When did you realize hospitality was your calling, not just your career?
I realized hospitality was more than just a job very early on—ironically, in the same building I now manage, Hotel Renew.
I was born and raised in American Samoa, where the population is around 45,000 people, and life felt very familiar. You grow up seeing the same faces every day, and there’s a comfort in that, but also a limit to how much of the world you experience.
When I started working in Waikīkī, everything changed. For the first time, I was meeting people from all over the world, hearing different languages, learning about cultures I had never been exposed to. It immediately sparked something in me. I became curious—not just about where people came from, but about how I could be a part of their experience here.
Working in a boutique hotel environment shaped me in a big way. It allowed me to step beyond my role and understand every part of the operation. More importantly, it taught me how meaningful small, personal connections can be. I found purpose in creating moments that guests would remember long after they left. That’s when I knew this wasn’t just a career path—it was something I genuinely loved.
Who was an early mentor that shaped your leadership style?
An early mentor who had a lasting impact on me is Tomo Hikichi. At the time, I was working at Hotel Renew and would look across the street at Waikīkī Beach Marriott, thinking, “I want to work there.” I wanted to challenge myself—to grow from a 72-room boutique property into a large-scale resort environment.
When I met Tomo, what stood out immediately was his level of dedication, not just to his work, but to developing people. I knew right away that I wanted to learn from someone like him. Although we didn’t work together immediately, about a year later we reunited and opened The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach together.
That experience was pivotal. Tomo led by example. He set high standards, but he also invested in his team. He believed in building up the next generation of leaders, and that stayed with me. Many of the leadership qualities I carry today—accountability, consistency, and genuinely caring about people’s growth are rooted in what I learned during that time.
What part of your personality makes you especially suited for this industry?
At the core of it, I genuinely love people. I thrive in environments where I’m surrounded by individuals who are constantly pushing themselves and in turn, pushing me to grow.
I strongly believe that the success of any business is directly tied to how it treats its people. The team members who are on the ground every day while executing, problem-solving, and delivering the experience are the reason a business continues to evolve and succeed. When people feel valued and supported, that energy naturally translates to the guest experience.
That mindset shapes how I lead. It’s not just about operations or results; it’s about creating an environment where people feel empowered, respected, and proud of the work they do. When you take care of your team, everything else follows.
How do you stay present with guests when the day feels nonstop?
The simplest way I stay present is by shifting my perspective. I try to see every guest as if they were a member of my own family. Whether it’s an aunt, uncle, parent, or grandparent, that mindset naturally brings empathy and patience into every interaction.
I also remind myself that for many of our guests, this trip is something they’ve planned for a long time. I’ve heard countless stories of people saving for years or even spending what they consider their “life savings” to experience Hawaiʻi. That puts everything into perspective.
No matter how busy the day gets, there’s always time to show up for someone who has chosen to spend that kind of time and money with us. That awareness keeps me grounded. It reminds me that while we’re managing operations, we’re also part of someone’s once-in-a-lifetime memory.
How do you balance family, personal life, and the demands of hospitality?
Balance, for me, comes down to discipline and support. With so many moving parts in both my professional and personal life, staying organized and maintaining a structured schedule is essential. Without that, things can quickly feel overwhelming.
As a mother of four, I’m incredibly grateful for the support system around me—my husband, my family, and my team at work. I truly consider my team part of my extended family. We support each other through the highs and the challenges, and that creates a sense of balance that makes everything more manageable.
Hospitality is an industry filled with both rewarding and demanding moments, but I believe it’s important to show that you don’t have to choose one path over another. You can be a mother, a wife, and a career-driven leader all at the same time. It takes effort, intention, and a strong support system, but it’s absolutely possible.
