Purple Inc. / Autumn 2011 by Purple Inc.

Autumn 2011

Troy Carney 2011 Vans Artist of the Triple Crown Sustainability

Keone Kealoha

Soul Fire growth through sisterhood REST RESTORE REVITALIZE

Harvest For The Hale

Heather Brown Surf Art from the North Shore of Oahu

Heatherbrownart.com

Elemental Autumn Dear Readers,

The season between summer and winter is one of mystery and palpable change. There is always something mystical in the air during autumn, something elemental – de:ined in the Oxford dictionary as “The powers of nature. Essential. Primal. Primordial.” Even though the change is subtle in Hawaii, the autumn air carries this skin-‐tingling feeling, nonetheless. We hope to have captured that exciting feeling on the pages of this magazine. The secondary theme was not one we chose -‐ it found us, revealing itself as we conducted interviews and planned layouts, elusively appearing as if asking for inclusion in Purple Inc. That theme is friendship. Maybe some of you can gain something relevant to your lives and relationships from the coverage of friendship in this issue. And if you’re wondering why our magazine is called Purple Inc, allow us to explain. Purple is the of:icial color of Kauai, and since this mag. is based on Kauai, we thought it was the perfect title. Also, we feel this vibrant color is the best choice to represent cool and amazing women – the motivation for this publication. We added the incorporated to the title because our ultimate vision for Purple Inc. is a constructive collaboration of powerful women. It’s working already, as you will see from the contributors to Elemental Autumn. As summer wanes and the ethereal feeling of Autumn greets you, :ind a shady spot under a tree, a comfortable beach, or a cozy chair, and allow Purple Inc. to bring you the element of intrigue.

Aloha, Amanda Baker & Keri Cooper

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The Sandy-Toed Divas

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PURPLE INC. /

AUTUMN 2011

/ ISSUE NUMBER 2 Editor/Photographer/Layout Design Keri Jo Cooper Editor/Writer Amanda Baker

CONTENTS

Contribu8ng Writers Nina Samantha Fox Olson Jolene Jus;s Cudworth Lois Ann Ell Kate Burke?

ON THE COVER

4 An Interview with Keone Kealoha

Useful tips on becoming more sustainable in your day-to-day life

8 Harvest for the Hale

Rest, Restore and Revitalize -Our favorite products this autumn

5 Mcphee’s Bees

Kauai Bee-keeper shares her wisdom gained from the bees and ideas on how to save them

6 Celebrate Autumn

7 Grammy~Time

Grammy attacks the chaos of dinnertimejust in time for the holidays

11 Being Radiant

Our summer cover model shares her secrets

Delicious and easy recipes

14 Precious Elements

12 Tropical Skincare: Daily SPF

20 Creative Collaboration

13 Wellness Wahine - Rise & Energize

29 Soul Fire: Growth Through

17 The Girlfriend Element

Troy Carney, Vans Artist of the 2011 Triple Crown of Surfing

Information and products for everyday protection

a.ell design urban street style photo editorial

A morning routine to get your day started in a healthy way A personal account of the strength of female connection

Sisterhood Passion becomes business, and the powerful friendship behind the scenes

19 A Musical Excursion -The Broom Dusters A music review that briefly whisks you away from the mundane

27 A Fresh Taste at the Hukilau Lanai One of the best-loved restaurants on Kauai serves up local goods

Amalia Gray of Soul Fire 29 Purple Inc. is published quarterly. Copyright 2011, all rights reserved. The opinions expressed by the columnists and contributors to Purple Inc. are not necessarily those of the editors. Contribu;ng writers assume responsibility for their published columns; and for the informa;on therein. No part of this publica;on may be reproduced, not even electronically, or through informa;on storage or retrieval systems, without wri?en consent of Purple Inc. All items submi?ed to Purple Inc. become property of publisher. All correspondence and inquiries should be directed to: purpleinc@live.com

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Sustainablilty w/ Keone Kealoha We were thrilled to interview Keone Kealoha, co-‐founder of Malama Kauai -‐ an organization seeking to malama, or take care of, Kauai and her people. Purple Inc: What is your main goal at Malama Kauai? Keone: Our goal is to create the demand in the market and to raise awareness about eating local. But, there’s also the issue of access, we have to have the product to meet the demand. We want to see locally grown foods being more and more readily available. Purple Inc: There’s a lot of talk about sustainability these days. How would you define sustainability? Keone: Sustainability, for me, is mainly about healthy relationships because healthy relationships are equitable, they’re resilient. Healthy relationships are about communication and interaction. To me, when we talk about sustainability, we’re talking about the sustainability of the human species. The planet is fine, we can go crazy and the planet will survive and evolve. But how are we going to sustain ourselves in relationship to the resources that are provided for us? Purple Inc: How does Malama Kauai implement this definition? Keone: A lot of our programs are about network building, bringing people in the community together to say we want healthy, nutritious, local food for our kids so they’re strong and smart and can be better than us, and it also teaches them respect for the land. The community gardens are about getting people together around an issue they’re passionate about. We grow local food which reduces the carbon footprint, and takes care of the land, so it’s all of these things rolled into one. Once people get together and start building relationships, you can say, we’ve grown this garden, now what else do you want to do? We teach principles and provide sustenance for people. Purple Inc: How do these gardens and networks bring about a more sustainable Hawaii? Keone: Change happens at the community scale. Paradigm shift is more accessible when people have a shared goal to change something about the current system. It’s about networks of people coming together over these issues that are important to us: kids, nutrition, and preservation of land, where is our water going, what are the policies in place that are not in line with that value system? It helps politicians to have an educated constituency who know what they want and are able to ask for it. Purple Inc: Can you give people in Hawaii a couple of day to day tips that we can do to help make our islands more sustainable? Keone: Number one, purchase local foods. If you don’t see local food at your regular market, ASK -‐ where’s my local food? By buying local food you are supporting the local economy, circulating money in Hawaii instead of into a manufacturer -‐ that helps us. It leads to more active

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agriculture in Hawaii which leads to better policies to be written to support farmers. If everyone went into their store and said, I’m not buying food that’s not local, the whole economy would totally change. This is what we’re promoting – let’s increase our local food security and our resiliency. If the boats don’t bring food in, 90% of our food will not be arriving. If we have higher demand for local food, we will see agencies supporting local land use and water use. It’s in all of our best interest, buying local food leads to more security for all of us. Number two, get a solar water heater, if you don’t have one, even if you’re renting ask your landlord. It’s the biggest expense you have in your house. It will cost you less money to put one in. You could pay less in a monthly loan for the solar water heater than you currently spend on your electric bill. And number three, see what’s happening in your community, get connected to other people and volunteer. There are more community gardens happening all the time – we want to see the garden network come to life. The mayor just created a position for sustainability -‐ he has the support because it’s become a conversation in the community. Purple Inc: We also want to remind everyone that Malama Kauai is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and your tax deductible donation will help to bring sustainability for all of us. Mahalo!

www.MalamaKauai.org

MCPHEE’S

E E S

By Amanda Baker Manda Mcphee was having her morning cup of coffee when she heard an extremely loud buzzing outside her window. Upon stepping into her backyard, she was confronted with a‘bee war’. Her lone backyard hive that she keeps -‐ just for fun -‐ was literally under aVack. A nearby swarm had invaded Manda’s hive, raiding it in the search of honey. A full-‐on baVle was underway and Manda was at a loss about how to help her hive. Dead bees liVered the ground around her and all she could think was, how do I save the Queen Bee? She looked down and, incredibly, the Queen crawled along the ground and climbed up her foot as if to say, help me. The Queen was saved, aYer all. Due to increasing threats that bees face, this type of bee strike, called a robbing, is becoming a common phenomenon in the bee world, but the fact that the Queen recognized Manda was unique. When Manda is in her bee-‐yard of forty hives in Moloaa she is truly happy. She explains,“I love the buzzing and the hum. I love the adventure. When I’m with the bees, nothing else maVers.” She also recognizes the importance of ‘saving the bees’. Bees support life through pollina\ng flowers and crea\ng honey. One third of the human food supply is sustained through the work of bees. Yet, they face numerous threats, such as: pes\cides, concrete covering plants and flowers, and even cell phone waves – which clog their atmosphere and confuse them.

The strong feminine vibe of a hive is something Manda refers to repeatedly. She says, “ There is a special bond between women and bees.” The social structure of bees revolves around the Queen Bee. Females func\on as a community to guard and serve the Queen, and everybody does her part for the whole. Males are called drones, and their main purpose is to impregnate the Queen. Bees (especially the females) intrinsically understand that working on the same team within the hive, is the most eﬀecIve way to live.

How Humans Can Help: Call a bee-keeper instead of an exterminator when you find a swarm. Refrain from using pesticides. Plant flowering plants such as: avocado, mango, lychee, chili peppers, and coco palms.

Honey is one of the only foods that provides everything essen\al to the human body, and is excellent for the immune system and allergy preven\on. Bee-‐pollen is a super-‐food that is packed with amino acids and vitamins. So, check out Mcphee’s Bees and try some local honey produced by an awesome chick and her bees.

Buy local honey from beekeepers, like Manda, who support the bees in your area.

See a video from Manda’s Bee-yard at www.KauaiPurpleInc.com

Manda shares some wisdom that she has gained first hand, through spending \me with the bees. “Humans can learn something from the bees’ truly divine connec\on with nature. The way they dance around and co-‐mingle with the flowers is very nurturing and beneficial for both the plants and the beehive. It's all about giving back to the land so that it is nurtured as well. There is a rhythm and reason for everything that the bees do. They are extremely intelligent insects that are yet to be completely understood, which fuels my admira\on for the beau\ful liVle creatures every day.”

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McPheesBees@gmail.com

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Celebrate Autumn

By Keri Cooper

So Simple 2- Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake

Sweet & Spice Apple Cider 3 Cinnamon Sticks Peels from 1 Orange 6 Apple Spice Tea Bags 1 Tablespoon Crushed Ginger Root 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar 1 Can Frozen Apple Juice

1 Box of Spice Cake Mix 1 15oz Can of Pumpkin Puree Preheat oven to 350째. In a large bowl combine cake mix with pumpkin using a hand mixer. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Grease the bottom and sides of 2 mini loaf pans. Pour batter into loaf pans. Bake for 36 minutes or until tooth pick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

In a large pot boil 1 gallon of water. Add cinnamon sticks, 4 big strips of orange peel, apple spice tea bags, ginger root, brown sugar. Boil on high for one hour. Reduce heat to a simmer and add can of apple juice. Continue to simmer for 2 hours. Bring heat to low and ladle into mugs. Serve hot with a drizzle of honey or caramel. Stores up to one week refrigerated in an airtight container. This is also a refreshing beverage over ice.

I used cream cheese frosting with a big drizzle of honey whipped in, then topped it with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Make this an adult version by adding a splash of spiced rum and caramel liqueur.

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Grammy-Time creating a dinnertime routine By Jolene Justis Cudworth

Once a Week:

During Dinner:

Ask everyone in the family to tell you one meal they would like to eat each week. This eases up one person having to come up with every meal. It also makes shopping easier.

Turn off TV, phones, games, all the tech stuff. This is your chance to connect with each other. Encourage curiosity and ask questions during dinner. Questions that require more than a one-word response create conversation. Try these: What good questions did you ask at school today? What was the best part of your day, the worst, the funniest?

Before Dinner:

Write down all of the chores that need to be done to get dinner ready. Things like: Wash Veggies Set the Table Serve the Drinks

After Dinner:

Everyone cleans up, down to putting away the last spoon. Now the family can relax together for the evening.

Create enough chores for each person in the family. Put the written chores onto something permanent - yogurt lids and a sharpie work well. Each evening everyone will draw a lid for their chore.

I know a lot of this is easier done by yourself, but encourage the family help anyway. Dinner is a great time to bond. Families who sit at the table every night will be closer and raise polite children. Just try.

GRAMMYISMS: Let your children gauge their hunger. They know when they are hungry and full. Don't over-talk food. The bigger deal you make of it the more they fight you. Never use food as a reward. Food is like breathing, you do it to stay alive.

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High quality, durable fit & function, easy to use… the ultimate in cooling UV protection ~ Made on Kauai with care, to last.

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By Adove Roden and Keri Cooper

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FloraLee- islandgirlliana@gmail.com silk hair accessories $15-$25 a.ell atelier-4-1320 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, islandhempclothing.com Makana Soy Wax Candle $28 a.ell Lavender Eye Pillow $12 Filthy Farm Girl Soap made on Big Island $8 Carved Animal Napkin Rings, Fair Trade from Kenya, set of 6 $29 a.ell Hemp Napkins, set of 4 $24 Chopsticks, Fair Trade from Kenya $7.50 Metal Cuff Bracelet, Fair Trade from Haiti $29 Heather Brown Giclee pricing varies Jungle Girl- 5424 Rd, Old Koloa Town Zion Rootswear T's $23-$36 Indah and JG booty shorts $10-$51 Tiki Candles $10 Willow Carved Earrings $18 Kamasutra Oil of Love $24 Anne Taintor Elixir Glasses $25/set of 4 Shell Spiral Ear Plugs $30 Butterfly Wing Earrings $12-$24 Foot Pumice Stone $5 Pele Auric Blend $8 Butterfly Ring $9 Shell Spoon $20 Natural Selection Shea Stick, Soy Candle and Chocolate Decadence Scent Spray $14-$21 Beaded Tray $10 Shell Tray $20 Abalone Shell Bowl $30

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t t e k r u Kate B

We were so impressed with our summer cover girl, Kate Burkett that we caught up with her again and asked her to share her secrets to being radiant with our Purple Inc. readers. by Kate Burkett

3. Drink Lots Of Water

1. Be Beautiful From The Inside Out

The cells of your body are made of mostly water and are constantly regenerating. Over a period of three months the cells that make up your skin are completely renewed. So it's important to give your body the water it needs if you want to look heathy and hydrated.

If you want to radiate beauty on the outside you need to feel it from the inside. Next time you catch a glimpse of yourself in a shop window or the mirror pay yourself a complement. Give your confidence a boost from your biggest critic. Yourself! When you feel beautiful inside it will shine on the outside. People will notice and soon you won't be the only one giving yourself complements.

If you want glowing skin that people will notice drink more water. Other beverages do not hydrate you like lemon water or filtered water. Try to drink a big glass of water at each of these times: -the second you wake up -thirty minutes before each meal -before bed -any other time you can fit it into your day

2. Smile and Laugh :) Laughter acts as an emotional balancing mechanism. In 2005 researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center found that laughter increased circulation throughout the body. So not only does it feel good to laugh, it also increases blood flow which is key for a beautiful complexion and the overall function of your body. Â

Remember when you feel thirsty your body is already dehydrated. Avoid dehydration and become more beautiful.

Smiling as you go through the day makes you and the people around you feel better. The better you feel on the inside, the more radiantly beautiful you appear on the outside. Remember true beauty comes from within.

Try this tasty water cocktail In a tall glass place 2) lemon wedges 2) lime wedges 3) mint leaves 1) drop of raw honey add water and ice to liking

Receive a healing massage at Kapaa's leading integrative clinic, Makai Ola. Call to book your deep tissue lomi-lomi massage $65

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P R O D U C T S

T I P S

tropical skincare

B Y NINA

Living in Hawaii has many advantages…being victim to our sub-tropical solar rays is not one of them. Agreed, the feeling of the warm sun on our skin while basking on the beach is a treat that leaves us with the radiant glow of a Hawaiian sea goddess - but what about our daily tasks: leaving the house to go to work, running errands, a 20 minute trip to the weekly farmers market?

YO U R DA I LY S P F If you have a tube of sunscreen in your beach bag that, well, comes out only when you go to the beach, you’re setting yourself up for early wrinkles and unwanted visits to your dermatologist. A daily application of sunscreen, at the very least to your face and décolleté is a must to protect yourself from those harmful tropical rays. If it were only that easy! A look into my bathroom cabinet and beach bag will reveal not just one, but several different types of sunscreen, each one with its own purpose - I mean, you have more than one color of lip gloss, right? The one common factor: they are all mineral sunscreens, which contain either zinc oxide, titanium oxide, or both. What makes mineral sunscreens different than chemical sunscreens is that the sun ‘block’ stays on the surface of your skin, rather than being absorbed into your skin. Mineral sunscreens are broad spectrum, meaning they block UV and UVB, both types of the suns’ harmful rays. I don’t care how fancy or expensive a sunscreen is, if it contains a chemical sunscreen ingredient, like oxybenzone (which is a suspected hormone disruptor), I will not wear it.

To begin, your daily SPF should be sitting on your pedestal sink right next to your facial cleanser and toothpaste. This is the sunscreen you apply in the morning, every day - don‘t let rainy days fool you, the sun‘s dangerous rays can penetrate even the thickest clouds. Ideally you want to cover your upper half, from your face to your finger tips. Two smooth and lightweight formulas which moisturize and protect are: Epicuren Zinc SPF 20 (Spa by the Sea, Waipouli; 3.2 oz, $34) and MyChelle Sun Shield SPF 28 (Papayas; 2.3oz, $24). If you are seeking a sunscreen with antiaging benefits, my favorite is Perricone MD ‘No Foundation Foundation’ SPF 30 (Sephora.com; 1oz, $50). Formulated with DMAE and Alpha Lipoic Acid, which smooth fine lines and wrinkles, this is an ‘all in one’ with a slight tint that covers blemishes and protects, leaving your skin dewy and moisturized. Give your face and neck an added bonus by priming with Ole Henriksen ‘Vitamin C Collagen Booster’ (Sephora.com; 1oz, $48). In addition to boosting the protection of your sunscreen, Vitamin C has anti-aging benefits and antioxidant properties which will help keep your skin look youthful, and protect from environmental aggressors.

The challenge to finding the perfect collection of mineral sunscreens is the notorious white residue that is left behind from the zinc and titanium dioxide. The products listed here, are the best that I have found, offering virtually invisible, reliable protection.

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Your beach and workout sunscreen should offer more water resistance, but does not necessarily have to be a higher SPF. An SPF 15 blocks about 94% of the sun’s harmful rays, compared to 97% with an SPF 30. My favorite in this category, and an absolute ‘best buy’ for the quality, is Episencial ‘Sunny Sunscreen’ SPF 35 (Spa by the Sea; Waipouli; 4oz, $16). Formulated with shea butter and beeswax to be water resistant, it will stay put while you splash in the waves. This is actually a children’s sunscreen, perfect for the little ones, because I know you would never put a chemical sunscreen on your keiki!

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By far the best SPF is absolute coverage; find a sun hat, visor or baseball cap that works for you, make it a part of your everyday style, and keep an extra in the car. A pareo, used like a scarf, works wonders for covering your chest, shoulders, and back during the peak hours of the day. There are so many products out there, for every skin type and budget, so next time you have the urge to go shopping, make it for your fave mineral sunscreen and keep your skin vibrant and youthful for years to come. xo Nina

the

WELLNESS wahine

S A M A N T H A F OX O L S O N, YO G A I N S T RU C TO R & F I T N E S S G U RU See Samantha Demonstate This Rise & Energize Sequence At KauaiPurpleInc.com

Rise & Energize Incorporating change is not always effortless. Today I want to challenge you to try this morning routine for one full week! I guarantee that it will benefit your well-being. Getting The Lymph System Moving Stand with your feet hip distance apart, with your legs strong and steady (please keep the back of your knees soft). For 5 deep breaths, keeping your arm at your side, playfully shake your right hand and arm all the way up to your shoulder. After the fifth breath release your arm to your side. Close your eyes and feel the newfound vitality circulating in your right side compared to the left. Open your eyes and do the same thing on your left arm, right leg, then left leg. Our heart is the machine that pumps our blood, but our lymph system does not have a motor. I like to think of this exercise as the morning tonic for my immune system, and I love the energizing effects that are palpable after just a few rounds of breath. Also, as you breathe deeply through this exercise you can sweetly remind yourself that no matter what happens on the outside today, you will stay grounded on the inside with your deep breaths. Bringing Healthy Circulation Into Our Spine - The Middle Of Our Being Stand with your feet about outer hip distance apart. Keeping your feet parallel and your leg muscles firmly hugging the bones place your hands to your heart. As you inhale open your left arm out to the side and back behind you, gently twisting the upper back and opening the heart as the shoulder blade integrates onto your back. Keeping your right elbow as high as your shoulder, bring the left arm back to your heart. Exhale and extend your right arm out and back, allowing your gaze to follow your energized fingers. Repeat for a total of 7 rounds.

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Lateral Flexion Of The Spine Keeping the feet where they are, inhale and reach both arms overhead and delight in opening the body freely. Exhale and release the arms to your sides. Inhale and take the right arm up and over to the left side, keeping your low belly lifted. Exhale and come back to center. Repeat with the left side and continue for a total of 5-7 rounds. For this exercise root down through your legs as much as you are reaching up through your spine and arms to create a lively balanced action in your body. Create Space In The Low Back And Pelvis Bend your knees deeply and place your hands on top of your knees with your arms straight. Keeping your knees bent, move your inner thighs back and apart so that the pointy bones of your bottom lift and broaden. As you do this you will feel your low back draw in, and from there lengthen your spine and heart up as your draw the top of your arm bones back. This will create healthy space in your low back, hips and chest. To energize your feet, lift and spread your toes. Stimulating Arm Swing With A Calming Fold Inhale and reach both arms to the sky. Exhale and release the arms to your sides with a powerful finesse. Keep them there for a few more breaths. If you feel up to it, from here you can release with your exhale to glide into a half forward bend for a couple breaths, and then into a full forward bend. Make sure you transition in and out of each forward fold with a long low back and strong legs. Finish this exercise with your arms up and take a full breath here.

Use this extra energy to make your day a blessed one! KauaiPurpleInc.com

Precious Elements By Amanda Baker

Po‘i Nā Nalu, Where the Waves Break

24x30 oil 12K gold on 23 k gold on wood bas-relief

Image for the Vans 2011 Triple Crown of Surfing

When Troy Carney received the phone call from Van’s offering him the coveted title of official surf-artist for the Triple Crown, he “couldn’t really comprehend it.” Any artist would be thrilled to own this title. Troy was not expecting this life-changing phone call - he’s a humble, off-the-beaten path artist, and he wasn’t searching for the spotlight. Nevertheless, the spotlight is shining on him now. Read Online

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A Van’s rep. was in Poipu browsing through an art gallery when he spotted Troy’s work, and was instantly moved by its unique style. Creating a totally new art–form involving painting with genuine gold is pure genius. “Working with gold leaf and base relief has been around for thousands of years. But, I have developed the process of building up layers that I hand-cut, and then cover with gold, which is then painted and glazed. I use a special Japanese carving knife, the Hangi-To, to create the 3D surfaces,” Troy says. The afternoon light shines through the windows of Troy’s studio, and dances across the golden wave that will be featured by the Triple Crown. The curling, metallic wave is captivating. “I use texture and gold to create my highlights on a painting that can change in mood and depth as the lighting in the day shifts. I love to paint waves with the gold as water. Gold and water are two precious elements that are both conductors to energy, and that can move and reflect light. I anticipate the way the light will reflect on my art by imagining the way the light plays on the actual ocean.” Troy explains what inspired him to work with gold, “My girlfriend is a jewelry-maker. Her golden jewelry gave me the idea to create jewels for the wall.” His golden art scintillates sensationally like exquisite jewelry. Troy’s paintings change so drastically, depending on the quality of the light as the day progresses, they almost look like completely new works of art. His paintings are dynamic light-catchers. The fact that Troy has been surfing his whole life also helps him capture the many moods of the ocean. Growing up in the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand allowed him to spend a lot of time in Australia and Bali, where he learned to surf at a very early age. He divided his time between Kauai, Maui, Australia, and New Zealand from 1979 until 1992, when he settled on Kauai. Painting through three decades, whether or not it was profitable, demonstrates Troy’s commitment to art. Journeying to Bali was a formative experience in Troy’s early life. But in 2005, he felt Bali was changing. Wanting to go somewhere that was “more like what Bali used to be,” he embarked on a quest to Vietnam in search of a culture that was preserved and relatively untouched. He was not disappointed, and the exotic Vietnamese people have inspired him to create beautiful portraiture. When scouting out subjects for these portraits he chooses people that have “something behind them.” The depth of character that the Vietnamese hill people possess is revealed on the canvases that portray them. Giving back to the people of Vietnam is important to this multi-faceted artist; he uses proceeds from the Vietnamese portraits to help specific families in the Vietnamese hills.

Above: Troy in his studio showing the wooden stamps he carves Bottom left: Sharpening the Hangi-To knife Troy uses to create his hand-cut layers of gold leaf Left: Troyʼs golden works of art displayed in his studio

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The Triple Crown artist is motivated to paint by “The reaction I get from people when they see what I’ve created. Part of what I’ve been doing with my art has been for my mother, who is a classically trained artist. The backbone of my artwork is having a positive mind. My interest in Buddhist philosophy inspires me to wake up every morning and appreciate everything I’ve got.” Troy lives in a simple, jungle home and exists in a state of gratitude and positive outlook. Troy’s philosophy includes the idea that our ancient ancestors believed in mythological protectors of nature. “With the troubles we face today with worldwide pollution and dying seas, we need to reconsider this frame of mind and save our planet by being conscious guardians. As surfers we all love the ocean and we need to remember to honor it. My artwork is like a shrine to the ocean. In India, they put gold over the Buddha. I put gold over the ocean. The meaning is to honor the water that is on this planet.” Crediting Dr. Emoto (author of The Hidden Messages in Water), Troy maintains that people’s positive energy directed toward the ocean has a genuine impact. His explosive success this year is clearly a result of something more than brilliant talent.

www.TroyCarney.com

Left: Portrait of a girl from one of his trips to Vietnam Right: Troy at home

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The Girlfriend Element By Amanda Baker

It’s not always easy to have girlfriends. In fact, sometimes we have to let go of friends. Sometimes friendships reach the end of their course and fall away, like autumn leaves that die, separating from the tree, fluttering to the ground, and becoming dust that blends back into the earth. One day I had a best friend, and the next day I didn’t. Our twenty year history of adventures, meaningful letters, and conversations about everything, one day just stopped – like a hiking trail leading up a scenic mountain that you totally anticipated would eventually reach a viewpoint of breathtaking proportions, but instead just abruptly ended at an ugly, overgrown bush full of prickles that attached to your pant-legs and scratched the hell out of you. After no fight, no betrayal, not even a difference of opinion, I received a phone call saying she ‘needed some space’, leading me to believe that in a few weeks or months our friendship would resume on some level. Nope. She never offered a meeting between us for explanation or closure; there was only ignored phone calls and emails – a divide as strong and cold as the Great Wall of China. In Ayurvedic medicine, they say that all disease is the result of improper or inadequate digestion. This experience was like eating an emotional bucket of rocks that my system had no clue how to begin digesting. I later discovered that this friend wished to distance herself from aspects of her past, especially close friends, in order to reinvent Read Online

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herself. In time, I realized that everyone is on a unique path deserving of respect. A beneficial nugget that ultimately resulted from this horrible loss was the realization that when it’s necessary to do so, letting go leads to immense personal transformation, increasing one’s power greatly. There is power in daring to shed an old skin. What is revealed when this old, surface layer sloughs off is a fresh, radiant skin that attracts brilliant new experiences. When we loosen our grip on the old and unhealthy, despite of discomfort, we make room for the unknown, which can be extremely exciting. An added bonus is that this type of personal transformation improves the taste of true, old friendships like fine wine perfectly aged. I wouldn’t have emerged from this difficult period nearly as successfully without my other girlfriends. These girls surprised me. Stepping up in the spirit of loyalty and camaraderie, they were there for me, and new depths of connection were forged. I realized that I had been putting way too much pressure on the ‘best friendship’ that was now gone. When I finally let go of struggling to revive it, I found time to nurture seeds that otherwise might never have been given water and light, and that have now bloomed into some of my most fulfilling relationships. From the time we’re little girls, there is so much emphasis on having a ‘best friend’. Whose hand will you hold on the playground at lunchtime? Whose name will be paired with yours with the all-important letters BFF underneath? Losing my ‘best friend’ produced an ‘aha’ moment for me – maybe having one best friend is not the way of life that supports the most happiness. That bucket of rocks dissolved from my system as amazing women appeared all around me. Many of them were women that had been in my life all along, but that I hadn’t taken the

time to get to know. There were funny, smart, fun girls surrounding me, all I had to do was look. The question is: how do we know what connections to hold onto, and which to let go of ? Just because a friendship presents hurdles, does not necessarily mean it’s time to let it fall away. Sometimes it is possible to lose that dead skin layer and keep our old friends. Like the moon, friendship moves in cycles. If we’re not present during that dark, new moon, we don’t get the light of the full moon, either. Even though it may seem scary or hard to communicate with a friend during rough times or as we experience big life changes – it is worth it to embrace courage, step up, and do it anyway. Pushing through the talks that feel uncomfortable, but that are clearly the right thing to do, result in big pay-offs, such as: spontaneous bursts of laughter after tension is released, the gain of valuable pieces of information unearthed in such interactions, and the formation of true friendships that we can rely on always. The list of benefits that friendship offers is extensive and the longer we keep friends, the stronger these benefits become. I recently read a number of articles by health professionals about the expanding body of evidence that concludes: in order for maximum health to be attained, we must have girlfriends. So, if we want to be at peak health friends are crucial. And have you ever noticed how experiences that have been shared over the long run often result in moments of utter hilarity? There’s not much that’s better than a good laugh. And let’s not forget the value of trust built over time – trust between friends is like a bank account; if you make regular deposits, you will accrue interest, and your account will become extremely valuable over the years. Moving through the uphill portions of friendship with bravery and grace allows us to enjoy that fun, downhill section of the ride together, laughing, and as better individuals than we were before. Life has shown me that when we do have friendships that last over the years, one or both people will probably change over time. Friendships ebb and flow like the rhythm of the ocean: at times we may be closer and hang out regularly, and at others, not as often. A friendship does not have to end over this; lasting girlfriends realize that this rhythm is as natural as the tide. Connection can remain strong during all phases of a friendship, even when we don’t see one another often. If open communication is maintained, closeness can remain intact regardless of how often we see our friends. I love those friends that even if you don’t see them for a while, as soon as you hang out, it’s like no time has passed - you just know each other. Sometimes as we morph into expanded versions of ourselves we become very different from one another. If we face up to these growth spurts with integrity, these friendships can remain valuable. It is fun to have friends that are different than I am - having all my friends be exactly like me would be just like eating plain oatmeal every morning for the rest of my life. But with a variety of friends, each day can offer a little bit of excitement. If you don’t have any old friendships, remember: all long-term friendships start somewhere. You never know what hidden jewel may be hiding in a new relationship, or which one will be the one that lasts. Friendships can be difficult. But more often they are some of the very best parts of life. So, take time for your friends, new and old. Make your girlfriends a high priority in your life – and gather the rewards like treasure.

Is there is someone at work, church, yoga or the farmer’s market that you seem to run into repeatedly, and that you connect with in some way? Be brave! Ask her to do something fun with you.

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If you’re inviting someone new to play, it may be easiest to ask her to meet you at a trailhead to go for a hike, or at a beach to go for a walk. That way, if you don’t really connect, each person is free to leave at any time – taking the pressure off.

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When you ask someone to hang out with you, you may be amazed at the good response you get. Lots of girls want to make new friends, but they don’t know how, and they will really appreciate you daring to ask.

Remember, we don’t have to be exactly like our friends - people that are different than we are offer unique insights, as well as opportunities for diverse experiences that make life rich.

A Musical Excursion By Amanda Baker It can be a challenge to find something new to do in the evening on Kauai – watching live music and eating at Café Coco on the Southern end of Kapaa town offers a break from the ordinary. Every Friday from six to eight Steven Meredith and Joe Hagewood come together as the Broom Duster’s, a musical duo taking the audience on an excursion along the Appalachian Trail. Their music - including Texas, Chicago and Delta blues, and Appalachian Bluegrass - provides the perfect background for dining. The smooth, liquid sound doesn’t overpower conversation, it simply adds to the pleasure of dining outdoors as the day gives way to an idyllic Hawaiian evening. Steven, who grew up in Kwazulu, South Africa, has been studying the history of the blues since he was fifteen years old and became “unhealthfully obsessed with blues.” For the Broom Duster’s he plays the harmonica, a kick-drum, foot cymbals, and an old-fashioned washboard that he has converted into a unique instrument by “attaching little bells and whistles.” He coaxes a fun sound from the washboard by strumming its riveted surface with the sewing thimbles he places on his fingers. At times, he puts on a headset to hold his harmonica and plays all of these instruments at once, a fascinating feat to watch. Joe “grew up playing music” in Nashville, Tennessee. A member of one band or another since he was in the fifth grade, his musical expertise is obvious as he plays the guitar effortlessly and wonderfully. As Steven pours his heart and soul into the harmonica melodies and Joe plays slow licks on his electric guitar, the roosters are going off in the background. Steven says “We like it raw and rootsy. This is a walk through the history of the blues.” An organic feeling is certainly in the air as the Broom Duster’s whisk you away to the Appalachians for a trek along a mountain trail, all by the magic of music.

Top left: Steven plays harmonica and kickdrum as Joe sings and plays guitar. Left: Steven and his washboard Below: The multi-talented duo, Steven and Joe, form the rootsy and raw Broom Dusters.

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Creative Collaboration a.ell design urban street style By Lois Ann Ell Photography: Keri Jo Cooper Styling & Clothing: Angelique Ell, a. ell design Hair: Ash Mello, Relish Salon, Hanalei Make-up: Clairin SunSook, Vintage Beaute Makeup Models: Sheala Murphy, Kara Dastrup, Kristin Hesse, Lois Ann Ell

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Creative Collaboration By Lois Ann Ell It was a Wednesday afternoon in July, Kapa’a town bathed in lazy summer heat. Only if you happened to step into A Ell Atelier, would you have experienced a glimpse into the storm of creative chaos happening that day, a momentary, magical few hours of people doing what they love and loving what they do. It was the photo shoot for Purple Inc. The theme was a Harajuku girl in Kapa’a; colorful, playful, rebellious, girly and tough, paying tribute to freedom of expression.

Soon after clothing designer Angelique Ell had dreamed up the idea of the shoot, she discovered during a causal chat at Relish salon in Hanalei one day that hairstylist Ash Mello had dreamed up the same idea. Providence prevailed from that point, which resulted weeks later in the few charmed hours at the Atelier—which translates to ‘workspace of an artist or designer’— all involved went big on creativity, the natural joy and talent that each artist derived from their craft was not just evident, it was palpable. Makeup artist Clairin SunSook painted and powdered faces, using her plethora of brushes and tools, rushing to touch up a lip here, eyes there, reapplying between shoots. Hairstylist Ash Mello flattened, crimped and curled, and added pink extensions, beads and braids to the model’s tresses. Clothing designer Angelique whisked around the room in a shapely and soft bamboo dress of her own design, dressing models in her silky, sexy, comfy eco threads, and then adorning each in jewelry, boots, heels, socks and tights from her own massive collection.

In a rare quiet moment save for heels clicking across the tile floor, Ash commented on all of the artists in the room and their chosen careers, explaining, “It’s all just an excuse to play dress up.” She’s right; the sheer joy of creating and collaborating in the atelier that day was the same as my three year old twin daughters immersed in their room, swapping hats, tripping over oversized princess dresses, absorbed in delight, the same as Amanda’s daughter in her puffy pink skirt at the shoot that day, mesmerized, wandering around the shop clutching a loose fuchsia hair extension she had found, the same as the Harajuku girls in Tokyo donning in their playful, feisty costumes, the city their stage. Our stage for the photo session proved to be close by; steps outside the Atelier, in fact. Although Keri Jo had planned to shoot at various places around Kapa’a, she found the back rooms and alley behind the shop to be dense with possibility: French doors with peeling paint and cracked window panes, old ladders and buckets; an antique washing machine, perfect props for the rebel dolls in the gritty city. At dusk, as the afternoon was fading into darkness, the cloud-dotted sky turned an outrageous pink hue, as if on cue the elements of nature had joined in. Rather, we joined with the elements. “We’re going outside,” Keri Jo announced. We followed. The back streets behind the shop transformed into something akin to New York, Tokyo or London. Keri Jo clicked and clicked until there was no light left, and then clicked some more. It was an experience no one wanted to end. See Angelique’s designs and clothing line at www.aelldesign.com

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A Fresh Taste At The Hukilau Lanai

Left: Owners Ron and Krissi Miller Lower Left: Chef Adam clips fresh herbs from the Hukilau garden for dinner service.

By Amanda Baker Eating the chocolate pie at the Hukilau Lanai is an experience as satisfying as a perfect beach day, only instead of being warmed from the outside by sun rays; I am warmed from the inside as the gooey chocolate fills my tummy. What’s really cool about this pie is it’s made from 100% Hawaiian Cacao chocolate that is grown and processed by the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory in Kona. As my fork breaks through the crusty exterior, liquid chocolate gushes forth like lava from a volcano. If you like chocolate, eating this pie is unforgettable. Purchasing locally grown foods has been part of the concept of the Hukilau since its inception nine years ago. Head chef and co-owner Ron Miller explains, “The bottom line is: food tastes better fresh. Local freshness is simply key to taste. If something leaves our kitchen it will be high quality. We like to use gourmet raw ingredients, such as purple carrots. The first place we look is always locally. Second, we look to the outer islands, and lastly, on the mainland. Our goal is to have the great majority of our food be Kauai fresh.” As I sit and talk with the owners, Ron Miller and his wife Krissi, I see how dedicated they are to this philosophy; there is an herb garden situated within view of the restaurant. Many of the herbs used in their gourmet kitchen come from this garden. If cheese is your thing, try the sweet potato ravioli which includes feta cheese from The Wooton family farm located in Kilauea, Kauai, or the amazing lobster and goat cheese wontons featuring cheese from this same farm. Maybe you are a mushroom person and would appreciate the awesome shitake meatloaf or the pork tenderloin with mushroom marsala cream - both dishes are created with mushrooms from Hamakua Heritage Farms located in Hamakua, Hawaii. "We now have whole pig from Kaneshiro Farms, which we butcher and serve in a variety of ways," says Krissi. Ron and Krissi visit Kauai Farmer’s Markets weekly to collect vegetables for their vegetable lasagna. Also, be sure to order coffee after your meal; the French press coffee from Kauai Coffee in Hanapepe is perfect. As well as using Hawaiian products whenever possible, Ron and Krissi also enjoy great relationships with the local fishermen they have been working with since the restaurant’s beginning. “We serve only fresh, local fish. Kauai’s Fishermen and women contribute to the ‘Fresh from the Net’ section of our menu, which changes according to the catch,” says Ron. “Our friendships with the farmers and the fisherman have grown over the years.” It is obvious why this would be the case; the Millers emanate affability and graciousness. I’m sure this is a big reason why their three sous chefs and banquet manager have been with them since they first opened. “We’re fortunate to have a lot of talented people in our kitchen, who take pride in doing things the right way. Our

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chef’s care; we rely on them to care. We also encourage them to be creative, to create new recipes, and play. If you enjoy what you’re doing, it comes through in the food,” says Ron. He then goes on to tell the story of sous Chef Adam Phelps’ now famous ahi poke nachos: Adam created this recipe himself and it has become a favorite that people return for, over and over again. I can see why as I delight in ahi poke over crunchy, wonton chips, seasoned perfectly. Ron attended the Penn State restaurant management school and has been working in restaurants since he was fifteen years old, but he credits his expertise in the kitchen to the six hundred cookbooks he has read, and to his various hands-on experiences during his many travels with Krissi. When I urge them to offer an example of such an experience, they both smile nostalgically, and recount their story of going to Italy, and learning to make pasta by hand - rolling the dough out with a wooden rolling pin – from an Italian family who has been making pasta for generations. Krissi explains why their food is so outstanding, “Ron is back in the kitchen almost every single night. The details are so important, and Ron is always there to monitor.” Ron adds, “A big part of the quality here is because everything is made to order, and everything is made from scratch. We make

Adam’s Poke Nachos ahi poke, Kauai tomato, avocado, tobiko, inamona, wasabi cream, crisp wonton chips

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BBQ Ribs

Opah

smoked pork back ribs, Hawaiian vanilla bean hoisin bbq, ling hing mui pickled watermelon, microgreens

macadamia nut crusted sautéed Hawaiian moonfish, pineapple ginger coconut sauce, jasmine rice, pineapple relish

our own beef stock with bones from Sanchez. We make our bread from scratch.â&#x20AC;? The combination of loyal employees, talent in the kitchen, and attention to detail, truly sets the Hukilau experience apart. The Millers are also committed to keeping their restaurant as sustainable and eco-conscious as possible. They even donate leftovers to the Kauai Salvation Army, and their spent vegetable oil is recycled locally into bio-fuel. Excess vegetable scraps and coffee grounds are composted to feed the onsite herb garden. Each table is romantically lit by rechargeable tea light candles, serving to reduce the use of electricity. Assigning a manager to the task of researching and implementing new â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;greenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ideas ensures that the restaurant progresses continually.

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If a wedding or event is in your future, the Hukilau might be the perfect place for your big day. The banquet coordinator will help ensure all your details are in place, and that your food is second to none. You can hold your ceremony by the water, and then have a reception in the banquet room that accommodates up to one hundred people. As I finish my amazing dinner, I gaze out at the view from the partially open-air dining room: Tiki torches blaze against the lavender, sunset-sky and the silver ocean glitters - it is the perfect Hawaiian scene. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a new spot for your next date night, look no further. Here you will find live music nightly, and an ambience sure to spark romance. You will love the good vibe along with the smell of freshly baked bread wafting on the air at the Hukilau Lanai.

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Soul Fire growth through sisterhood

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By Amanda Baker

Skylar Mallas-Darby and Kaia-Shine

first saw a Samoan fire-dancer. “I was in a trance,” she says, “I got a full feeling of: I want to do that.” After this introduction to firedancing, Kaia followed it wherever it was happening; at that time it was just starting to spread at festivals.

Roderique blow the walls off the box that contains ‘normal’, and thrive outside of it, by continually alchemizing their passion into business. Creating Soul Fire, their performing arts company specializing in fire dancing, has taken a decade of dedication. Their ability to stay together through this process of alchemy is inspiring, not only for small businesses striving for success, but also for girlfriends everywhere.

Kaia and Skylar came together in 2001, on Kauai. They had both been on-island for a few years, but it was 2001 when they began dancing together in Skylar’s backyard. When Skylar saw Kaia spin fire she was totally impressed, and decided she wanted to learn how, all in the spirit of fun. Skylar says of that time period, “We merged, spinning fire. We’d get dressed up and we’d play. It was about being with my girlfriends and having fun. Then, one day I said, we could make money doing this. Let’s make a business doing what we love.” Both women smile as they recall getting together the $300 to print their first flyers; which back then, was not easy. They danced for free at Lydgate Park often, so people could see what they were doing. “At that point, noone else was doing anything like that,” Skylar remembers. People were captivated. Word-ofmouth spread quickly, and before long, many Kauain’s had heard of Soul Fire. When word reached the corporate world, they began receiving calls to perform at big-budget events all over Hawaii. The days where $300 was hard to come by became a distant memory.

Kaia and Skylar Dancing in her bedroom in New York from the time she was three-years old, Skylar fell in love with performing in front of her closet mirror. In her youth she was obsessed with Broadway productions, and she knew that someday, she would do something involving performance and music. Meanwhile Kaia, who grew up in the Caribbean, was fascinated with ‘jump-up’, an elaborate show-like party similar to Mardi Gras. The costumes and dancing enthralled her. It was at a Vancouver festival that Kaia

Interviewing these two women for Purple

Inc., now that their company has grown into a thriving business, revealed the deeper layers of

what it took to conceive Soul Fire. “Firedancing draws some extremely strong women,” Kaia said. They both expressed that working together with such powerful women, who are also good friends, is a definite challenge. Unifying such strong women as friends and troupe members sounded as risky as spinning fire. “We’ve gotten schooled,” they said. When asked if they were referring to physical burns from actual fire, they both nodded and added, “But, it’s more than that.” Skylar continued, “We’ve gotten schooled on an emotional level – Soul Fire has been an evolution of growth through sisterhood. It has been a huge personal growth edge.” The image of an actual edge came to mind, like a shiny pair of metaphysical shears with sharp edges, trimming away at the aspects of self that do not serve. Perhaps in this case, the more fitting imagery would be of fire itself, like red-hot lava transmuting everything in its path, reducing materials into ash, burning away the old and unusable. Speaking to these two friends confirmed that female friendship is indeed a force to be reckoned with, a transformative fire that must be respected, because it can either uplift and warm, or it can fiercely destroy. After this interview I realized: female friendship is among the most powerful tools we own as women, and if we use it well, it will enrich our lives greatly. I deduced that the key is allowing for growth and change within the friendship by avoiding the rigid labeling of one

Kaia and Andrea performing staff and Skylar with the burning hoop

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left to right: Andrea Lynn Slaski, Amalia Gray, Kaia-Shine Roderique, Skylar Mallas-Darby, Marni Kaduce Opposite: Soul Fire Spinning Poi Balls

another that forces stagnation. Like fire, friendship is a moving, changing element that can light up the night. When asked for some advice for other women in business who may be in similar circumstances (minus the actual fire), Skylar replied, “Know what to own, and what to let go. Take a step back and give space when you need to. Know when to get close.” Kaia added, “Always work on improving communication.” I recognized these brief tips as nuggets of true greatness. Soul Fire can put on a dazzling show, but these women have learned humility over the years, as well. Skylar explained how they pule [pray] before each show, holding hands in a circle. “We give respect and gratitude. No matter what, we ask that we can release our egos and bring something inspiring to the people who are watching. It may change their perspective on what is possible for them.”

For these women to play with the element of fire so closely shows great bravery; but, on a deeper level, it is equally about humility and respect. Deciding to create a performance routine called In Honor of the Goddess, Pele was a result of this respect. Soul Fire called on Puna Dawson to come and bless their creation. Puna brought her ipu and chanted a special blessing; they taped her chant, and this chant is always the opening for In Honor of the Goddess, Pele. Skylar explained that this has been their most successful show, “I feel like that is what made the show so successful, is Puna’s blessing.”

Kaia expanded, “The Aina and energies of Kauai have influenced our business and everything we do.” They do not take the Spirit of Hawaii lightly – they both expressed that they continually recognize the mana this island offers them, and they honor it highly.

Kaia touched her friend’s arm lightly and said, “You have an excellent eye. You help more than you realize.” It was apparent that these two powerful women are able to support and lift one another up, without a struggle for dominance. When I mentioned this, Skylar said, “Kaia and I have a great balance. We’re not too much alike. We both have something to offer because

Skylar talked about the vision for the future of Soul Fire, “We are making room for more artists. We are creating a production company that will include DJs, belly-dancers, aerialists, airbrush artists and more. We want to be a bridge; to use our foundation to bring more

A great venue to see Soul Fire in action is the Kalamaku Luau, where they perform three evenings a week. “I also want to give special !

Skylar continued, “I see us traveling to other countries and other parts of the world. Maybe once or twice a year we will hold a big event in Hawaii, bringing everyone together. We’ve been laying ten years of groundwork. This company is just a baby. The vision is huge, and it’s just getting started.” Skylar and Kaia were excited to talk about a show they created recently for a party for Tsing Beer at the Edition in Waikiki. “The client wanted us to be funky, sexy, raw, and glitchy. We loved it.” Skylar said with a smile, “We added urban hip-hop. I’m from New York and I love to drop it to the bass-line.” Creating costumes is something Kaia and Skylar do together, and they both expressed how fun it was to create costumes for this particular show, since they were given so much creative freedom to truly “step out of the box,” something both of them clearly enjoy immensely. I noticed how easily the two women complimented one another. When I asked who actually designs the costumes, Skylar quickly said, “Kaia is brilliant. I don’t do much.”

Puna says that everything happening today was set in motion seven generations ago. I wonder if it is possible that the legend of the Mo’o Wahine was created seven generations ago in anticipation of the fair-skinned Soul Fire, who would bring fire-dancing by women to Hawaii? Both women have a deep respect for Kauai. Skylar said, “Kauai is a magical place that has blessed my life. If you have a really sincere heart, Kauai will love you.”

Kaia expanded eloquently, “We’re in service. We’ve been chosen. We’ve been schooled. We are humbled into offering the fire. Pele can either embrace you, or destroy you.”

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work for local artists in our community. There have been some amazing women that have passed through Soul Fire, and we want to payit-forward.” Kaia said, “There are so many amazing artists here that are performing for free. We will help them to get paid for what they do.”

mention to Nani Marston, director and creator of Kalamaku,” said Skylar. In creating the Kalamaku show, Nani Marston was very aware of staying close to true Hawaiian/Polynesian culture. Since women did not dance with fire at all in traditional Polynesian culture, she was hard-pressed to figure out how to include Soul Fire in the production, but she was determined to do so. Upon doing deeper research into Hawaiian mythology, Ms. Marston discovered an interesting myth. It is the story of the Mo’o Wahine, three women employed by Pele to guard the spirit of her lover, Lohiau, which resided in the caves in Ha’ena. The Mo’o Wahine were fair-skinned women who were morphed, by the Goddess Pele, into fireproducing dragons. And so, the role for Soul Fire in Kalamaku was born: they are the Mo’o Wahine. Soul Fire also includes Amalia Grey, Marni Kaduce and Annabelle D’artois.

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we are different. I’ve noticed and appreciated that over the years. It feels really symbiotic.” This ability to give one another credit where credit is due and to refrain from fighting over power must be a couple of the secrets of their success. This way of co-existing as business partners is in alignment with the overall philosophy of Soul Fire, which Skylar summarized as, “Empowering women and friendship.” I wonder what incredible things women everywhere could accomplish by first adopting this philosophy. Asking them what attitude they are intending to convey through Soul Fire led Skylar to say, “The attitude is born out of a love for fire dancing and having fun, and a love for spending time with your girls.” And so, the motivating force compelling these two women to remain committed to a business partnership for more over ten years, despite many challenges and ‘growth edges’ is the simple reward of having fun with the girls. “There were times when we hit some walls and it got really challenging. And to look at each other and know we’re still friends-” Skylar laughs as she looks over at her friend, as if there are no words to complete this sentence, none that can describe the value of this connection. There is a light deep in Kaia’s eyes that reflects the same joyfulness. I can see that for these two, playing with the fire that is female friendship has definitely been worth it. www.soulfiredance.com

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as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same ~Marianne Williamson

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EVERYBODY. . . LOVES THE HUKILAU

Ocean View Dining Live Music Bar & Lounge z

Food & Wine Tasting Menu 5 Courses & 5 Wines 5:00-5:55 pm 20 Great Wines for $20 Featuring Local Products

Located in Kapa`a (Kaua`i) behind Coconut Marketplace Open Tues-Sun 5-9 pm Reservations recommended 808 822-0600 www.hukilaukauai.com z

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Thriving with Aloha

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Summer 2011

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