Part 2
I recently got back from a seminar our E-commerce coaches held in California. The best part about it was being around other entrepreneurs, makers, and creatives. During some down time in my hotel room, it hit me: "being from Hawaii" is my superpower. I used to think it was a hurdle to overcome. Cause to run a business in Hawaii is to consciously choose to run it from one of the most expensive places in the US. It's not the most logical, financially beneficial decision to make as a business owner. The cost to live here, the cost of retail or commercial space, the ridiculous cost to ship goods in and out — crazy!
But living here isn't about crunching the numbers and finding a more cost-effective decision — it's a non-negotiable for me.
The mana, the energy of the people, the special place we have the opportunity to live in — this is the superpower. What I realized about myself and this newfound superpower is that we live the true meaning of Aloha through and through. It's in the small things — letting someone into your lane, throwing a shaka to say thanks, opening a door for someone at Zippy's, or smiling at a stranger as you pass them on the street. It's talking story with neighbors and giving extra bananas from your tree. Even listing it right here and now doesn't quite begin to scratch the surface of what the aloha spirit means — but it's felt... you get it, I know you understand.
It took being in a room with so many entrepreneurs from other parts of the U.S. for me to realize that being from Hawaii makes me unique in the stories I can tell. It's given me a depth of spirit and culture I can't explain to anyone — you just know... (my pidgin comes out from time to time, lol).
The deep care we have for one another, the way we expand our ohana to include more than just blood relatives — it's the deep respect for not only this land, but the people and the spirit that lives here. That was my realization and why being Made in Hawaii means so much more to me than where the actual garment was sewn. It's the energy, the intention and love we put into every design, every color choice and print, every email, every story, every post or video — this is what weaves us to this place and gives us our unique identity.
We don't make decisions because of the bottom line, because of some P&L spreadsheet — we do it because it's the right thing to do. To offer high-quality fabrics, to source the best craftspeople to sew your garments, and to reasonably price our pieces so we can offer them to more people while still maintaining the business. It's because I see each of you as part of my ohana, because you have helped to malama me in ways I feel deeply every day.
The love you share with me, the support, the quiet championing of me, this brand, this team. The way you show up for us every time we need you, and the way your love is felt in every purchase, every email — we feel it deeply, and we are humbled by it. This is why I chose to come back here to start my career and business. This is the place I'm grateful I can raise my children and run this business, because I knew you — this community — would send so much love and aloha to us.
So thank you... it is felt, it surrounds me every day from my small office on Oahu. We could not do this without you!
-Allison
