP & Business Banking Team Manager, Central Pacific Bank

Maui County Winner

Maui County Winner

Kihei Rent A Car Lynn Nalani Solu, Owner/Manager Marjorie & David Hunkins and Charlene Hunkins Nominated by: Chelsey Covington, AVP & Commercial Banking Officer, Central Pacific Bank

The Maui Cookie Lady Mitzi & Joey Toro, Owner(s) Nominated by: Pamela Tumpap, President, Maui Chamber of Commerce

Hawai‘i County Winner Gypsea Gelato, LLC Timothy James Heaton & Sandra Colleen Heaton Nominated by: Brandon Mailhot, AVP & Branch Manager, Central Pacific Bank

Women in Business Champion State Winner Susan Utsugi, SVP & Division Manager- Business Banking Central Pacific Bank Nominated by: Colleen McAluney, Director Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership

Hawai‘i County Winner Ladies Artisan Market, LLC Aesha Shapiro, Owner Nominated by: Marty Kennedy, Senior Business Advisor, Small Business Development Center, Kailua-Kona

Kaua‘i County Winner LEI of Kauai Brianna Greer, Founder/Owner Nominated by: Robbie Melton, Center Director, Small Business Development Center, Kaua‘i

20 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

Veteran-Owned Business of the Year State Winner Square Barrels Hideo Simon, Owner Nominated by: Dennis Kwak, Director, Veterans Business Outreach Center of the Pacific

Family-Owned Business of the Year State Winner Commercial Tire Source, Inc. Ronald Anthony Rodrigues, President Nominated by: Chelsey Covington, AVP & Commercial Banking Officer, Central Pacific Bank

Kaua‘i County Winner M Tanaka Store Inc., dba Tanaka Hardware Lori Koga, President Nominated by: Eliza Kobayashi, Business Banking Officer II Central Pacific Bank

Young Entrepreneur of the Year State Winner Kona Crust, LLC Rennell Saro, Owner/Founder & Danielle Hawxhurst Owner/ Founder Nominated by: Brandon Mailhot, AVP & Branch Manager, Central Pacific Bank

S M A L L

B U S I N E S S

P E R S O N

O F

T H E

Y E A R

2 0 2 2

W I N N E R S

Small Business Person of the Year State Winner

Small Business Person of the Year City & County of Honolulu Winner

Working in the construction industry his entire life, Scott Loomer watched how it evolved from a labor intensive, back-breaking operation to an industry utilizing modern technology to minimize cost and product waste, and improve working conditions for employees. In 1994, he established Truss Systems Hawaii, Inc. with 6 employees.

Now known as everyone’s “chocolate friend,” it was never Erin’s plan to open a chocolate shop. Her dream was to make the world a better place by connecting people and investing in relationships.

Her faith led her to find a long-lost family member who taught her how to make chocolates. She is now living out a mission of “Bringing peace to our world, one chocolate at a time.”

27 years later, Scott now has 27 employees that he was able to retain during COVID19 with help from two rounds of PPP disaster loan funding. He used this time to make repairs to the property and equipment and focus on the company he started in 2009, ShedPro Hawaii. Prior to the pandemic, the company’s revenues were at an all-time high of over $8.2 million.

Choco le’a began as a small operation in Erin’s home. In 2013, she moved to a 300-square-foot commercial kitchen and, as demand grew for her artisan dark chocolate truffles with innovative flavors, she expanded once again to a larger kitchen and retail space of over 1,000 square feet.

Scott is a staunch supporter of Habitat for Humanity. He’s donated product, materials and gave preferential pricing at cost for homes built at Kahoma Village. He holds leadership roles in several industry groups.

Like many, her business was severely impacted by the pandemic.

Through her faith, perseverance and grit, she survived and thrived! Amazingly, she published a book, created a membership subscription and collaborated with other local businesses to give back to the community!

Scott E. Loomer President, Secretary, Treasurer

Erin Kanno Uehara Owner

Truss Systems Hawaii, Inc. 808-877-0036 www.trusssystemshawaii.com

Choco le’a 808-371-2234 www.chocolea.com

Small Business Person of the Year Maui County Winner

Small Business Person of the Year Hawai‘i County Winner

After years of working at a rental car agency, David Hunkins started Kihei Rent A Car with his wife, Charlene “Sugar” Hunkins in 1990.

Their success, for over 30 years, comes from a commitment to maintaining reasonable pricing and loyalty from local clients or parttime residents doing repeat business.

Gypsea Gelato is owned by the husband-and-wife team of Sandra and Tim Heaton. They produce gelato and sorbet locally in Kealakekua. The quality ingredients they use for their gelato and sorbets are procured from as nearby as possible and organic when available.

Purchasing additional surrounding lots has provided space for servicing the majority of their vehicles on property and an area for detailing cars upon return. It also allowed room for a bigger fleet and an area for selling off their older vehicles.

Gypsea Gelato has steadily grown since it opened in 2014, starting with a 1200-square-foot shop and expanding to Kailua-Kona and to the Waikoloa Beach Resort. Gypsea Gelato has won Best of West Hawai‘i ice cream/gelato for the last five years.

Today, David and Charlene are retired and live in Hana, but their twin girls, Lynn and Marjorie have taken over the business.

Marjorie’s sons Matt and Ryan are the third generation poised to take over this family-owned and operated business. Together, they strive to serve and bring the Aloha spirit to the Maui community.

Sales at Gypsea Gelato have increased every year, except in 2020, due to the pandemic. In addition to their 3 locations, they have a mobile kiosk already built. This 16-foot food truck will be used to sell pre-packaged gelato and sorbet. These expansions have created many jobs in the area, as well as supporting many great charitable causes in the community.

Lynn Nalani Solu Owner/Manager Marjorie & David Hunkins and Charlene Hunkins

Timothy James Heaton & Sandra Colleen Heaton Owners

Kihei Rent A Car, Inc. 808-879-7257 www.kiheirentacar.com

Gypsea Gelato LLC 808-313-2068 www.gypseagelato.com

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 21

2 0 2 2

W I N N E R S

Women In Business Champion State Winner Susan Utsugi has always been a small business champion and recognized early on that women-owned small businesses often had unique challenges. As Business Banking Division Manager, Susan actively advocates for women-owned businesses and leverages her role at the bank to help develop and execute women-owned business programs at every opportunity.

She devoted more than 100 hours over a three-month period to develop, coordinate and facilitate the WE by Rising Tide Program.

During this 10-week program, women business owners created a community of support, helping each other solve common challenges and celebrate successes. Thanks to Susan, they networked with other women business leaders in Hawai‘i who provided inspiration, guidance and support.

She contributes money, time and resources to a wide range of deserving non-profit boards and has mentored many women business owners through The Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership, where she has served since its inception in 2013.

W O M E N

I N

W O M E N - O W N E D

B U S I N E S S B U S I N E S S

C H A M P I O N O F

T H E

Y E A R

Women In Business Champion Hawai‘i County Winner Aesha started Ladies Artisan Market in July of 2016, the very first allfemale vendor market and has enjoyed continued growth and success.

She created and grew her Facebook group to over 1,500 local Hawai‘i Island businesswomen, entrepreneurs, artists and entertainers.

In September of 2019, she reached out to the Small Business Development Center for assistance in expanding her business as an event planner. Through these sessions, she developed a relationship where she partnered with them to plan networking opportunities to support women entrepreneurs.

After pivoting her business model and obtaining an SBA EIDL loan, Aesha created the Whole Business Woman Academy. These weekly classes include topics on time management, finance, marketing and technology and are taught by subject matter experts in the State. It also provides an accountability group and private counseling sessions.

Aesha has dedicated her life to empowering women entrepreneurs and giving back to her community!

Susan Utsugi SVP & Division Manager

Aesha Rose Shapiro Founder/CEO

Central Pacific Bank 808-544-5149 www.cpb.bank

Ladies Artisan Market, LLC 808-443-3884 www.ladiesartisanmarket.com

Women In Business Champion Kaua‘i County Winner

Women-Owned Business of the Year State Winner

After a successful career in the commercial interior design industry, Bria began offering freelance design services through BriaLei. During this time, she identified the need for a collaborative space where women entrepreneurs could come to learn and support each other.

Istanbul Hawaii is 100% women, family and immigrant-owned and operated. They began with pop-up-events on O‘ahu for 4 years.

Scheduled to open her restaurant in May 2020, Ahu found herself in the middle of construction and deep in debt. With the help of her husband and family, Ahu finally realized her dream with a successful opening in July 2020.

After receiving the Innovation Grant through the Office of Economic Development of Kaua‘i, Bria launched a Learning Environment for local women entrepreneurs and innovators on Kaua‘i (LE+I-Kauai).

She created business development workshops to help boost their skills on topics such as branding, finances and creativity.

She arranged for speakers from a wide range of businesses and community leaders. Through her efforts, she removed the isolation that many entrepreneurs felt as they launched their businesses.

She has partnered with the Small Business Development Center on Kaua‘i to organize the Women’s Symposium and the Kaua‘i Global Entrepreneurship Week.

They support local farmers by using Hawai‘i-sourced ingredients whenever possible. They only use the finest ingredients, such as USDA prime beef, grass-fed, Ni‘ihau range lamb chops and fresh fish.

Ahu’s skills range far beyond the kitchen. She oversaw the décor and design of the restaurant. As the owner, she works hands-on in every facet of the business and created a culture of excellent customer service. With SBA assistance, Ahu has brought new flavors and a new sense of comfort food to Hawai‘i during a time of unprecedented challenges for our businesses and communities.

Brianna Greer Founder/Owner

Ahu Hettema CEO/Chef

LEI Kauai dba BriaLei LLC 206-755-9695 www.leiofkauai.com

Istanbul Restaurant, Inc. 808-772-4440 www.istanbulhawaii.com

22 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

W O M E N - O W N E D B U S I N E S S O F T H E Y E A R V E T E R A N - O W N E D B U S I N E S S O F T H E Y E A R F A M I L Y - O W N E D B U S I N E S S O F T H E Y E A R

2 0 2 2

W I N N E R S

Women-Owned Business of the Year City & County of Honolulu Winner

Women-Owned Business of the Year Maui County Winner

Marie Kumabe has over 24 years of experience in business, with 15 years specifically dedicated to executive search, human resource consulting and staffing. She started her business in 2009 with an SBA-guaranteed loan. Her impressive credentials and commitment to the success of her clients have resulted in a loyal and growing base. They trust her to execute their human resources and executive search needs discreetly and effectively.

Mitzi’s business started as a charitable effort, fundraising for nurses who helped her father when he was critically ill. She turned it into a business in 2013, baking in a rented space and selling at the farmer’s market. In 2015, her husband Joey built a 2,400-squarefoot commercial kitchen in their home, providing more control over production.

Kumabe HR was able to meet the challenge during the pandemic with thousands of people losing their jobs due to business closures and reduction in business activity. They were nimble and able to assist with new needs for temporary employees to cover staffing shortages due to COVID restrictions.

Her social media expertise garnered national recognition with celebrities, press, national television shows and leading magazines, including endorsements by Dwayne the Rock Johnson, who calls her cookies “decadent and dangerous”! She expanded her online promotions through her website which enabled her to sell cookies to people all over the world.

Marie is a recognized leader in Hawai‘i in the field of staffing and human resources. She currently serves as the Faculty Director for the University of Hawai‘i’s Shidler College of Business Master of Human Resource Management Program.

Despite the challenges she faced during the pandemic, Mitzi continued giving back to the community and continued to pursue her goals. In 2020, she was featured on QVC, and found a beautiful, quaint space in Makawao for her dream retail location.

Marie Kumabe Principal

Mitzi & Joey Toro Owner

Kumabe HR, LLC 808-629-7650 www.kumabehr.com

The Maui Cookie Lady 808-793-3172 www.themauicookielady.com

Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year State Winner

Family-Owned Business of the Year State Winner

Hideo Simon is a serial entrepreneur. Since the young age of 14, he has pursued start-ups in all his obsessions. He created businesses spanning from a skateboard brand to a real estate investment group. As time went on, he honed his entrepreneurial spirit to the food and beverage industry. His love for the craft and creativity in the food kept his ambitions much more focused. So much so, he has since co-founded 4 of Honolulu’s beloved venues: Pint and Jigger, Square Barrels, Harry’s Hardware Emporium, and HeiHo House. He finds a tremendous amount of joy in the creation of these venues.

Commercial Tire Source is a tire dealership founded in 2006 by Anthony Rodrigues. The business started with two employees and only focused on tire sales. In 2011, Anthony’s son, Ronald, joined the family business and brought over 13 years of experience as a mechanic to the company. Today, they have five employees and their service offerings have grown to include the installation and service of commercial and retail tires.

His real sense of achievement though comes from working with this partners, managers and team members. “The real success of our venues is a direct reflection of the team that creates that experience for our guests. There are no templates for what we are shaping. It's up to everyone involved.”

In October of 2020, Ronald received an SBA 7(a) loan to finance a portion of the sale of the business from his father and, in 2021, he successfully took over as President.

As the only locally-owned and managed tire dealership on Maui, they assist local businesses, daily commuters and passionate car enthusiasts.

They are known for quality customer service and deliver on this by providing their customers with reliable tires to get them safely to their destinations.

Hideo Simon Owner

Ronald Anthony Rodrigues President

Square Barrels 808-524-2747 www.squarebarrels.com

Commercial Tire Source, Inc. 808-419-6145 Ronaldr.cts@gmail.com

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 23

2 0 2 2

F A M I L Y - O W N E D B U S I N E S S O F T H E Y E A R Y O U N G E N T R E P R E N E U R O F T H E Y E A R

W I N N E R S

Family-Owned Business of the Year Kaua‘i County Winner

Young Entrepreneur of the Year State Winner

Lori Koga is proud to be the fourth generation of leadership in this family-owned business. Established in 1915 in Nawiliwili by Manzo Tanaka, their son, Shigezo, took over in 1930 and relocated the store to Kalena Street. Roy and Arleen Tanaka took over in 1971 and expanded the store with a new warehouse, sheet metal shop and new office space.

Rennell and Danielle’s journey is a story of grit. Although they were operating several successful pizzerias in New York, they held on to their dream of opening a business in Hawai‘i for over ten years.

Tanaka Hardware had its ups and downs during its 107 years in business. The key to weathering difficult times, maintaining sales and increasing net profits was their ability to be flexible and adapt.

Offering new products, services, expert advice and personalized service has kept their customers loyal.

The Tanakas stayed true to the tradition of treating customers like family. In return, the community embraced their business as their own. Because of the hard work and commitment of each generation, they look forward to seeing the 5th generation taking over one day.

Lori Koga President M Tanaka Store Inc., dba Tanaka Hardware 808-245-4926 www.mtanakastore.com

They successfully bought and sold properties and used the proceeds to open their flagship, Kona Crust, authentic New York Style pizza in 2018. It was a huge success and they’ve since opened two new locations, Knead & Bake, a premium offering in the Shops at Mauna Lani, and Waikoloa Pizza, an express version of Kona Crust.

They offer a generous hourly starting wage to new employees which include tips and benefits. They set out to have a positive impact on the Big Island of Hawai‘i and they believe they’ve done just that.

They are now on the cusp of opening their fourth location, adding more jobs in the community! Not bad for thirty-somethings!

Rennell Saro & Danielle Hawxhurst Owner/Founder(s) Kona Crust, LLC 808-731-7553 www.KonaCrust.com

MAHALO TO OUR CO-SPONSORS

SUPPORTERS

24 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

HONORED AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE

SBA 2022 WOMEN IN BUSINESS CHAMPION OF THE YEAR COUNTY OF HAWAI'I

Our mission is to support Women through empowerment, inspiration, education and collaboration through conferences, workshops/trainings, markets and events.

Ladies Artisan Market (LAM) A female-owned and operated business that creates, facilitates, and operates live and online networking events for Women in business.

The Whole Business Woman Academy A members only education-based program with instruction and inspiration from subject matter experts and successful business women, providing tools and guidance, helping Women to achieve their goals.

Support@ladiesartisanmarket.com Facebook.com/groups/wholebusinesswoman @ladiesartisanmarket @wholebusinesswomanacademy

THE WOMEN OF

Photo Credit:Catherine Lau

Jennifer Ignacio Senior Director of Project Delivery

Constanza Lengerich Nicole Lemas Rodriguez Nicole Brodie Manager of Business Director of Residential Director of Commercial Development & Marketing Programs Hawaii Programs Hawaii

Shifted Energy, Inc. is a Hawaii-based company that provides world class software and smart controls to empower residents and businesses to reduce energy bills and support clean energy.

Our technology advances Hawaii’s transition to 100% clean energy by 2045 and is specifically designed to include all residents – whether living in rentals, condos, or townhouses.

Contact us to learn more or to schedule your free smart home or smart building assessment today.

Photo Credit: Catherine Lau

Inclusivity is not just what we do, it's who we are. Shifted Energy is Native-Hawaiian founded and is committed to building a diverse team. This benefits us all as we continue to innovate and imagine new ways to tackle big issues like climate change and energy justice.

ShiftedEnergy.com | info@shiftedenergy.com | 808-427-9658

W O M E N

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

Melissa

Miyashiro

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR B L U E P L A N E T F O U N DAT I O N

28 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

W O M E N

Describe yourself in 3 words: Compassionate, driven, and imaginative.

How has your career shifted from the 2020 pandemic impact?

The pandemic shifted my focus about what really matters in life, and it was a crash course in accepting things that you can’t control. Globally, the pandemic shifted conversations about how work fits into our lives, and I want to bring the lessons we collectively learned into the people-focused team that I now lead.

How do you manage stress and self-care?

I feel my best and can take on the world when I’m staying active. A recent highlight for me has been running with friends. No matter what has happened during the day, hitting the road with my running friends always lifts my spirits.

What are your favorite virtual tools to use currently in business?

Slack has been a great connector for our team during the pandemic. But I have to say that I actually have a newfound appreciation for non-virtual tools, like my monthly planner. Writing my schedule out each week keeps me centered in a way that my digital calendar simply doesn’t.

Did you always want this career track?

I knew long ago that I wanted to dedicate my personal and professional path to a mission I'm deeply passionate about—to help Hawai‘i, the planet, and humanity tackle climate change. I worked in the private and government sectors before finding my groove in the nonprofit world.

I appreciate the way nonprofits can nimbly, creatively, and rapidly advance societal change in unique ways.

If you could look into a crystal ball, what would you want to know about your future?

I would want to know what the world looks like with climate change and how humanity comes together to address it.

What are two of your proudest accomplishments of your career?

First, I’m proud to have contributed to the campaign to make Hawai‘i the first state to set a 100% renewable energy goal. I joined Blue Planet Foundation in 2014 and got to work on the grassroots advocacy and community engagement elements of the campaign. Joining the ceremony in the Governor’s Office when the law was signed was a special moment for me.

Second, it’s an incredible honor to have been selected to lead Blue Planet Foundation as its new Executive Director. Since joining the Blue Planet team more than seven years ago as the Operations Director, I’ve had an opportunity to work at nearly every level and with nearly every program area of the organization. These experiences have helped prepare me to guide the organization through this exciting moment of evolution and opportunity.

Biggest sacrifice for my career.

For many years, I sacrificed my time and my joy striving to prove to others that I was “good enough.”

If you could tell your younger self some advice, what would it be?

Living authentically and being vulnerable takes courage, but it’s worth it. Also, life doesn’t always have to be so serious.

Have fun along the way!

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

What do you do to make the world a better place?

Elevating the voices of women and girls.

I believe in the power of women to solve the world’s most pressing problems.

Women are achievement-oriented, excel at recognizing and building connections, skilled at developing authentic relationships, and are amazingly resilient and persistent. We desperately need these talents in our discussions and actions on climate.

How green are your products and services within your company?

Blue Planet Foundation’s mission is to make Hawai‘i a model of clean energy progress that inspires climate action globally, and we work hard to embody that vision within our team through our benefits package, our events, and our individual consumer choices. Blue Planet’s storytelling projects aim to provide a source of inspiration for communities to be part of our journey to clean energy. One example is our “We Are 100” campaign (weare100.org), which features nearly 100 stories from individuals and businesses in Hawai‘i who have taken actions toward that vision.

What is some advice for advocates of the planet who don’t know where/how to start?

Many people are intimidated by the legislative process and getting involved with policy efforts. But policy can drive transformative change in ways that individual behaviors cannot. We need more voices at the table. At Blue Planet, we’re always working to find new ways to break down barriers to civic engagement. Organizations like ours and others send action alerts with opportunities to get involved. Take a leap and submit that testimony!

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 29

W O M E N

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

Describe yourself in 3 words: Creative, playful, curious.

How has your career shifted from the 2020 pandemic impact?

I don’t think my career has really shifted from the pandemic much. Though I think my mindset has. I’ve had to make a lot of tough decisions using my instincts. I had to trust myself and my team to be clever and nimble.

Today I rely on my instincts much more.

How do you manage stress and self-care?

I surf, hike, run, schedule social time, and make sure I get eight hours of sleep.

What are your favorite virtual tools to use currently in business?

Slack, Dropbox, and Trello.

Did you always want this career track?

I changed career tracks so many times! I started off studying psychology. After that I studied interior architecture. Then I pivoted to architecture. Then I pivoted to interior design. Then I pivoted again to creative direction. I’m not done pivoting yet.

If you could look into a crystal ball, what would you want to know about your future?

At what age I’m going to start getting weird?

What are two of your proudest accomplishments of your career?

Getting into a really good design school. The first day of class, I knew I found my people. It was like starting class at Hogwarts. The other was receiving a Gold Key design award, an international design award. I went to the NYC design gala by myself because I didn’t think we were going to win. I was shocked when they announced The Vanguard Theory was the winner.

Who is your favorite Woman in Business?

One of my favorites was one of my first bosses, Siri Ky, owner of Assaggio’s restaurants. She would greet people at the door, take food orders, pour drinks, and scrub the floors while wearing her beautiful Chanel. She knew every guest's name and she deeply cared for her employees. She had grit and grace and I think about her often. I learned that I could have my own style and that I didn’t need to have a masculine posture to be respected in business.

Michelle Jaime

P R I N C I PA L /C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R THE VANGUARD THEORY

30 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

Biggest sacrifice for my career.

My health. When I started my company, I worked crazy hours and didn’t sleep or eat well. I skipped exercising, and the wheels started falling off. My body started breaking down. I had to do some major reprioritizing.

If you could tell your younger self some advice, what would it be?

Guurl. You don’t look good with bangs.

Signature Brows & Beauty Studio

“Your Beauty is My Signature”

STUDIO TREATMENTS Permanent Make-up, Signature Brow Shaping

At En Brows and Beauty Studio we specialize enhancing your face and body. We consult with you to bring out your natural best with the finest products and techniques from around the globe.

Permanent Make Up Enhancement

When wearing a mask now your brows and eyes will stand out all day and into the night. Permanent make up is a specialized process of applying pigment to the dermis via a medical grade micropigmentation pen. This advanced technique adds shapely definition to your face and will enhance your overall natural beauty.

Vela-Shape Body Contouring Treatment

This is a non-invasive circumferential and cellulite reduction. The result successfully achieves a toned, contoured and well-shaped body in typically 3 treatment sessions.

European Facials Laser Hair Removal Laser Tattoo Removal 3D Micro-Blading Botox/Fillers Eyebrow & Lash Tint Eye Lash Extensions

Make it your beautiful day Conveniently located in Kaka’ako, 627 South Street #2 Free parking available.

We are responsible for your safety and beauty. www.en-beauty.com

W O M E N

W H O

S O A R

Tammy Teixeira

S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT HEMIC

32 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

Q & A

W O M E N

Describe yourself in 3 words: Charismatic, driven, and passionate. I am inspired by people and purpose. My family, friends, and the future leaders of our industry are important to me, and I will go the extra mile for them.

How has your career shifted from the 2020 pandemic impact?

The pandemic has impacted workers and workplaces everywhere. The biggest shift for me has been in the ways we addressed the needs of our customers and our staff. For example, we developed programs to help ease the strain on our policyholders and the increasing, evolving cyber risks of their digital workplaces. With our employees, we were purposeful in creating flexible working arrangements and safety protocols for our offices. There has been a sizable impact on all of us, but I'm proud of how we have adapted and continued to move forward.

How do you manage stress and self-care?

There is nothing better than spending time with family and the people you love to help you unplug and recharge.

I so enjoy my family’s many weekend gatherings where multiple generations come together for a great time, incredible food, a few games of cribbage, and many other activities. When searching for peace and serenity, I turn to the ocean and outrigger paddling. A long-distance run on the water will provide me with a full dose of R&R. What are your favorite virtual tools to use currently in business?

Microsoft’s OneDrive, OneNote and Teams have been game changers for me in terms of staying connected with business partners and staff.

Did you always want this career track?

I was just a college student at HPU when I began working part-time as a workers' compensation claims adjuster. After seeing the impact that I could have on people's lives, I was inspired to continue in this career path. From my beginnings

in claims, I eventually moved into the business side of insurance where I focused on developing programs to help our community succeed through safety, risk management and operations, and most recently, with COVID relief programs.

If you could look into a crystal ball, what would you want to know about your future?

That what I have done has made a difference, and that it will support the generations to come. That I have helped to ensure the next generation will continue to serve the insurance industry with strong morals, good ethics, compassion, and integrity.

What are two of your proudest accomplishments of your career?

I’ve dedicated my career to helping Hawai‘i run safe and productive workplaces, and my personal satisfaction comes from helping businesses and workers thrive. I’m proud to have spearheaded an innovative workers’ compensation program to benefit Hawai‘i’s union workers. This program was a progressive departure from the traditional workers’ compensation system, designed to enhance workplace safety, provide effective medical care for injured workers, and help make contractors more competitive. At the signing ceremony commemorating the agreement, the Governor at the time referred to it as a “big deal” that would provide distinct advantages in the years that followed—and it has. It was a complex undertaking, but so gratifying to see it come to fruition and make a real difference for labor and management.

I’m also proud of developing young professionals and industry leaders— empowering them, mentoring, and providing opportunity. My heart swells with pride when I hear from former employees and mentees about their growth and promotions, and I am so proud to see their impact in the industry.

I’ve always believed that investing in our people is one of the best investments

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

a company can make. At HEMIC, we’ve focused on creating training and development programs that help our staff reach their full potential. It has been extremely rewarding.

How do you find a job that you will love?

To find a job that excites and inspires you, be persistent in your search.

Gather the insight of people in your field of interest or who are doing things that interest you. Be sure to research the company you are interested in working for. Don’t feel like you need to compromise your own values for a job. Attend industry events, read trade publications, watch TED videos, volunteer. Seek to educate yourself and find ways to gain experience. The path to a rewarding, successful career is not always linear or straightforward.

Don’t be afraid to try things or to make changes. And don’t give up until you find the right fit!

Biggest sacrifice for my career.

The biggest sacrifice for my career has been time. There are times when I have missed important family events, working long hours and weekends. It can be hard to balance work and family life, but it is important to try to find a balance that works for you.

It’s important to remember that our careers are not static—they evolve over time. There may be times when you have to make sacrifices, and there may be times when you can relax a bit more. The key is flexibility, knowing your goals, and being open to change.

If you could tell your younger self some advice, what would it be?

To be intentional, purposeful, and strategic. To be focused and to make everything count. When your efforts are thoughtful and cohesive, you can achieve your goals and your vision. I would tell her to look for ways to be more efficient, because we did things the long way in the old days!

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 33

A strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink.

Serving Generations of Strong Beautiful Women Since 2010. Your place for Luxury Salon, Spa and Nail Services. All 100% Vegan AVEDA Products!

SHARE THE LOVE AND PURCHASE A GIFT CARD! New Services Lash Lifts, Lash & Brow Tinting and Brow Lamination.

Ala Moana Center, 3rd Level (next to Neiman Marcus) | 808.947.6141 Ka Makana Ali‘i Shopping Center (near Macy’s) | 808.670.2550

WWW.HOALASALONSPA.COM

CALL NOW to find out how much you can

SAVE on today's low rates!

APPLY ONLINE

Janayhé "JJ" Self

Janayhé Self has over 11 years of experience as a Senior Mortgage Loan Officer with C2 Financial Corporation, a wholesale mortgage brokerage firm offering discount rates and fees with over 100 different local and national lenders.

Whether you are a first time home-buyer, a selfemployed business owner, a savvy investor, or a real estate agent looking to align your business with a seasoned professional, Janayhe understands our competitive purchase market and can efficiently close on time. She demonstrates an outstanding history of working in the real estate industry and roots run deep into the heart of the community. In addition, Janayhe is a Certified Military Home Specialist, and understands the level of care and detail that personnel face when they PCS to Hawaii. Janayhe is your first point of contact for qualifying your next purchase or refinance. You can find 5 star Google reviews of her work ethic online.

Sr. Mortgage Loan Officer Certified Military Home Specialist Individual NMLS#1126425 / Branch NMLS#1244222

Specializing In Purchase And Refinance Loan Programs Designed For: f Self Employed Borrowers and Business Owners f Active-Duty Military and Veterans f First Time Home Buyers f Investors and Second Home owners jj@c2hawaii.com 1003 Bishop St.

808.382.4743 •

Pauahi Tower Suite 2700

www.c2hawaii.com •

Honolulu, HI 96813

This licensee is performing acts for which a real estate license is required. C2 Financial Corporation is licensed by the California Bureau of Real Estate, Broker # 01821025; NMLS # 135622. Loan approval is not guaranteed and is subject to lender review of information. All loan approvals are conditional and all conditions must be met by borrower. Loan is only approved when lender has issued approval in writing and is subject to the Lender conditions. Specified rates may not be available for all borrowers. Rate subject to change with market conditions. C2 Financial Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Mortgage Broker/Lender. C2 Financial Corporation is approved to originate VA and FHA loans, and has the ability to broker such loans to VA and FHA approved lenders. C2 Financial Corporation is not acting on behalf of or at the direction of HUD/FHA or the VA.

W O M E N

W H O

S O A R

Susan Utsugi

BUSINESS BANKING DIVISION MANAGER CENTRAL PACIFIC BANK

36 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

Q & A

W O M E N

How are you and CPB helping support women in business?

Susan Utsugi has always been a small business advocate. She recognizes that women-owned small businesses often have unique challenges because they are responsible for managing their households as well as their business, and they don’t easily have access to networking and support.

Knowing that successful womenowned businesses contribute to a diverse economy, Susan happily supports programs such as the Hawai‘i Women's Business Center, now known as The Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership.

A huge accomplishment was helping develop women-owned business programs at CPB such as Women's Business Central, and in 2021 Susan took the lead on the “WE by Rising Tide” program.

The program fulfilled the needs of women business owners by helping them enhance their skills and take their business to the next level.

Through the inaugural program, the 20 women business owners created a community of support, helping each other with common challenges and celebrating successes. They were able to network with other women business leaders in Hawai‘i who provided inspiration, guidance, and support. The program was particularly meaningful during the pandemic when businesses needed operational help.

What support did the bank provide for businesses during the pandemic?

CPB is a leader in providing Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance to small businesses in

Hawai‘i evidenced by its leadership in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). CPB was the first financial institution in Hawai‘i to host a webinar providing information on PPP just before the applications opened in 2020. Susan was a key member of CPB's PPP team and facilitated the webinar with SBA, for which more than 2,000 people attended. CPB originated more than 7,200 PPP loans totaling more than $550 million, representing more than 28% of PPP loans to small businesses in Hawai‘i and the highest market share made by any bank in the state.

How has business grown under your leadership?

Under Susan’s guidance, the Business Banking Division has seen strong growth in market share and reach. Susan oversees business officers in Honolulu, the Big Island and Kaua‘i. She is instrumental in keeping the bank focused on growing the small business market as this has been a pillar of CPB since its founding in 1954. This growth was attributed to major initiatives Susan implemented in 2021.

How important is thinking outside the box and finding new forms of communication?

Susan helped launch CPB Currents for Business which is an online newsletter to CPB's customers that shares business information including topics on various local and government programs as well as CPB partnerships. Susan is innovative, thoughtful and capable of utilizing the digital technological tools at her disposal to reach customers and prospective clients. Susan was on the project

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

team to assist in launching a new CPB website portal called Rising Tide, a resource any small business can join. In 2021, under Susan's leadership, she enhanced the Rising Tide membership benefits and website. This included creating a newsletter, providing opportunity for visibility for Rising Tide members, collaborating with ShopSmallHawaii, and improving the onboarding process. As a result, growth in the Rising Tide membership program was up 18 percent.

Tell us about your background and where you found your passion?

Susan is a graduate of Seattle University and Pacific Coast Banking School. Susan has flourished within the banking industry for more than 30 years, most of which is with Central Pacific Bank. In addition, Susan lends her support and advocacy for women-owned business in her prestigious role as Advisory Board Chair for the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership (MCBL), the only women's business center in Hawai‘i where she has been involved since its inception. Susan also served on the board for Hawai‘i Women's Business Center, the predecessor to MCBL. She was a 2017 PBN Women Who Mean Business - Women to Watch and the 2008 SBA's Small Business Advocate of the Year for City & County of Honolulu. She was awarded CPB’s Leadership Award in 2016.

Susan is happily married and has two daughters, which is also a motivating factor for helping women succeed.

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 37

SPRING ESCAPE IN WAIKĪKĪ

EXCLUSIVE KAMA‘ĀINA PACKAGE Set the tone for the rest of the year with an inspiring getaway at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach this spring season.

Enjoy an exclusive kama‘āina offer featuring an exceptional rate when reserving any of the resort’s select ocean-view rooms and suites along with: • • •

9:00 a.m. early check-in 6:00 p.m. late check-out Complimentary daily valet for one vehicle per reservation

For reservations, call 808.922.8111 or visit ritzcarlton.com/ waikiki and use promotional code Z43.

Taking Action on Climate Change “ 38% of our electricity now comes from renewable sources, nearly four times more than a decade ago.”

Shelee Kimura President and Chief Executive Officer Hawaiian Electric

All of us must play a part as we progress toward a clean energy future, with the goal of reducing carbon emissions 100% by 2045.

• 32% of single-family homes with rooftop solar

Here are several key milestones and goals.

• 61,000 advanced meters installed, allowing homes and business to track and reduce energy usage

• Hawai‘i Island: 60.0% renewable energy • Maui County: 50.2% renewable energy • O‘ahu: 32.8% renewable energy

Find out more in our 2021/22 Sustainability Report.

Visit hawaiianelectric.com/sustainability

• 300% increase in Electric Vehicle registrations over the past 5 years

• 70% reduction in carbon emissions from power generation by 2030

W O M E N

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

Erin Isa

DIRECTOR, GENERAL MANAGER NEIMAN MARCUS HAWAII

40 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

W O M E N

Describe yourself in 3 words: I find it difficult to do it in three words, but I would say I’m dedicated, resilient and patient (although my family might argue against the last descriptor). I am a very dedicated leader and take pride in the success of my team whether it is individual or as a group. A strong leader must be resilient and help their team to navigate and bounce back from challenging times. In retail, I’ve witnessed the ups and downs and have had to find ways to persevere. The last two years are an example of this, but the team has pulled together and we have grown stronger as a result. I’m a big believer that cooler heads prevail.

Staying calm and exercising patience is not only a sign of professionalism, but also of respect. As a leader, I have learned that patience and purposeful guidance improves productivity and builds confidence.

How has your career shifted from the 2020 pandemic impact?

I was promoted to the role of Director General Manager for Neiman Marcus Hawaii in the midst of the pandemic in December 2020.

This was a huge career shift and very unexpected at the time, since we had just named a new General Manager a few months prior. In the short time we worked together, our former GM became a great mentor.

And while I was sad to see her move, I was also happy that she was promoted to a larger leadership role within the company.

Neiman Marcus has always valued the importance of building relationships. During the pandemic, it forced us to explore new ways of doing business which included

staying in touch virtually with our clients. This was a major shift in mindset and practice for the team as well.

In my current role and with the reopening of our Mariposa in June 2021, I also received a crash course in the restaurant business which definitely forced me out of my comfort zone. But this has allowed me to grow quicker into the role than I may have otherwise. I have a newfound appreciation and respect for all the hard work that goes into running a successful restaurant.

How do you manage stress and selfcare?

This is still a work in progress.

While I am not athletic, I start every morning on Peloton or the treadmill.

I feel this helps me start off on the right foot and keeps me energized and focused throughout the day.

When I want to decompress, I enjoy walks with my husband and fur baby Bodhi, a 6-year-old Shih-tzu/poodle.

I have found that even just some quiet time with Bodhi can be oddly therapeutic.

I also love to travel. This is my great escape, which became a challenge during the pandemic. However, I learned that even researching potential travel destinations allows me to transport myself.

Did you always want this career track?

I never imagined that my summer and winter break job at Liberty House during college would lead to a full career in retail. After obtaining my undergraduate degree from the University of Hawai‘i, I had intended to pursue a Masters in Social Work.

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

However, my manager suggested pursuing retail management upon graduation, and I was hired for a lead selling role. This quickly led to an appointment as a department manager. The same manager joined Neiman Marcus as the store was preparing to open in 1998 and recruited me as her assistant. My career took many twists and turns but I am grateful for every one of them because it led me to where I am today.

What are two of your proudest accomplishments of your career?

One of the biggest honors was to be named NM Best in 2008—an annual award bestowed upon an individual who is nominated by their peers and voted by senior leadership at each Neiman Marcus facility. This annual award is Neiman Marcus Group’s most prestigious associate honor.

I love that the company continues to celebrate this long-standing tradition.

My other proudest moments are all tied to my team’s successes—from developing the first million-dollar book within my department, to promoting my former assistants into higher leadership roles. I find the most satisfaction in seeing my team grow and thrive.

If you could tell your younger self some advice, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self to trust my instincts and believe. There will always be uncertainty, but it should not stop anyone from pursuing new opportunities and growth. You will never know the limits of what you can achieve if you do not put yourself out there.

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 41

W O M E N

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

fluency in a marketing or business capacity. I never imagined that I would be utilizing my language skills and field of study in such a robust way while being surrounded by the best luxury merchandise in the world! My job marries my skill sets with my love of food and fashion— it’s truly a dream come true.

What are two of your proudest accomplishments of your career?

Receiving the Retail Employee of the Year Award from Retail Merchants of Hawaii in 2016 and being asked to participate in this year’s Women in Business issue!

Amy

Tomita Castro BRAND EXPERIENCE MANAGER NEIMAN MARCUS GROUP

Describe yourself in 3 words: Dedicated, optimistic, and trusting.

I am fiercely loyal and dedicated to people I hold dear to my heart.

This has come to include my colleagues at work—some of whom I’ve worked with for over 23 years now at Neiman Marcus Hawaii.

We’ve weathered some storms and celebrated many wins together both professionally and within our own personal lives, which has helped to create a strong bond. I’m fortunate to be working with some of the most talented and amazing people in the retail industry. I also tend to be quite optimistic and trusting. I strive to see the positive in situations in people and always try to give those around me the benefit of the doubt.

How do you manage stress and selfcare?

I’ll be the first to admit this is something I am continually working

42 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

to improve. With two young children and a hectic schedule, I’ve sort of neglected my own needs until recently. My family bought me a new Apple watch for Christmas, which came with a free Apple Fitness Plus trial, so I finally started taking advantage of the great variety of classes available. I especially love the dance fitness classes to get me going in the morning and the meditation exercises to calm and ground me in the evening. I also like to treat myself to a massage or spa service every now and then.

Did you always want this career track?

I’ve always loved retail and shopping but never dreamed of a full career in this industry. While working towards my double major in International Business and Marketing at UH Manoa, I knew I wanted to utilize my Japanese

Biggest sacrifice for your career.

I’m probably living my sacrifice right now. A career in retail can create quite a busy schedule. This coupled with the need for afterschool childcare has my husband and I working on opposing days so that we don’t lean on our parents too often to watch our kids. It can be a little challenging not having days off together as often as we’d like, but we make the best of it by spending quality time in the evenings when I return home or on Sunday mornings before I go to work. That’s why we relish vacation time as our opportunity to really bond and create lasting memories.

If you could tell your younger self some advice, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self to put yourself out there and get to know people on a deeper level. I began my career at Neiman Marcus immediately out of college and often felt intimidated in engaging our very affluent and successful clients.

My strong Asian upbringing also conditioned me to provide polite and respectful service but not necessarily to engage in a lot of conversation. In my more recent (older) years, I’ve become much more comfortable in the Art of Conversation and have learned the value of creating meaningful connections with people.

I would also tell my younger self to take the time to network with other professionals, as it helps enrich professional development and provides incredible opportunities.

SMall car.

SMall car. big newS. big newS.

MINI OF HAWAII MINI OF HAWAII IS NOW OPEN IN KAPOLEI! IS NOW OPEN IN KAPOLEI!

MINI OF HAWAII MINI OF HAWAII MINI OF HAWAII MINI OF HAWAII

FACTORY AUTHORIZED BMW SERVICE CENTER FACTORY AUTHORIZED BMW SERVICE CENTER

MINI of Hawaii | 367 Farrington Highway | Kapolei, HI 96707 | (808) 593-8699 | miniofhawaii.com @miniofhawaii BMW of Honolulu | 777 Kapiolani Blvd | Honolulu, HI 96813 | (808) 597-1225 | bmwhawaii.com @bmwofhonolulu MINI of Hawaii | 367 Farrington Highway | Kapolei, HI 96707 | (808) 593-8699 | miniofhawaii.com @miniofhawaii BMW of Honolulu | 777 Kapiolani Blvd | Honolulu, HI 96813 | (808) 597-1225 | bmwhawaii.com @bmwofhonolulu MINI Kapolei - Go Kapolei.indd 35

4/8/22 4:44 P

W O M E N

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

Beyond the changes due to the pandemic, what have been the biggest turning points in healthcare in recent years?

What hasn’t changed in healthcare from the pandemic? The pandemic has catapulted significant changes overnight out of necessity. What would have taken years in terms of telemedicine and access to online resources and online access to providers, happened within a few months in 2020. I can now chat with my daughters’ pediatrician, get consultations, a doctor’s note, etc.— in the evening at 6 p.m! This kind of access enables people to integrate self-care and address family medical needs easily throughout the day.

The challenge is that the behaviors needed to improve medical and dental public health, and for residents to seek out the preventive care they need, remain the same despite the increased access and doesn’t necessarily increase utilization.

Diane

Paloma

PRESIDENT AND CEO H AWA I I D E N TA L S E RV I C E

44 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

How do you maintain your own health/well-being?

I have always been a dancer and practice hula every week. I am working towards the next level in my halau as ho‘opa‘a (chanter), having completed the process as ‘olapa (dancer). I also try to work out with my three daughters, who all play basketball, as well as jump in the ocean as much as possible for swimming and water sports.

That connection with the water is special, where the waves and salt water really do heal physically and spiritually. As the pandemic eases, gathering with family and friends regularly is essential for my kids,

W O M E N

it is paramount for their future development into adults that value family, personal relationships, and supporting one another.

What is something people may not know about your company that you'd like to share?

This year, we are celebrating our 60th anniversary serving the people of Hawai‘i. In 1962, Hawaii Dental Service (HDS) was formed by just 15 pioneering dentists to fulfill a need in the community by creating one of the first prepaid dental coverage plans for Hawai‘i’s keiki. HDS has grown tremendously since then, having joined the Delta Dental Plans Association (DDPA) in 1966. Our members have dental coverage and access to the largest dentist network across the United States.

What’s also special about HDS is our company culture—we are a modest, tight-knit team that treats each other like family. We ensure to support our employees, continue to provide training and ways to have fun together, even staying connected through the pandemic by creating a weekly newsletter called “SMILEWell in Solidarity.”

The newsletter features the latest aggregated information on Covid-19, health and wellness features and tips, and weekly videos introduced by me and different employees sharing aspects of their family life.

We are proud that our culture has retained so many of our long-time employees. About 25 employees have worked here for 20 years or longer, with the longest employee going on year 40!

What are the hardest lessons you've had to face in becoming a leading woman in power?

It is the invisibility factor. As a healthcare professional with a PhD and 20+ years of experience, there are still some moments I am seen as the assistant or supporting person. Until introduced or once the conversation starts, at times it feels like I’m nearly dismissed. I have learned to assert myself more, lead discussions, and make some hard decisions on how I want to be perceived. I found that I can still convey my expertise and leadership while being down-to-earth and exhibiting grace in a way that makes me feel seen.

What is your current daily routine?

Days start with getting the kids to three different schools (I’d advocate for better family planning or all at the same school), backto-back meetings as I continue to become more involved in the daily operations at HDS, then preparing dinner if I am working from home that day. The pandemic changed our routines by allowing me more time in my day, rather than shuttling kids to different practices and coming home when it’s dark; but we’re slowly getting back in the flow with their afterschool activities.

Saturdays are always reserved for family and Sundays are reserved for hula halau, which usually runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

How do you overcome fear?

Trust in your na‘au (gut). Hawaiians feel that the emotions and conscience come from the center of your body, your core. When I

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

follow my na‘au and seek some truth, I look to this “gut-check” and it never steers me astray.

Assessing a difficult situation can add up financially or in my analytic head, but it’s always the na‘au that determines whether or not I can sleep at night.

What advice do you have for other women who may be struggling or may need a boost in their career?

Patience and timing are key aspects to leadership that don’t always get mentioned. Everyone wants faster and faster ROI, but perhaps things don’t always work because they are done immediately. There are strategic factors and relationships that need time to be cultivated— timing is everything. If I gave up after the first or second job application, I would be stuck. I was patient and learned what I could from the opportunities in front of me. When the opportunity came to lead Hawaii Dental Service, I wasn’t really seeking it. By being patient and letting the timing unfold, it was the only way I could have achieved this milestone.

On a more practical level, I am also a large proponent of mentorship.

I had many different mentors everywhere along my path. Each of them helped me in different ways and I sincerely value the guidance and experiences I received. I also hope to be able to mentor other women in the same way, to share insights and knowledge gained. It’s this view I take with my daughters so they see themselves as a strong, capable and confident person—all of the values that have made their mom who she is today.

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 45

W O M E N

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

How did you get into real estate?

I was in public relations and marketing prior to getting into real estate. In that role, I worked with developers, and I was impressed with the real estate agents and a little bit envious. I was a single mom of three tweens/teens at the time, and the idea of a career where I had complete control over my schedule really appealed to me so I could be more available to my children. I got licensed and joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices because they’re known for the best new agent training program, and I have never looked back.

What do you love about real estate and your job specifically?

I love what I do because it doesn’t feel like sales.

Sure, technically I am selling. But really, I’m a matchmaker. I connect people and homes. I help people build wealth and chase their dreams. I’m with them for some of the biggest life changes they’ll make. It’s a career where you build real relationships and connections, so it feels like so much more.

What are the best parts of your job…and the hardest?

The best part is when we close on a client’s dream home! There’s nothing like wrapping up the successful sale or purchase for our clients and celebrate all the hard work, patience, strategy, and negotiation that went into making it all work with them. Their joy makes all the challenges along the way worth it.

The greatest challenge of real estate right now is our current market—it’s moving so quickly that when working with buyers, we have to be both creative and aggressive to win the bidding wars.

And while we often do, sometimes there’s just someone willing and able to pay more, and when that happens, it can be very emotional.

Rachel Bradley

R E A LT O R ® B E R K S H I R E H AT H AWAY H O M E S E RV I C E S

46 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

What is one thing you know now, that you wished you had known earlier on in your career?

Earlier in my career, I often found myself hesitant to speak up, worried that my instincts might not be correct, or intimidated because I wasn’t the most experienced person in the room. I am so glad I’ve gotten over that! Sure, I’m not always right, but my clients and I are partners and collaborators, and sometimes a path not chosen is still a very important part of the process.

What are some words of advice for our readers?

It’s true what they say—find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. I love real estate. I’ve always been interested in people’s homes, design, architecture, and how people live, and I feel fortunate to work in this field every day.

I can’t for the life of me remember the last time I dreaded a Monday. Find something you’re excited about and make it your career.

W O M E N

W H O

Nicole

S O A R

Q & A

Lemas Rodriquez R E A LT O R ® F I V E S TA R R E A LT Y

48 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

W O M E N

How did you get into real estate?

As a third-generation Realtor, it was written in the stars for Nicole Lemas Rodriguez to continue the family legacy. Nicole began her career early by sweeping the steps of buildings of her family’s property management business. Years later, she grew to manage the company portfolio of 585 units of multifamily and residential investment properties. She began her real estate sales career in 2014 by focusing on first-time buyers whom she trained to have an investor mindset. She knew firsthand that real estate was the only way to build wealth and it was her kuleana to light the way for others.

After reading and analyzing thousands of pages of AOAO condo documents on behalf of her clients, she realized the financial management of these assets lacked long-range vision. So, she took her career into the building management sector of the industry and became an Accredited Residential Manager (ARM), managing high-rises throughout Waikiki.

There, she could be in the “belly of the beast” with a front row seat to the orchestration it takes to properly and professionally manage a multifamily condo building. In just three years of her building management career, she was recognized by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) as a “30 Under 30,” which acknowledges the next generation of real estate management leaders nationally. With this newly found purpose, she is able to come full-circle for those first-time homebuyers who invested in Hawai‘i real estate to protect their future investment for years to come.

What do you love about real estate and your job specifically?

Being in this position comes with a deep sense of responsibility. My clients are looking to me to both paddle and steer them to their future. I feel privileged to be able to listen to their stories and follow clues they provide to craft a way they may have never seen for themselves.

My clients often joke, “Who needs a therapist, when we have you?” Being intimately involved in my clients’ and

residents’ lives, I pivot from therapist to coach to comedian, depending on the twists and turns of the day or the deal.

This gives me so much joy and purpose that I get to use my talents and gifts so naturally to enhance and elevate the people who deserve it most.

What are the best parts of your job…and the hardest?

They are one in the same—two sides of the same coin. While there is no greater feeling than handing the keys to a new homeowner, I can’t help but acknowledge the many who do not have those same keys. The market is like the ocean, watching the tides rise and fall, waiting for that perfect moment. Many are wiped out before they even touch the shores. The hardest part about this position is navigating the power and kuleana I have to my family and friends to ensure they have a place to call home, in our beloved Hawai‘i nei.

What are two of your proudest accomplishments of your career?

In 2014, prior to getting my real estate license, I was working as a Project Developer for Revolusun, Hawai‘i’s #1 residential solar + battery installer in the state. There, I saw the need in the multifamily market with shared roofs being unable to gain access to photovoltaic. Trusting my vision, they supported my strategic and innovative approach to helping our AOAO communities across the island. With the support of our brilliant team, we calculated the common area interest and translated that into power, truly giving power to the people. I worked with the board of directors to amend governing documents and bylaws to legally allow every homeowner to have access to solar.

For this herculean effort, I was honored as a “40 Under 40” by Pacific Edge Magazine the following year.

Making buildings smarter is truly my passion, so I was humbled when I received a call earlier this year inviting me to have a seat at the table with the Institute of Real Estate Management’s (IREM) National Board of Directors,

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

under their Sustainability Advisory Board. Here, we certify office, medical office, multifamily, senior housing, retail, and industrial properties with their Certified Sustainable Property (CSP) designation. These properties are recognized for supporting sustainability and planetary health, while identifying the risks and opportunities within their environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact. Again, I feel extremely privileged to be able to use my accrued business acumen alongside my heart for our people and its place to sustain Hawai‘i for generations to come.

What is one thing you know now, that you wished you had known earlier on in your career?

As a visionary, I tend to move quickly. I can “burn the midnight oil” chasing the sun as there never seems to be enough time in the day to move the mountains I need to. Like all millennials, we want to change the world. As I’ve matured, I see that the change I was seeking was already within me. What I know now is this career is a marathon, not a sprint. I now take my time and listen. Follow your na‘au, your na‘au always knows. Change The Way You Look At Things And The Things You Look At Change.

What are some words of advice for our readers?

In this line of work, the stakes are high.

The more advanced the deals get, the more complex and complicated the process can seem. Real estate is a true baptism by fire but through the fire, there is new life. Oftentimes change is painful. When what we’ve known to be “true” is no more, it can feel like a death has occured. Yet something must die to make room for the new thing to rise and take its place. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, I encourage you to dance with this cycle of life knowing what you are seeking is just on the other side. Zig Ziglar said it best: “F-E-A-R has two meanings: 'Forget Everything And Run' or 'Face Everything And Rise.' The choice is yours.” I choose to rise so that others may too.

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 49

W O M E N

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

Lynn

Babington

PRESIDENT CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY OF HONOLULU

50 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

W O M E N

Describe yourself in 3 words: Honest, committed, caring.

How has your career shifted from the 2020 pandemic impact?

I spend more time supporting others’ fear of uncertainty. Perhaps my background as a critical care nurse positions me better to navigate uncertainty. It has been a major part of my work since the pandemic, to work with others to help them find a comfort level with navigating the uncertainty we face daily.

How do you manage stress and self-care?

I believe that a balanced life is the key to happiness. My family is my first priority and throughout my career, I have made many career decisions based on the needs of my family. I am also a firm believer of balancing the physical, spiritual and social dimensions of what it means to be human. My faith is important to me; therefore, prayer and meditation are part of my daily habit. Exercise has also always been a major part of my life—running, walking, swimming, paddle boarding, canoeing, etc. I am a very social person.

Maintaining social relationships, trying new things and incorporating humor and fun is part of how I achieve balance.

What are your favorite virtual tools to use currently in business?

We have all learned about the value and pitfalls of a totally virtual environment. I believe that face-to-face communication is superior in most circumstances to meeting virtually. That being said, we have all learned that we often get better participation by allowing a blend of in-person and virtual meetings. Those who would normally not be able to attend a meeting now join virtually (via Zoom or some other meeting platform).

Therefore, the conversation is not only more inclusive but richer. Chaminade University has board members and other supporters who either do not live in Hawai‘i or travel quite a bit, and

they are now able to join our meetings and contribute to our success. Allowing participation via Zoom has alleviated the need to always be in person to participate in our work.

Did you always want this career track?

My career has taken many twists and turns. I am a registered nurse and began my career working as a nurse in a critical care unit, eventually earning a master’s degree and working in hospital administration. I ran the patient care divisions of some major hospitals in urban areas around the country (San Francisco, Seattle, Boston).

I also worked with disadvantaged communities in Boston and formed a nonprofit to leverage the assets of a number of community health centers.

During all of these experiences, I maintained a close relationship with the local university (UCSF, University of Washington, Northeastern University) while teaching graduate courses and precepting students. Somewhere along this journey, I earned a PhD and during a Fullbright Fellowship in Israel, I had the opportunity to reflect on what I wanted for the remainder of my career. This reflection took me to a nursing deanship, Provostship (chief academic officer) and eventually here to Chaminade University. I was and am most interested in finding a mission fit between my own beliefs and values and that of the institution I lead. I have found this at Chaminade University.

If you could look into a crystal ball, what would you want to know about your future?

Hmm, that is an excellent question. I would want to know that I can continue to have a positive impact on the people I serve in my current position.

What are two of your proudest accomplishments of your career?

People are the most important asset we have as a society, therefore keeping people at the center of what we do

W H O

S O A R

Q & A

as leaders is critical. My proudest accomplishment throughout my career has been mentoring others. It has been an honor and privilege to be a mentor and support others’ successes. Many of the people I mentored over my career have gone on to build highly successful and fulfilling careers. Another proud accomplishment was successfully and with great care, closing a hospital. This was one of the most difficult experiences of my life. I oversaw a small hospital in Seattle and managed its closure.

During the year of transition, we were able to work with all of our employees to either help them secure new positions or prepare them for successful retirement. We also worked extensively with community partners to assure the services being discontinued by the hospital’s closure would be available within the area.

Biggest sacrifice for my career.

Early in my career, my husband and I jointly made career choices that necessitated several moves. These moves were not conducive to my own professional advancement. That being said, all of the ensuing professional positions provided me with a rich and varied background in many different positions in multiple regions in the United States. All of these experiences shaped how I think about the world and relate to others, so what seemed like sacrifices at the time ended up being assets for my professional career.

If you could tell your younger self some advice, what would it be?

Hold true to your beliefs and values and listen to what others have to say. I cannot overemphasize the value in listening.

Really hearing other people’s viewpoints helps us all learn and is critical to making successful decisions.

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 51

find your escape at P R I N C E W A I K I K I .C O M

Congratulations

to the women that make Smart Money Hawaii that much smarter!

The women on our team are an integral part of our continued success.

Business leaders. Wives. Mothers. In every role, their connection with people establishes strong relationships based on trust and authenticity.

The mortgage industry is constantly changing, presenting new challenges. By helping their partners make informed decisions, they have positively impacted people for the rest of their lives. Our business thrives because of their continued excellence. We want to thank and celebrate them. Tami. Darci. Rebecca. Jennifer.

Huyen. Nicky. Each one of them makes our company better each and every day.

Mahalo

PH: (808) 447-1850

52 PACIFIC EDGE SmartMAGAZINE Money Inc. NMLS #273384

Email: info@smartmoneyhawaii.com www.SmartMoneyHawaii.com

Licensed under the State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Division of Financial Institution, and the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System.

Elevate your self care.

MASSAGE HYDROTHERAPY BODY WRAPS ÉMINENCE ORGANIC FACIALS PRO FACIAL PEELS HYDRAFACIAL NATURAL & GEL NAIL CARE WAXING & THREADING CUT, COLOR & TREATMENT You deserve it.

A tranquil oasis in the heart of downtown Honolulu

VOTED BEST SPA 2022 #SupportLocal

W W W . H E A V E N O N E A R T H H A W A I I . C O M

// E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P

Take a Chance

Courtney and Drew Honda, two siblings born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, knew early on that the world ahead of them was full of endless possibilities.

BY EMMA WILLIAMS

T

hey were born into a family of entrepreneurs, their mother Ellie Honda, an impactful philanthropist in Hawai‘i and their father, an independent contractor for the Star-Advertiser. As they grew, so did their dreams. With the support and inspiration from their family, they set out on different paths, yet their bond never faded.

Courtney Honda graduated from Whittier College with a degree in Kinesiology. She received her personal training certification to train at Equinox, the leading operator of upscale fitness clubs. She set off within the fitness realm of Downtown Los Angeles, working hard to become Personal Training Manager and soon saw the need for promoting wellness in the workplace. Inspired to start her own business, Courtney created Invincible CEO LLC, a corporate wellness company that focuses on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of

54 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

employees. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, companies began discontinuing with vendors and the unknown was looming overhead. Courtney chose to keep chasing her dreams, pivoting from health and wellness to marketing and business consulting.

“If it wasn't for my parents and their support I wouldn't be able to accomplish what I have. Every time I wanted to do something new or go against the norm, they have been there to support me,” Courtney says. In 2020, Courtney gained valuable experience working with an equipment finance company and pursued a postgraduate certificate at UCLA. Simultaneously, she co-founded an app called Live Itt alongside her fiancé working hard to overcome the struggles of the pandemic.

“I love setting benchmarks, and insanely crazy goals. I dream like a little kid. I have these goals and aspirations that

most adults would give a calculated response to,” Courtney expresses.

Currently, Courtney directs the marketing and communication strategies for BidVita, the first artificial intelligence SaaS platform for real-time construction data for anyone, anytime, anywhere. One month ago, she and her fiancé began their own podcast, Disruptt, that focuses on the past and present of business, technology, and game changing people.

The podcast was created with the hope of spreading optimistic messages to local communities and continue positively impacting individuals around the world.

As a University of Hawai‘i Alumni, Drew began majoring in family resources and began working as a staffing manager for three years. In 2012, the family's beloved grandma Rose passed. An entrepreneurial spark was ignited within Drew: Using fashion to facilitate positive impacts within his community. And so his first business idea took off running with Sweet Enemy Clothing, a brand

that continues to honor Rose, one of the biggest influences in the family’s life.

“My family is what motivates me to be able to leave a legacy in the community. My sister has helped me from day one. Seeing her strive and work hard makes me work even harder,” Drew says.

Courtney helped Drew create the logo, his mother assisted in opening up his first business account, and his friend Jason came up with the slogan, “Love is Pain.” They sold out within days after posting his first shirt at Sandy’s Beach on Instagram and ever since, Sweet Enemy has grown into a community-based brand that specializes in streetwear and vintage clothing.

The transformed slogan, “Never Forget the Reason,” reminds us of the reasons why we do things in our lives and that most times, it is for our lost loved ones. “If people keep reminding themselves who they are trying to make proud everyday they can reach heights that only one can dream of,” says Drew. The success of the brand has transformed into a symbol of giving back to one’s community. Between hosting benefit concerts, creating custom designed clothing for organizations, participating in giveback projects, and donating proceeds to nonprofits, Sweet Enemy Clothing continues to achieve their mission each and every day.

“Find something you are passionate about and make that your livelihood. Life is too short so if you have a goal or dream go out and achieve it. Nothing happens overnight but if you keep working and stay consistent you will achieve anything,” Drew recommends to readers.

Courtney says, “Life is full of trials and tribulations, but focus on the things you can control. Be present, focused, and always remember to take a chance if you have the choice!”

The family’s bond continues to be their most influential support system, no matter the distance between them or the projects at hand.

“My younger brother Drew is someone who inspires me every day. He inspires me to be a dreamer, and not to forget to keep dreaming big,” Courtney says. When asked about being born into a family of entrepreneurs, Drew said “The biggest thing we can do for each other is be each other’s biggest fans.” To this day, the entire family continues to do just that, as they continue to pursue their dreams, take chances, and create positive legacies with every path they set out on.

CONGRATULATIONS

NICOLE LEMAS RODRÍGUEZ! We are so excited to watch one of our Revolusunary women continue to shine as a “Woman in Real Estate”!

Keep shining, Nicole!

NICOLE R. LEMAS RA, MRP, ARM® Five Star Realty, Inc. | RS-77513 808.585.1255

Be sure to check out Sweet Enemy Clothing located on 2009 South King Street, Honolulu HI 96826 and Courtney’s Podcast Disruptt on Anchor and Spotify.

808.748.8888 | revolusun.com

C O NN ECTIO N S

NETWORK.

EDUCATE.

Business Awards Gala F O R

Pacific Edge Magazine’s first event of the new year was a night to remember, full of networking, success, and fun! Celebrating Pacific Edge Magazine’s 2021 Business Achievement Awards winners and finalists in attendance.

58 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

Scan here to view gala video!

CELEBRATE.

NETWORK.

EDUCATE.

CELEBRATE.

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 59

C O NN ECTIO N S

NETWORK.

EDUCATE.

March of Dimes

On March 27th at the ‘Alohilani, Pacific Edge attended the March of Dimes Event, A Brunch to Honor Moms. It was an afternoon of wonderful guest speakers in our community, including Dr. Angela Pratt, incredible food, and complete with a fashion show by Manaola.

60 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

CELEBRATE.

NETWORK.

EDUCATE.

CELEBRATE.

PACIFICEDGEMAGAZINE.COM 61

// E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P

One Woman, One Dream Hawai‘i’s Best Kept Beauty Secret

BY EMMA WILLIAMS

Alice Kim, an inspiring woman in business leader, founded Hanalei Cosmetics in 2016 based on her love for the Hawaiian Islands.

A

s a Korean-American daughter of first-generation immigrants born within a family of entrepreneurs, Alice dedicated her life to follow in their footsteps and start her own business. From an early age, she became passionate about the fashion industry, graduating from Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in Jewelry Design and obtaining a Masters in Fashion Merchandising at Parsons.

Years later in New York City, Alice fell in love with her soon to be husband Vira. Together, they dreamed of moving beyond the corporate sphere and starting their own business. Their first cosmetics brand, Elizabeth Mott, was created in 2010. Shortly after, the pair relocated from the bustle of New York to Vira’s home amongst the paradise of the Hawaiian Islands.

It is here that Hanalei Cosmetics was born, inspired by the small town of Hanalei, on the north shore of Kaua‘i. Transforming Alice’s entrepreneurial dreams into a reality, Hanalei became a business that uses the power of Hawaiian botanicals in each and every product.

Some of their favorites: Sugar Cane and Kukui

62 PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

// E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P

Nut Oil. Hanalei has become a symbol that empowers women to be their best selves by creating skincare that loves every skin type. The company’s approach to the beauty industry is positively transformative as the benefits of using natural ingredients from Hawai‘i are emphasized to ensure high-performing and user-friendly products are generated. Hanalei products are always 100% crueltyfree, paraben-free, sulfate-free, silica-free, and talc-free.

As an island-powered cosmetics company, Hanalei has made it their mission to create a beautifully designed line of skincare products that combines authentic and local Hawaiian botanicals. Hanalei’s newest skincare collection is enriched by the proprietary Aloha Nui Complex, a unique blend of three natural botanicals native to Hawai‘i that is proven to restore a glowy, healthy complexion:

Hawaiian Kukui Nut Oil, Hawaiian Spirulina, and Hawaiian Coffee Berry. With an emphasis on true Hawaiian values and a deep connection to nature, the brand has committed to sharing the power of Hawaiian botanicals with people all over the world through simple and restorative skincare. “These ingredients, in combination with Hawai‘i's rich culture, have inspired our skincare, and provide benefits that customers genuinely can’t find anywhere else,” says Alice Kim. Her vision of sharing Hawai‘i’s best kept beauty secrets has allowed for the benefits of Hawaiian Botanicals to be made accessible to people all over the world.

As a proudly owned woman-run business, Hanalei Cosmetics remains an empowering symbol to women to be their best selves through believing in natural beauty and bringing out the best in everyone. The team is

predominantly made up of women, about 90% of staff are women and minorities who are making strides within the beauty industry. “To young, aspiring female leaders, don’t sell yourself short. Have confidence in your abilities and your place in the business world,” says Alice Kim. Not sure which product you want to try out first? The Aloe E Hawaiian Face Cleanser, Kona Peptide Hawaiian Eye Cream, and Makai Marine Hawaiian Face Moisturizer are great recommendations. Alice Kim’s personal favorite product, the Kukui Oil Lip Treatment, is made with a blend of Hawaiian kukui nut oil and shea butter to help moisturize and rejuvenate dry lips.

To check out these Hawaiian purelysourced beauty products, be sure to visit www.haneleicompany.com.

Trust me, your skin will thank you.

Luxury Real Estate Specialists Rachel Bradley RB-22807 808-358-7056

Amanda McCann RS-81135 808-780-4771

www.bradleymccann.com ©2022 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchise of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services symbol are registered service marks of Home Services of America,Inc.®EqualHousingOpportunity. RB-21863

Kailua-Kona

Kahului - Maui

Honolulu

Honolulu

73-5617 Maiau Street 808 329-6500

259 E. Wakea Ave. 808 877-7200

560 N. Nimitz Hwy. 808 524-7769

550 Ward Ave. 808 596-7333

www.HawaiianRugs.com