With a heavy heart, we bid farewell to Kaimuki

This may come as a surprise to you (or maybe not), but I have decided to focus all my attention on the Ala Moana store. With a heavy heart, I must bid farewell to the Kaimuki store. This decision has not come easy for me. I prayed, meditated, made lists and Excel spreadsheets, tried to talk myself out of it, but the path ahead was clear and all signs pointed to the decision to focus on Ala Moana.

When Summer and I first met and decided to work together, the dream of a Kaimuki workspace and boutique was big and audacious. Two years ago, we accomplished that dream. We were so scared and excited at the same time. Then, in December, I had the opportunity to open a store at Ala Moana Center. It wasn’t something I asked for, or even thought was possible, but when Ala Moana asked, I said “YES.” It was a crazy roller coaster of ups and downs, good months and bad months, with an ebb and flow of customers, money, and confidence.  

Looking back, I didn’t completely realize what I was walking into: managing two locations, an in-house staff of eight, and a 75 percent increase in production. It was a lot more than I was prepared for. And while I have not completely drowned under the weight of both Kaimuki and Ala Moana, I was in some serious fatigue from treading water for too long.

I started this business because it was my dream. After having a family, the business evolved to be a dream that we could all benefit from—a way to provide for my family, and a way to find work/life balance. Where I could step away from the business and enjoy a “normal” home life, like being home for dinner, spending the weekend at the beach, and shuttling my kids to sports and activities. This became part of my dream, and treading water with both stores was holding me back from accomplishing my dream. 

Something had to give. Something had to change. This is a decision that I have been mulling over since I opened Ala Moana in December, and every month I continue to scrape by, keeping the thought warm and cozy on the back burner. Now the time has come. I am ready to accept it and to make the tough decision to transition completely to Ala Moana. Our last day in the Kaimuki boutique will be July 19th and we will be transitioning our inventory to the Ala Moana store the following week.

I know it isn’t technically, goodbye. I love Kaimuki. It is my home and has been my stomping ground ever since I was a little kid. I will still be here. I am a part of the community. You can still catch me walking the kids to school in the morning, getting lunch at Earl, or poke bowl (ok, wine) at Tamura's.

I am here for you, if you have questions, comments or concerns.  I cannot say it enough, but I am truly always grateful for your support, your friendship and your love.  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!