What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a woman in business?
Over the years, one of the biggest lessons I learned is that you can be talented in your craft but to be talented in business you have to be impeccable with your craft, determined to succeed (at all costs) and committed to All of the pieces that come with running your business.
What has been your proudest professional achievement so far?
My proudest professional achievement so far is being one of O‘ahu’s premiere wedding caterers, Tailor Made Custom Catering, and opening my brick and mortar Lilikoi Kitchen with my kids and wife by my side.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I would speak to my younger self and tell her that she belongs at every table, we as women second-guess ourselves. I would also reassure myself that it gets better, dream big, and stay committed to your passion.
What motivates you on the tough days?
Many things motivate me. My passion as a Chef and Restaurateur and for my craft, my vision for connection through community, and my clients, HUGELY my children and spouse and of course my team.
What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?
I LOVE LOVE LOVE all things coffee but I will take a coconut cortado from Tradition Coffee Roasters any day of the week.
What’s your vision for women in your industry 10 years from now?
My vision for women in the industry in 10 years, honestly? I envision a space for women and women in business to not have to work so hard to prove their worth and to be acknowledged and celebrated for being great business leaders. It is still very hard to get into spaces for women and be respected in business, from negotiating buildouts of spaces to leading in male-dominated circles. It is still very tough for us and I believe in equality.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?
Simple. Don’t give up, stay committed, and get good at time management!
How do you define success for yourself?
The definition of success for me ebbs and flows. Success for me is attaining and meeting my goals in business, having happy children, and always making sure that I am in alignment with my vision, beliefs, integrity, and soul’s purpose.
What’s a mantra, quote, or saying you live by?
It’s easy to let goals and ambitions fall to the wayside: Stay committed to your dream, stay motivated on your dream, goal set to support your dream, and keep your tenacity to chase your dream!
How do you balance work and personal life—or do you believe in balance at all?
That’s a tough one. As a business owner, restaurateur, and mom, the juggle is real and sometimes I can’t be everything to everyone. The best for my family is always carving time out for family time even though work life is hectic and trying to find at least one thing I can do for myself. Balance is tricky, and every day I re-assess my priorities.
