What’s one decision that completely changed the course of your career?
Starting Pono Potions was the turning point that changed everything. I had no guarantee it would work, but I knew in my gut that Hawaiʻi needed a company that could celebrate local flavors, community, and identity in a modern way. I left behind the comfort of conventional work to build something that felt aligned with my values–-and in doing so, found a deeper purpose I didn’t even know I was searching for.
How do you bring aloha into your leadership style?
To me, aloha in leadership means seeing people for who they truly are and creating space for them to thrive. At Pōʻai, we lead with empathy, respect, and intentionality—whether it’s how we interact with our community or the flavors of syrup we create. I believe it’s important to listen first and always lead by example.
What motivates you to keep evolving—personally or professionally?
I’m constantly inspired by the energy of our Chinatown community and the creativity of other local entrepreneurs.It pushes me to keep trying new things, to take risks, and to never settle. Being surrounded by people who are carving out space for themselves and others in Hawaiʻi reminds me that innovation and tradition can exist side by side. On a personal level, I’m motivated to keep evolving so we can stay here in Hawaiʻi and thrive for generations to come.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received in business?
A customer once said, “Thank you for creating such an inviting and welcoming space where everyone feels at home. Your drinks and syrups have been part of so many special memories with our family.” That kind of feedback reminds me why I started all of this. It’s not just about the product—it’s about the feeling people carry with them long after they leave. Knowing that what we create can become part of someone’s joy, daily ritual, or celebration is the highest compliment I could ever receive.
What does leaving a legacy mean to you?
As a Hawaiian business owner, I believe legacy means thinking beyond myself—it’s about what we’re building that will uplift future generations here. We have a responsibility to create with intention, rooted in aloha, culture, and carepeople. For me, legacy isn’t just about what I leave behind—it’s about how our products and spaces made people feel. I hope mine is a legacy of inclusivity, joy, and a sense of belonging where everyone who tastes Potions or visits Pōʻai feels at home.
What’s your dream scenario for this passion—keep it on the side, or see it grow into something more?
Over the years Iʻve had many side gigs! I was a freelance caterer in my 20s while catering graduation parties, wedding showers, and anniversaries out of the kitchen of my studio apartment, incorporating all the tricks I learned while cooking in Portland hotels from when I was 18. Although now I prefer just throwing elaborate parties for my friends and family.
My main “side hustle” or hobby for the past few years has been indulging in my passion for European automobiles mainly from the mid ’90s. I guess it’s true that when you get older you start collecting all the things you loved from your childhood. Since 2018 I’ve purchased about 10 different “classic” and rare cars from all over the United States ranging from tiny 4-cylinder roadsters to 12-cylinder grand touring coupes. I often scour Facebook marketplace and auction sites to find good deals and then enjoy fixing them up and driving them until hopefully selling for a profit. A surprising anecdote is that I partially funded the build out of Pōʻai by selling the 1991 BMW M5 I had purchased in an abandoned warehouse.
What this has taught me about my main career is that when you are truly engaged and passionate about a project, you are relentless and it never feels like a job. I had the same feelings when I started Pono Potions in my grandma’s backyard in Kalihi.
My dream scenario for this side gig would be to have a curated niche car dealership in an industrial warehouse where I would have a revolving inventory of classic cars that interest me: BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Maserati and Porsche to name a few. I would also incorporate a cafe space, co-working space, and Pono Potions bar for the vibes.
