What made you want to do the work you do? Please share the full story.
I was inspired to build Branding Aloha after returning home to Hawaii, where I saw the need for local businesses to access the same level of branding and marketing I had experienced during my 20 years on the mainland. I wanted to bridge culture, community, and strategy in a way that helps Hawaiian brands thrive authentically. When challenges arise, I stay motivated by my deep connection to my community and the pride I feel in my roots. I also draw strength from my clients’ success stories and the dedication of my creative team. Above all, my vision that branding can create meaningful and lasting impact keeps me moving forward with purpose.
Tell us 3 surprisingly easy and 3 surprisingly difficult things about your business.
Surprisingly Easy Things
1. Building authentic relationships with local businesses comes naturally because of Hawai‘i’s strong sense of community.
2. Finding inspiration for creative campaigns is easy—the culture, landscapes, and stories of the islands are endlessly motivating.
3. Collaborating with passionate clients who care deeply about their brand values often makes the creative process flow smoothly.
Surprisingly Difficult Things
1. Educating some businesses on the true value of branding and why it’s more than just a logo can be challenging.
2. Balancing mainland-level strategies with local traditions and sensitivities requires constant care and adaptability.
3. Scaling operations while maintaining personalized attention for every client is a difficult but necessary part of growth.
What are the 3 things you like best about your work and why?
1. I love empowering local businesses—helping Hawai‘i’s brands tell their stories in ways that truly connect with their audiences is incredibly rewarding, especially when I see them grow and thrive.
2. I enjoy blending creativity with strategy—being able to craft campaigns that are both visually engaging and deliver measurable results keeps my work exciting every day.
3. I value building meaningful relationships—collaborating with passionate clients and my amazing team makes the work fulfilling and gives me a real sense of purpose.
What are your greatest 3 skills and how have they helped you succeed?
My three greatest skills are strategic thinking, creativity, and relationship-building. Strategic thinking allows me to see the big picture and guide clients toward branding solutions that deliver measurable results. Creativity keeps my work fresh and engaging, helping me craft campaigns that stand out in a crowded market. Relationship-building has been key in forming strong partnerships with clients and my team, which ensures collaboration, trust, and long-term success. Together, these skills have helped me grow Branding Aloha into a full-service agency that bridges culture, community, and strategy, while making a meaningful impact on the businesses we serve.
Tell us about a time where you saw a surprising outcome that you did not expect.
One surprising outcome I’ve experienced is seeing how strongly communities respond when a brand is developed with authenticity and purpose. In my work at Branding Aloha, I’ve learned that when we focus on aligning strategy with culture and values, the results often exceed expectations in ways that inspire both clients and their audiences. It reinforced for me that thoughtful branding is more than just visuals—it’s about meaningful connections and impact. Experiences like this continually motivate me to help Hawaiian businesses grow with intention and care.
What is the biggest challenge you face each day and how do you handle it?
The biggest challenge I face each day is balancing the creative needs of our clients with the operational demands of running an agency. Every project has its own vision, deadlines, and expectations, and it can be a lot to manage at once. I handle it by staying organized, prioritizing clear communication, and leaning on my talented team to collaborate and problem-solve together. I also make time to step back and assess the bigger picture, ensuring that our work aligns with both client goals and Branding Aloha’s standards. This approach helps me stay focused, keep projects on track, and maintain a positive, productive environment for everyone involved.
What is a habit you try to stick to and how has it helped you?
What I value most is authenticity—both in the work I do and in the relationships I build. I believe that staying true to your values, culture, and purpose creates meaningful connections with clients, audiences, and the community. Authenticity ensures that every brand we develop at Branding Aloha reflects real stories and genuine impact, rather than just appearances. It also guides how I lead my team, helping us maintain trust, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. Valuing authenticity keeps me focused on long-term results and meaningful growth rather than short-term gains.
What achievement are you the proudest of and why?
I’m proudest of founding Branding Aloha and growing it into a full-service agency that helps Hawaiian businesses thrive authentically. Bringing my mainland experience home and applying it while respecting local culture has been deeply rewarding. I’m also proud of the talented team we’ve built—collaborating with people who share our vision makes every project meaningful. These achievements remind me why I love what I do and why helping businesses succeed is so fulfilling.
Who is your favorite motivational speaker and why?
I don’t have a single favorite speaker, book, or movie, but I’m inspired by stories and leaders that highlight authenticity, creativity, and resilience. Whether it’s a book on leadership, a film about overcoming challenges, or insights from entrepreneurs, I focus on lessons that help me guide Branding Aloha, empower businesses, and build meaningful connections with clients and my team.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
If I were to offer advice to my younger self, it would be: “Learn to slow down and really hear people.” This insight comes from my experience at Branding Aloha, where we’ve learned that truly listening to clients and communities leads to more meaningful and effective branding. It’s not just about executing a plan—it’s about understanding the story, culture, and values behind the brand.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If yes, what is the best way to reach you?
My biggest mentor has been someone I look up to in the local entrepreneurial/community space in Hawai‘i: a veteran business leader who taught me the power of servant leadership and rootedness. They emphasized not just profit or growth, but how businesses can—and should—serve their communities, honor culture, and uplift people. From them I learned that branding is not just about aesthetics or strategy—it’s about values, storytelling, and impact. They helped me to stay grounded, make decisions aligned with aloha, and build a brand that people trust and feel connected to.
Just for fun, what is your favorite food?
Favorite dessert: Hawaiian-inspired treats – aligns with her background and branding focus, without specifying something unverified.