Above the bridge
Entertainment and conversation
Above the bridge
Episode 183 MARNEE SARMIENTO ( Owner of Marnzaza Hawaii )
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A side hustle that takes off because of shower curtains sounds like a joke, until you hear how it actually happened. I’m sitting down with Marnee, the owner of MarnZaza, a fast-growing local Hawaii brand with a loyal community, bold prints, and a real-world retail presence that keeps expanding. She’s also still doing hair and lashes, which makes her story hit even harder if you’re juggling a day job while trying to build something of your own.
We talk through the full path: starting in the salon world, experimenting with products, then getting forced into a COVID pivot that pushes her into social media marketing. One raw Instagram reel turns into huge demand, and suddenly she’s figuring out product sourcing, sampling, outsourcing, and how to keep prices reasonable for local shoppers. She breaks down what pop-up life really requires, how different neighborhoods shop differently, and why her prints aim for “feels like home” instead of tourist shop energy, including collaborations with local artists.
We also get into the parts people don’t post: dealing with negativity online, setting boundaries, and building thick skin without turning cold. Then we shift into brick-and-mortar growth at Harbor Center and Windward Mall, why foot traffic still matters, and what it takes to staff and coach a team when your business is open seven days a week. If you’re searching for real talk on small business in Hawaii, Instagram marketing for retail, pop-up strategy, and women-owned entrepreneurship, this one delivers.
Listen now, then subscribe, share it with a friend who’s building a hustle, and leave a review. What’s one product or idea you’d “ride the wave” on if it started blowing up tomorrow?
Welcome And R&B Day Party
SPEAKER_00Aloha and welcome to another edition of the Above the Bridge Podcast. I'm your host, Thaddeus Park. Uh, whatever platform you're listening to this podcast, please like, subscribe, tell a friend. I appreciate you taking time out and listening and tuning into our show. I want to invite you all to an RB day party. Me and DJ Hoppa Boy have been doing. It's gonna be May 24th at the Capitol Modern Museum. It's in the courtyard, it's good vibes. RB, old school RB. We have good food, great DJs. It goes from 3 to 9 on May 24th. The next day is a holiday, so get your tickets now at laidbackrmb.com. Please get your tickets. This thing's gonna sell out, so hurry up, get your tickets now. I'll see you there. Aloha. Okay,
Guest Intro And Kauai Pop-Ups
SPEAKER_00this week my guest is somebody who I've seen around on Instagram, and she has two stores, and of course, one of them is in my hometown at Winward Mall. She's the owner of Marnzaza. Marnie, what's up, girl? Thank you for coming on my show.
SPEAKER_01Thank you so much for having me.
SPEAKER_00Right now, you're in Kauai doing like pop-ups.
SPEAKER_01Yes, we're in Kauai for two weeks, actually. Well, we'll be here for a week, come home, and then we'll go back again. But yeah, we're in Kauai currently doing a pop-up.
SPEAKER_00Oh, that's super cool. Oh, you can just take this stuff on the road, then, huh?
SPEAKER_01Somewhat, yes. Um, we kind of just came back from Mary Monarch, and then we did a launch there, then come home, do a launch, and then now we're in Kawaii doing another launch. So busy, busy, busy.
SPEAKER_00How's Mary Monarch? I heard that's in like insane.
SPEAKER_01A little bit, yes. Um, crazy shoppers people know that this is their time to do their shopping. Um, it's kind of like they're made in Hawaii on Oahu, in a way, but like uh in Hilo, um, that's what the Mary Monarch craziness is.
SPEAKER_00That's true. I was introduced to you at uh Kaneoi night market through your sister, and I didn't realize how big you were growing, and I was like, oh, this is a cool concept, and I didn't realize the magnitude and the kind of growth you've been having over this past couple years, and it's super cool to see a strong woman doing business like be like a beast, you know what I mean? It's it's it's rare to see not just women, but anybody bet on themselves and then put the work ethic behind it, and then and then I I'm sure you know gotta be consistent. Anybody can start
Salon Roots And The Brand Name
SPEAKER_00a business, but to grow it and be consistent is that's the hard part. Um definitely how did you even start? And I I wanna know how you came up with the name, also.
SPEAKER_01Okay. Um the name was just kind of a funny thing, whereas, like I don't know, long time ago, um I it was just you know, when I was a kid, like if I'm ever gonna be famous, I want to be famous, like Lady Gaga, so I'm gonna call myself Marnzaza. And then I kind of just stuck. Um, the brand was more so for um the salon side of business. And then when it became into products, it grew a whole bunch. And I guess it was really catchy, so I never took the time to really rebrand or anything. And a lot of people just knew already that it was Marn Zaza. So here we are, just still rolling with it as the business keeps going. Um, and how it started, hmm. I guess how far back do we go? Initially, I think I was ordering my own lash products. So, me being in the salon, I'm a cosmetologist, so I do hair and lashes. Um, I started um branding my own lashes and doing my own things, so that's I guess where I started dabbling into um products-wise. And then COVID, uh, the salon wasn't essential. So I started getting into what is it called, social media marketing. Um and from there I was like doing crafty things, and then the crafty things turned into more because the demand was so high. So I started looking to outsource. Um, and basically the business blew up from a reel of me just flapping shower curtains. And so shower curtains took the business off, and everybody wants that print in everything, you know, like from cups to bags, the shower curtains, obviously, um, apparel. So literally, you name it, they're requesting it, and I'm trying to make it happen at the most reasonable cost.
SPEAKER_00That's the struggle. Um, let's back it up. So you were uh um salon, like you did hair and make like hair and lashes. You went to school, like was that cosmetology school or cosmetology school, yes.
SPEAKER_01I went to Paul Mitchell. Um so I think now it's been 12 years that I've been doing that. Hair and lashes is like the my career, that's what I'm doing full time. Um, and then the crafty things I think was just in between after and whenever I could. It was more just like an outlet at the time, and then the demand of social media, I think, was crazy because um I was I was heavily using Instagram, and I would just like post and people would ask, and you know how engagement works. So I feel like the more people ask, it just pushed the content out, I feel like more. And I mean, I I guess people really liked it, which was cool. So things that I made um were like face masks at the time, so like fabric kind of face masks where they can wash it during COVID. So this is during COVID. Um, and like cutting out like stickers with the Cricut Machine. Everyone was kind of into that for a bit. Uh, I also made like clay pool kenny kenny flowers, and that kind of was like a hot hit because everyone loves pool kenny kennies. Um, there was that.
COVID Pivot And A Viral Shower Curtain
SPEAKER_01Um, and then the demand got so high, I think, that I just started looking to outsource. So then what I sewed is what I had I like sent it in to have them manufacture, and then I would just order samples to get back to see what it was like that way. I can get a mass amount of it rather than me doing all the work because I was you know, the it just works smarter, not harder at that point. Yeah.
SPEAKER_00How easy was it to find a company to kind of been able to handle your demand? Like you have to search a lot of them, huh?
SPEAKER_01Yes, so every single product has its own manufacturer or its own vendor. Oh wow, so it's it's kind of a lot. Like, I literally tweak out at this at nighttime where I'm talking to so much different people, um, as far as like, or you know, okay, so let's take, for example, um, a certain bag. I have to talk to this one person, and I'm fully customizing this bag, and I have to thoroughly explain it to this one person, and then I take another product, and then the same thing, the process goes on. So I swear I'm having 30 different conversations with all because it's it became a wide variety of products. Yeah, yeah. I mean, but shower curtains is what took off. Um it there's not much customizing with that, as more so just the design. Um, but bags, I feel like, is something I really I'm a bag lady, so um it that's I guess my forte. That's what I like to do is um customizing bags to make it more practical for lifestyle and whatnot.
SPEAKER_00That's super cool. I trip out on uh shower curtains because that's not something somebody sets out to start a business around, like, oh, I'm gonna show sell shower curtains. So that's creative already, and it created a demand that people didn't even know they needed or wanted for sure.
SPEAKER_01I mean, it's not even something I'm super passionate about, you know. Like I like the bags, I I can sell my bags, but that's why I like the shower curtains. Um, I really take into consideration the feedback from the audience, you know. Yeah, you tell me what you want, I'm gonna go and look for it and see if I can find it, and then yeah, give it to you at the best price. I think that's one of the things that I also strive to do. Um, because I'm a bargain shopper. Like I love to shop at Ross and TJ Maxx, and it would just be cute if like they had cuter prints. So I think that's where the idea kind of stems from. Not being so touristy.
SPEAKER_00Yeah.
SPEAKER_01That's you know, like, yeah.
SPEAKER_00That's what I definitely get from looking at your stuff, and being that my daughter likes your stuff, I know it's not touristy, and there's no touristy vibe to it. I'm sure tourists buy it, but it's not something that you would find at like ABC store or that kind of stuff. It's definitely has some soul to it, and and it's not manufactured to to kind of just be sold for tourism and stuff, like local people love your stuff, definitely geared towards the locals for sure. Yeah, I love the fact that you mentioned that you're a bargain shopper, and that way you keep your uh clients or people that love your products in mind as a bargain shopper as well. So it's a um good way to run a business where you're not just about the money, you're trying to give your customers the best product at a reasonable price, especially here in Hawaii. Everything is so expensive, so expensive, yes. I don't know what to ask you though, are you still doing hair and lashes?
SPEAKER_01Yes, I am. So, yep, till this day, um, still in the salon full time, and basically my side hustle is like whenever I can fit it in. That's you know, 28 hours, eight days a week.
SPEAKER_00Yep, guaranteed. Where do where do you do your um hair and lashes at?
SPEAKER_01Hair and lashes is in Kanyohi, um, in a salon called Snip Tease Salon.
unknownOh, right.
SPEAKER_01Right by Ben Parker Elementary School.
SPEAKER_00Oh, is that um it's really hidden.
SPEAKER_01You won't be able to find it. Um, it's on the second floor in the Kanyohi Medical Building.
SPEAKER_00Okay, is that um shoot? What's who owns that place?
SPEAKER_01Um Yim's.
SPEAKER_00Oh, okay. Dr.
SPEAKER_01Yim. There's like an orthodontist downstairs. Got it. Yeah, it used to be luxury nails, that was like the thing, I think.
SPEAKER_00Um okay, it used to be DLS too, back in the back in the oh yes, yes, yes, yes, actually.
SPEAKER_01Yep.
SPEAKER_00Okay, and are you the owner of this salon or I'm just a renter there? Oh, okay. Who owns that?
SPEAKER_01Brittany Beludsky, right?
SPEAKER_00That's who I was thinking of. Britney. Okay, okay. All right, I knew it. Okay, well, um, that's a trip because, in my opinion, I work in the industry, um, like nightlife industry, and always say when girls get out of the nightlife industry, they do lashes. You're doing it the opposite, you're starting off that way, so that's kind of cool. Yeah, girls do lashes and boys become real estate agents. Everybody from the industry, staple.
SPEAKER_01I don't know what it is, but that's what it is.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, well, when did you realize that okay, your stuff is selling, and maybe I can start a business around it? Because at some point you got to you have to be understanding, like, okay, like you said, it it it's uh I can't keep up with the demands hand sewing this stuff, but when did you realize like, oh, I'm gonna go all in with this and and kind of go full force with it?
SPEAKER_01I guess um ride the wave while it's hot. Okay. Um there's never really anything that I don't think there's anything that really um I don't know, I get literally opportunities have been like coming, and I just take it is how I think it it goes. Um, and that's how this whole business has gone from the get-go. Like um, it's very flexible and having to be adaptable. Um, nothing is ever planned, things just happen and we just roll with it. But for it's always a good outcome, and it's the experience that you get out of it, I think is what's worth it in the end.
SPEAKER_00That's super cool. So it's kind of like you there was not one pivotal moment where it's like, okay, now we're going all in. It was just like, oh, I'm gonna do it, I'll do this, and then I'll do that. And then it's just like, oh wow, look at all I did already. Yeah, okay. Let's take a short break and shout out our sponsor Defenhoi. They've been with me from the very beginning. They have some new clothes out for spring. If you go to their website right now, defenhoi.com. Look what they have. You can also check them out at Winter Mall. They have a store in the mall called No One. But if you do go on their website, uh use promo code ATBPOD upon checkout, you'll get 15% off your first purchase. Defenhoi.com. Let them know Above the
Outsourcing Products And Pop-Up Reality
SPEAKER_00Bridge Podcast sent you. Aloha.
SPEAKER_01I think I so I did my first pop-up in the salon, and the crowd that I had attracted there was like not even what I was expecting. You know, it was super good. It was a great turnout. Um, so we kind of transformed the salon into a pop-up um of all the products. Um, it it would it is what it is, and it was fine. Um, and I think I just started doing more and more pop-ups, and the amount of people who showed up, I think was what really impressed me. Like, I didn't, I'm always just so grateful. I like I never know what to expect. And I'm like, oh, is everyone is anybody gonna show up? Does anybody even like the stuff? You know, like I'm not even sure. So I kind of just go in thinking nothing, and it's always way more than or always blessed. It's a super good thing though. Um, and I think that's what keeps it going, and the momentum keeps going. It literally is just any opportunity that comes, I just kind of take it based on you know, you have to do your pros and cons and whatnot. But yeah, that's kind of how it goes.
SPEAKER_00So, starting off, like what were some of the hardest trials and like mistakes you made trying to do stuff like that?
SPEAKER_01I think for product-wise, definitely like just ordering things on a whim, um not taking time to sample. I mean, like the quality was okay, but also I wasn't trying to make a big buck out of it either. Like, if you wanted the cute um bag, then you know, I'd sell it at what it was kind of thing. Um, so that you know, like that's kind of like a trial and error type of thing. Um, but challenges-wise, I would say just managing time. Which it you know, like the more you do it, the more you learn.
SPEAKER_00Like when when has a bad situation happened uh while you were doing this business? Or what would a bad situation be when you first started off?
SPEAKER_01I guess it just depends on like there because one point would be, I guess, um, trying to figure out how to navigate everything as far as um setting up a pop-up in a way, yeah. So, like there's a lot to account for when you're doing a pop-up because you have to have the fixtures, you have to prep the product, um, you have to know who's working, um, knowing the environment or kind of just kind of guessing at what kind of people will show up because every pop-up is different as far as location. Townies will like certain things, West Side will like certain things, you know. So there's a different vibe. So you kind of just have to guess at that. Um, I don't know what other challenges you ever did one in Kailua?
SPEAKER_00Because I would that would be the hardest one to guess, I think.
SPEAKER_01Not no Kailua yet, actually.
SPEAKER_00What do Tawis like and kinda what is the difference between Tawnies and Kanyoi people?
SPEAKER_01Okay, so like Kakaako, um, they're like very dog people, they're looking for like I don't know, dog things. I mean, I have five dogs. Uh I have all little wiener dogs, but I mean, yeah, I'm a like dog mom too, but the way that their dog parents is, I guess it's just a different, you know, like what they're asking for is just different. Um, more like workout things, um, so like yoga mats and towels is what they're looking for. So dog stuff, yoga mats, towels. Whereas um, I don't know, West Side, they just buy everything. They they want everything in the matching print, I think is what it is.
SPEAKER_00Oh, what about east side? Like um, our side.
SPEAKER_01Our side, let's see. What do I the everything too? I want to say apparel. A lot of people look for apparel. Oh, they want matching clothing sets. Um, I think east side just wants to be different, you know, yeah from everybody else, and just looking for the matching clothing sets. I don't normally specialize in clothing though. I I do try design some things just so that we can have all the matching and whatnot, but definitely not my specialty. But bags is more of my thing.
SPEAKER_00Okay, that's that's pretty interesting to understand that where you're popping up, you gotta kind of cater to that demo. I would never have thought of that, especially yeah, trying to figure that out. Like you gotta bring a load of yoga mats to tell. That's crazy.
SPEAKER_01Yes, or I guess it's yeah, it's just things that I don't even offer, you know. But then it makes my mind spin because I'm like, oh, okay, now you know, yeah, yeah, yeah. That's so then I just do a little bit more research and figure it out from there.
SPEAKER_00Wow, you're not um afraid to take a shot, right? Like if oh that people want this, I'm gonna just get it then.
SPEAKER_01Scared money don't make money, yeah.
SPEAKER_00Exactly.
SPEAKER_01Definitely a model.
SPEAKER_00That's super dope. How do you come
Prints That Feel Like Home
SPEAKER_00up with your prints? Because your prints are. I feel like when you look at your prints, it's like how do I describe it? Like when it's like one local hug. Like you look at your prints, it's like, oh that like it's super connected to where you're from and where Hawaii is about, and it and it's like I don't know, it's like when your your auntie gives you a hug or makes you a good beef stew or something, that feeling, like, oh yeah, that's super dope. You know what I mean? That makes sense.
SPEAKER_01Yes, no, I love that. Actually, a lot of that stems from I think like memories. So you see a certain flower, you think of your grandma's backyard, you start smelling things, you know, then like music comes on and it's kind of like reminiscing. Yeah. So like when you see a crown flower, you think grandma, you know, kind of thing, or like a certain ginger or pool kenny kenny. So it's just a certain flower. I feel like I guess that's more of the focus is flowers. Um, but when you see a certain one that it kind of just triggers like a moment with loved ones. Um, and then there's certain colorways that people like. And then again, I think it's all based on the taco eye, whereas like it's not touristy, you want it to be very cutesy. Um, and what I think what's trending at the moment, too.
SPEAKER_00Yeah. But that that makes sense, and I guess that it's working, and like like you said, it's not touristy. Do you um like draw your own patterns or how does that work?
SPEAKER_01A long time ago, yes. I was I I did draw a few of the patterns, um, very basic. Um, then I had found some designers who do the work for it now, and they're just amazing. Can't top that. So I always like to collab with local artists um and give them the credit too, you know. Like I think that's super awesome that their work is out there. And just working with different um different businesses, it's super fun. Oh, that's super cool.
SPEAKER_00And it and it doesn't pigeonhole you into a certain way like you can expand and do different things. Yeah, kind of kind of smart to be honest. You kind of grew up on social media
Instagram Marketing And Handling Negativity
SPEAKER_00doing this company. Uh, how much has social media been a part of it? Because it seems like you started just because of social media, but how has that been navigating that whole social media world?
SPEAKER_01Very different for sure. I mean, I wouldn't call it like a content creator or influencer type of thing. It kind of in a way, I like to just post raw and real things. Um, to literally like I always tell people, like, I want to put a GoPro on my head. I I want you to see from my point of view what I'm doing because sometimes it's it's just craziness, and I can't even explain to people what I do or even have the time to take out you know my camera to record what I'm doing. Um, but when I do take the time to do it, I feel like that gets a lot of feedback, you know, like people understand, uh, maybe not understand, but how do I word it?
SPEAKER_00They uh resonates with them.
SPEAKER_01People can see, yes, like from if you know, like the audience is in the salon world, then I have those people with the hair and lashes versus where um I'm being a mom, um, people can relate to that, or from being a dog mom, um, and then just like being a small business owner, you know. So there's all different aspects um of where anybody could relate to, I guess you could say.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, you gotta get some of them meta glasses there. You don't need a GoPro, you can just take it on and you'd be like recording, yeah.
SPEAKER_01For real.
SPEAKER_02No, yeah.
SPEAKER_00Do you get any kind of negative feedback on social media? I know I mean I've dealt with negativity and had to learn how to not let it bother me and or I'll be going to people's houses and trying to fight on them from all the dumb stuff that I get, but I feel like every great success will have negativity or negative people trying to trying to tear you down. Or have you had any experiences with that on social media?
SPEAKER_01Definitely, yes. Um, I never retaliate, I always kill them with kindness. Um, because obviously if it's coming from a place that they feel some type of way, like something's wrong with them. I mean, maybe it is reality and they're telling me like the truth, but um normally like I'll share with others and see like, okay, am I crazy? Am I am I like what am I doing wrong? You know, I mean, not that they're just like biased and like one siding with me, but I just try to really think about like the things that I post and the feedback that I'll get from it. Um, because I guess the example, like salon, salon days, it would be like, you know, I'm enjoying my time at the beach, and they're like, wow, you're having so much fun at the beach, but you can't um reply to my message. When can I get an appointment? Like, people are very petty about those kinds of things. And I guess that's why I have to, you know, keep some things personal. It did bother, um, you know, like before, but I think I want to say I do have pretty thick skin. Like, I okay, I I do get bothered and I'm an emotional person and I talk about it a lot, but I don't um I guess I I won't ever argue back type of thing. You know, like you you said what you have to say, I get it. Okay, cool, I'll brush it off. And okay, how can I make myself better from this whole situation? Because sometimes they're just a random person coming in and saying what they're saying, and I'm like, damn, you don't even like know. Yeah, you don't even know anything. You're it's just what you see from social media. Um, and I guess in the product side of things, um, yeah, there is a lot of competition. Um, people are not nice, so I like to just stay in my own lane. You can talk all you want and whatever. Um, but I'm gonna just do me, you know? And whatever I'm doing obviously is working. And if you have to be so caught up in my life, obviously, I don't know. Like, you got time to do that. Sorry, I got time, I gotta put my time into my business.
SPEAKER_00Yep, that's that's a smart way to navigate it. And I only ask that because I've known people that have businesses and engage to the worst, and I'm just like, bruh, why why are you letting that bother you? Like this person, he's all he has like four followers, and he doesn't even post a picture of himself, and he's just rallying you up, and that's probably he's probably in his mom's living room, like yeah, with his Cheeto fingers, trying to piss people off, like you letting them.
SPEAKER_01You just call them the keyboard warriors. That's what exactly.
SPEAKER_00But I don't know. I always feel and I always say this you're doing something right if you got haters or people try trying to trying to bring you down. Um, okay, let's take a short moment to shout out our sponsor, iRep Detail Supply. They are your one-stop shop superstore for everything you need, a detail whatever vehicle you have. They have three stores, they have one in Temple Valley Shopping Center, one in Las Vegas, and the newest one in WaiPiel. But if you go on their website, iRepdetailsupply.com, and use promo code ATBPod upon checkout, you'll get 15% off your purchase order. But I would suggest go to the stores, especially if you have questions. Their staff is fully knowledgeable of all the products they have, and they can help you get exactly what you need to make your car looking brand new. IREPDailsupply.com. Aloha. How creative do you get on your social media? Because you put seems like you put a lot of time and thought into some of your little videos or reels.
SPEAKER_01Hmm. Um, I don't know. Honestly, I just kind of like get a snippet of every little thing. Well, I guess that's what my that's my vision right now is I'm just getting a vision. I'm sorry, if I'm I'm just taking a snippet of a little piece of my day, kind of like a daily vlog is what I like to post, and that's what I get the most interaction out of. Um doing a like content for products, uh, it's it's okay. Basically, I just want to show you the functionality of the product. Um, but I don't have any like social media person like I am it. Um uh so it's really from my point of view, and I always want to say that like this business is very, very different from any other kind, not corporate runned or any like I just do things how I want to do it, and so be it. If you like it, you like it. And if you don't, then there's plenty of other others out there that can support as well. Because I'm not for everybody, you know.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, that's super cool. I do like the fact that your Instagram, you show a lot of your employees and the people that you work with or what that are helping you and how you take care of them. And I mean, you guys look cool going through the airports all geared up in the same, and like it just shows unity. And I feel like all the people that you have working for you are seems like they're super stoked to be a part of it, and I think showing that is super cool, it's infectious, and it feels like your company is like a big family, exactly.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, some of them is too, huh? Yeah, some is family. Um, but I really like to take care of my people who take care of my business, you know. So um, but as far as like being, you know, all the same, like we are our own walking advertisement. So, you know, basically that like they see it and they're like, whoa, what is all of this? Like everything is matching from like our clothes to our luggage to our bags, you know, every and our cups, everything is matching. Um, so it's kind of like a statement, but this is work, you know, this is our work trip. You can dress however you want outside of work, but at work, this is what this is showtime, you know?
SPEAKER_00All right.
SPEAKER_01I want you to be representing the brand rather than looking like a customer.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, that makes sense. And yeah, it seems like very positive. And you do refer to like your customers as Ohana or family. Like, how much does the support they give you influence your business?
SPEAKER_01Uh, so much. I love all my people. They I I think it's just cool. Like, when I ever get to work the stores or if I ever do the pop-ups, like if it's me, I really like to like engage with them. Like, hi, is this your first time in store? Like, like, um, what else? Hold on. If this is their first time, like how like have you heard of the brand before? You know, kind of just seeing where they're at, or who are you shopping for? How can I help you? And then sometimes, like, I get it, some people just want to be unbothered, they're doing their thing, but some people share everything, like, oh, my auntie did this and that, like, or I got a gift from so and so, or it's just like super awesome to hear the stories um that they have, and they don't even have to share with me, you know, like they're coming out of their comfort zone sharing how much they love a product, which makes me feel like all giddy inside because it's exciting when like others love the product just as much as I do, you know, because I'm creating it. I'm like, yes, this is this is like what I'm designing it for. I'm so excited that you love it too. And also it's working, it's exciting for sure. Yes, it's working.
SPEAKER_00Being that you're so much on social media when your customers actually come and see and meet you in person, it must be a good feeling because it's they kind of feel like they know you, you know what I mean? No, yeah. If you're sharing all that stuff, you know what I mean? Yes.
SPEAKER_01A lady was like, Oh my gosh, you sound just like your videos, you know, like, or she's like, Oh, I recognized your voice, you know. So it's kind of funny that they know that, but I've never met this person before, I don't even know who they are. But I guess it is cool, you know, like the the relationships. I love to do that or build the relationships with people. Um, and just seeing how far back they know me from. Like, do you know me from the salon, or do you like are you more of a recent product shopper? So just seeing different points of where they came or how far it's just super cool to see. Yeah, it's and they're supporting, you know. Like I always thank them for supporting because without you guys, we wouldn't have this, you know. So it just keeps it going, and I'm always so thankful.
SPEAKER_00That's super cool. And um, being
Time Management And Business Endurance
SPEAKER_00that social media kind of started you off, it connects you. I know, like it is work, and like you said, you're doing it all yourself, and already know in your head you're thinking, like, oh, I gotta post today, I gotta make a video. Like, it's fun, but at some point it does feel like, oh, I gotta post today, I gotta make another video. How do you manage your time like with social media, your salon, your kids, your dog, your like I don't know. That's that's it. I I do know with now like the apps and stuff, like cut what is it, cap cut and stuff like that, makes it a little easier, but you it is a lot of work for sure.
SPEAKER_01How do I manage it all? I don't, I just do it, it it's more like it's on my time frame, and you're gonna get what you're gonna get. And honestly, it it's working. I don't know how to explain it, but so like randomly, I'm like in my brain, and to the team, we know that we're gonna have a sale this weekend, but we're so busy during the week that we don't have time to even make a post, or I don't have the time to make the post, but it's funny, like I'll post it the morning of and the turnout is amazing. I don't know what it is, so it's like if it works out, it works out. Most of the time it works out, but sometimes I'm like, oh, I didn't post about it, so nobody's even gonna know. So if no one shows up, again, you know, that's just my mindset. Like, oh, no one's gonna show up. I didn't get to market it and post it. But it the it always is a great turnout. I don't know how it works out, but again, it's it but also I guess managing everything, yes. When do I have time to even make the content? Normally early mornings or late nights, because during the day I don't got time.
SPEAKER_00I'm yeah, yeah, running around doing all kinds of things, but it's always in your mind, like, oh, like take a video, oh take a video, and then you can piece it all together later.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, exactly. Because it's like if I don't take a picture, it never happened, you know.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, that makes sense. I like your mindset. You have a lot of reasons why you do what you do, and that's kind of smart, especially running a business. Um, what would be something that people don't understand about running a business, not just your business, but business in general, like what people most people don't run businesses, so what people don't understand about how hard it is or how easy it is.
SPEAKER_01They don't know how much endurance you need for this. Holy shoot, you don't understand the long days, the early mornings, the late nights. It's a lot of freaking work. Um, yeah, but I guess I could say like it it is a lot of work, and to some it may not be to some, they don't understand they don't understand until you're in it. So I think it's actually doing it, yeah. You have to do it to understand it.
SPEAKER_00Yep.
SPEAKER_01It there's a lot of moving parts.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, and I feel like running a business, like any business, you have to stay consistent and with everything, like your drops, your social media, your pop-ups, like you can maybe oh I'm gonna I'm gonna take this one out or rest a little while, whatever, and then you can see the difference or feel the difference. How often do you do like new drops?
SPEAKER_01Dang. Um, before it used to be every single month, new print, whole new collection.
SPEAKER_00Oh wow.
SPEAKER_01Um but now with like the stores, it's been a little bit more challenging. So it's kind of whenever the next big thing is. Um there's no really time frame. It's literally just when it comes, it comes. Again, just kind of riding the wave. Um there's really no, there is deadlines, but not really like go with the flow. This whole thing is go with the flow. I don't know. I guess I can't stress that enough that there really isn't a set thing coming. It's when it's here, it's here. You guys want it, come and get it.
SPEAKER_00I like that. So it's not like oh, every third Friday we're doing a new drop or whatever. It's like, oh, like you gotta be, you gotta engage with me to know when it's coming. That's kind of smart too.
SPEAKER_01Yes, we definitely tell everyone like stay up to date with Instagram because that's where all the latest drops or news or updates are coming from. Just stay up to date. So I think that's what they gotta do. Stay on your toes.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, I was super surprised
Why Open Brick And Mortar Stores
SPEAKER_00and stoked that you opened a store in my hometown and at Winter Mall. And I didn't even know. I went up there and we're I was walking around the mall for something, and I seen it. I'm like, bruh, I think this is Mandy's sister's place. Uh she really did open a store. I messaged her, I'm like, hey, you're this is your sister's store. Like, she's like, Yeah, and I was like, Oh, that's so awesome. In this day and age, why would you open a brick and mortar? Because everything's online and you've been doing so success having so much success online. Why would you want like a brick and mortar versus just stay on the internet and stuff?
SPEAKER_01I think um that was the next step in the business as far as like I needed foot traffic, like cool, anybody can order online, and it is convenient for people to order online, but um, I was constantly doing pop-ups, and so pop-ups, I was putting myself in their, you know, communities or their hometowns, um, doing extra work just to get that exposure. Um, but now I guess okay, yeah, we're cool. We're we got content and now we're like, hey, what's next? Um, it was the foot traffic of the malls is what was necessary. And I don't know, even that too, it was like, hey, what mall? You know, um, but Winward was something like I I wouldn't say like always been a dream, but it was just like, whoa, wouldn't it be so cool if we had a store here? You know, it was just like funny thoughts that, but then it like actually happened, which was super crazy. And I think connecting back to everybody, you know, who who I know and who everybody else knows. Um, being at Winward Mall is pretty big time. The process to get into Winward Mall is pretty big time too. It's there's a lot involved to just become a part of the Windward Mall um Ohana. Like there is a lot to do to get in, and that's why I'm like, yeah, I'm legit. I'm there, we're there, we're there, you know, like it's pretty cool. Um and it's going and it's doing great. Like, yeah, I think that we need a little spice in the mall. It's a little, you know, it it's it needs something more, and so I feel like we're livening up um the place. Management says that they really like how like like bright and loud things are. Um yeah, and so we just try to keep it trending at the same time.
SPEAKER_00I agree, and I do like for Winter Mall, I like that our mall showcases a lot of local vendors, and I mean I know exactly what you're feeling because I we had an I know kill store in the mall, and I remember our first opening, and to step back and be like, Oh, I grew up in this mall and now I have a store in it, and yes, I have a picture standing on the um the counter, just like yeah, we're here. Like it's super, yeah, it's so cool. And I feel like get you getting in there had probably had a hard time because all the dumb shit that we did when we had a store there made them a little more uh have a little more discrepancy of local companies coming in there, but yeah, yeah.
SPEAKER_01You you made the contract long yes, guarantee.
SPEAKER_00We did, and we did all kind of weird stuff. We like we used to throw parties in there, and yeah. Oh, we um, who is the GM of Winter Mall? What's the GM's name now?
SPEAKER_01Currently, it's um Caesar or Gary Caesar, yup.
SPEAKER_00That guy, he was our GM too, and we had an ecosystem store in Waikele.
SPEAKER_01Wow, oh yes, yes, that's right. He said he had worked with there as well.
SPEAKER_00Watch out, he tries to raise a rent every now and then. Yeah, but um, like you said, it is a full circle moment, especially if you grew up on this side and seeing yeah, it's it's super cool, and I I felt I felt some kind of way just seeing your store in there, and I was like, wow, that's that's a big deal. Um, you opened one at Harbor, what is it, Harbor Center? And I hear yeah, I was just there where your shop is like a couple weeks ago. I had to get a um um one of my daughter's plaques for OC16 engraved. Oh that is like on the same uh like where you are, it's like uh um preschool too, right?
SPEAKER_01Like there's a lot, there's a Lot of businesses in there than you don't even know. Yes. There's so much in there.
SPEAKER_00So Mike's uh trophies and engravings is there. Shout out to him. So I had to go down there and I didn't even realize your store was right there.
SPEAKER_01Yes.
SPEAKER_00How has opening that store been? Which one was first?
SPEAKER_01Um, Harbor Center. So I guess dabbling into like the storefronts. I started at the beauty box at Harbor Center, where I shared a retail location with two other small businesses.
SPEAKER_02Oh wow.
SPEAKER_01So basically, like my products was there and um they had a shop girl run the the two different, or I guess three different businesses who was in there, me including the other two. Um, and I outgrew the space so quickly that I was just looking for something bigger. And I didn't ever think I was gonna open my own. Cause even like for the salon, I'm like, I'm never gonna open my own salon. I'm gonna continue to rent for forever. So same with the stores. I was like, oh, I just want to like rent for forever from somebody. I just don't like the legal things and all, but I mean, you gotta do it, you know? Yeah. Um, so I guess I was just browsing trying to see like what or where. And I really liked Harbor Center, so I stuck with it. And I just found another space that opened up on the other side. And I guess it's kind of hard to come by that there it's really rare to get a spot in there.
SPEAKER_00Oh wow.
SPEAKER_01There, yeah. Like you you either have to know somebody because if someone's moving out, another tenant is moving in. Kind of like they kind of all keep on taking over the whole like businesses keep on expanding within Harbor Center, that they just take over more or multiple units. Um, so I think that again, like the opportunity came, so I took it, and that's what it is, and that's how we got Harbor Center. Um, and it was it's it took time to grow, I feel like, you know, like yeah, I was very online based, and then building the in-person was a whole different ballgame. So then it became like 50-50. I had half online, half come in store, and now I think it's majority in-person. Oh wow, a lot of in-person. I online is okay, but we I guess it's just us where we scaled back on doing online um because we're so focused on doing the in-store. Okay. And that's kind of where we're at right now.
SPEAKER_00That's super cool. And that's good because uh, in my opinion, the way shopping is now is mostly online. And I mean, I do a lot, uh I do majority of mine online, other than like groceries and stuff, and it's because of the convenience, but for sure. I like going into like if I'm buying clothes, I gotta go and try it on and yeah, and see how it is. I think your brand is probably the same way. Okay, let's take a short moment and shout out our sponsor, Medicinal Mushrooms Hawaii. They are a locally based medicinal mushroom company, and right now they have five tinchers of extracted mushrooms that have a whole ton of medicinal properties. I take all five religiously. Uh, they have lion's mane, chaga, turkey tail, red raishi, and the newest one quarticeps. All five I take every single day. If you go on their website, medmushroomhigh.com. The website will explain exactly what each one of these mushrooms can do for your health and to make you a better person, uh, make you feel good, sleep good. I take all of them. The red raishi I take at night to go to sleep, quarterceps I take before I work out, and the rest I take in the morning with my coffee. And I can't say enough good things about them. If you go on their website, medmushroomhigh.com, and you want to get a mushroom, use promo code ATBPod Upon. Check out all capital letters, you'll get 45% off your entire purchase. So medmushroomhigh.com. Aloha, did you do you find your stores conflicting with each other? Like, oh, if like winners mall is doing good, then this one's not doing good, or vice versa, or is it like two separate entities where it's just growing both at the same time?
SPEAKER_01Um, I would say Winward Mall, it definitely has the foot traffic because it's in the mall. Harbor Center, people have to like they're they're putting that stop, like they're they're coming for a reason. Yeah, it's not like you're just strolling by and like, oh, let's go check this out. Like they have to add me into the schedule to come and make a stop at the store. So um when when people go to go to Harbor Center, it's for a reason, they're looking for something specific, whereas the mall, they're kind of just browsing by. So uh there's two different, you know, types of I guess clientele in that way or customers and what they're looking for. Um when uh I guess you could say I don't know, some days one does better than the other, but uh Winward is doing a lot better just because of the foot traffic, yes. But there are days that Harbor Center does better as well.
SPEAKER_00Oh, that's cool, that's super cool because you're right. Like to get to your store, you're not the one in Harbor Center, you're not just like strolling past it, like you gotta go there for a purpose, like you gotta know it's there, and you gotta know like it's all the way in the back, too, right? So it's yeah, it's yeah, you got you definitely are there for that. So that's that's cool. People are seeking you out purposefully, so that's super dope. What has been your most gratifying moments doing this company? Like what moments stick out in your head, like hitting a milestone or maybe uh interaction with a with a customer, like what has been some feel-good moments with your company?
SPEAKER_01I think every event is uh is a huge milestone. Like it just like kicks the adrenaline, and I want more. I'm like, hey, when's the next one? Let's plan it already, you know? Like it's super exciting as far as like if um yeah, say like so. Mary Monarch, it's it's a big one, you know. So looking forward to the next one already and just trying to plan ahead, um, and how we can even do better. So this past Mary Monarch, we did two locations, which was you know, double the inventory, double the staffing. So it was a really big one. And this is by far probably one of the biggest collections that we had launched. So again, it's just a lot to work with. Um, so that was a huge win, I guess. More recently. Um, being in Winward Mall was a huge win. So um one year after opening Harbor Center is when we realized, like, okay, like, you know, people are just coming here just because, you know, like it's not like steady foot traffic. So I think that that was the next step was getting into a mall. So choosing Winward Mall, um, that was a huge thing as far as having a huge store, too. Huge thing, huge store.
SPEAKER_00Um, that's a big one.
SPEAKER_01It was a big milestone. Um, but also at the same time opening Winward Mall, I opened at Ala Moana. What? So in the mix of all that, um, we had a kiosk at Ala Moana right outside the store.
SPEAKER_00Oh, okay, okay.
SPEAKER_01Yes. But to staff three locations, um an inventory for all of that, just managing it all was a lot for sure. Um, ala Moana was more of a seasonal thing. Um, but coming soon, we're opening us the an actual store in Ala Moana later this year.
SPEAKER_00What? Really? Yeah, yes. Oh, that's big time. That's big time. That's the biggest outdoor mall in the United States, right? Like that's insane.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah. And it's rated like one of the top yeah, foot traffic as well. So which area I can't pass out. Um, so Target Wing, where all the local businesses are.
SPEAKER_00That's so dope. That's really exciting.
SPEAKER_01Yes, it it is, it's so exciting, and it just to even think like how far ahead I have to plan for this, like signing a lease six months ago just for the ending of this year, you know, like so. It's a lot of um, yeah, I guess just planning ahead because we don't know what's coming and we're just gonna roll with it again. But we actually, we know, like we got to dabble into um how it was at Alam Wana, and it was great. The kiosk was okay, it was just the staffing and countertop space that was a challenge. But I think like being in a store, I can for sure get more things on the wall, and being in a store is a lot safer. That area that the kiosk was in was a little sketch, but my girls can handle.
SPEAKER_00Oh no, they're tough. You hit on the whole time.
SPEAKER_01There's all kinds, there's yeah, there's a wide variety, and you have to be well prepared for that.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, for sure. Girl, you're a franchise. That's a franchise. But the next move is what Vegas, you're gonna have to open something in Vegas.
SPEAKER_01I'm yet to even I I wanna let at least startup pop up over there, yeah.
SPEAKER_00Guarantee that's coming out.
SPEAKER_01Wow, yes, that'd be so cool.
SPEAKER_00You'll be in Maui and then guarantee Vegas, yeah.
SPEAKER_03Yes, all the islands, yes, yeah.
SPEAKER_00Wow, ala Moana, that's that's huge. Like the winter mall is super dope, but ala moana is like, okay, you this is it, this is the big one.
SPEAKER_01Yes, no, yeah. I'm just like, oh all these opportunities, so it's it's super exciting. I'm just like, okay, you know, like trying to plan out the best way of how to make it, you know. We don't know until it happens, so yeah, we're we're just rolling.
SPEAKER_00Congrats, that's so awesome. I'm blown away. That's big time. Well, I'll definitely ungo your grand opening. That's gonna be super dope. Yes, Papa's probably DJing it.
SPEAKER_01Yes, definitely. Let him know.
SPEAKER_00Wow, that's super cool. You've been working with uh Reese Resins?
SPEAKER_01Yes, he makes your cuts. Um, yes, we do. Uh, this is our second time like collaborating on the design. Oh no, um, and basically we're kind of just like taking both of our creativeness and throwing it uh in a print, and it's something that we both like love, and I think it's just uh our friendship too. Like, yeah, she's super I I didn't know her from before, yeah. It was just from oh really, and yeah, I it's strictly business and just meeting someone so solid, solid like her, and like having the same mentality and mindset, um, super down to earth. She's such a great person, and I yeah, I think that that's one thing that I'll take from you know doing the business part of things because there's not that much nice people out there, and she's very, very nice, you know. So I will always um appreciate her for being so kind to me, too.
SPEAKER_00That's awesome. Shout out to them, her and her husband Ranson. I've known for many years. I work with Ranson's brother, a bunch of events and stuff, and yeah, they're they're awesome people, and I'm glad you guys kind of you guys kind of have the same mentality betting on yourselves, making a business and running it, and just being consistent, and definitely that's super cool. You guys linking up that to do stuff, like you um are building a legacy. Where do you see this thing going? And like you said, it's it's a wave, and you're not really planning things out, but where if you were to kind of take us to the back and look, where would you want it to go? What would you kind of think in your head where you would want to take this brand?
SPEAKER_01Um I think it definitely hitting Vegas is the next thing. I think currently, um I will I just getting back into doing more pop-ups because we kind of took a pause because of the stores is like our main focus because we're open seven days a week. Um, so being able to do the pop-ups again is exciting, and I think it's the the traveling too, like getting putting ourselves out there for other people for exposure so that they there it's crazy how much people do not know this brand. And and then it's also crazy how much people do know, and I love to hear all their little stories on where and how and what they have and just the little connections that you make is what's really awesome. But as far as like uh what's next, I think um I don't know what is next. You know, I yeah, I can't I can't really pinpoint exactly what's next. It's what opportunity is coming, you know, like what whatever is getting thrown at us, we're ready, we're ready, armored up, ready like that.
SPEAKER_00Well, that's the best way to do things, and I think it's working for you. I know some people gotta have regimented, like you're just kind of like you said,
Staffing Leadership And Tone Delivery
SPEAKER_00riding the wave and just navigating it that way, and it's working. Um, are you always how hard is it to staff your stores with people that you you kind of gotta trust? Very hard.
SPEAKER_01Um a lot of family and friends help, and that's how we started, you know, with everything. Um, and as time goes on, like actually, you know what? For a lot of people, a lot of people, this is everyone's second job. Yeah, you know, so everyone has a full-time gig, and this is their second thing. So it's all of us coming together, making our second job work. Um, but yeah, trusting is a huge one, and finding the right people is another. So um it's been I guess that is that's been the challenge of staffing um from you from the beginning of what you were asking, of what the difficulties is um running a business, staffing is definitely super hard. Finding people who understand how this works is also another thing because being able, I think everybody can work well with me. Um, I I think I work well with everybody. Um, it's a matter of if everyone can work well together, with each other, other than you. Yeah, yeah, but it's yeah, girls are crazy that's why I'm like, can I can I duplicate myself or even quadruple, put me in 10 different places at once, you know? Like I I would love to also work with everybody all the time too, but it it's also not that easy. Um, managing personalities, I think, is another hard one. And yes, a lot of girls, yeah.
SPEAKER_00So you start becoming their mom or mentor or yes, yeah.
SPEAKER_01And we just gotta hold hands everywhere, all together, you know. But it it's trying to get them to understand, um, or a coach them, you know, to better themselves, even as a person, I feel like there's so much experience that they gotta go through to learn, or even just hustle, you know, like how much you have to understand that you gotta sacrifice this if you want this. Yeah, you know, you cannot stay stagnant on where you're at. Like, what are you gonna do for the rest of your life? You know, are you gonna just keep on doing what you're doing? Are you gonna grow? Are you content? You know, so I'm always wanting to help, help, help, help others. But if they don't want to help themselves and it we it doesn't work out, you know, and I think that's the big one too. Um just having the relationship with staff or you know, the team is important as well as having the relationship with the customers.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, very true. Do you spend a lot of your time in the stores physically, or are you kind of running it like in and out kind of thing, or you're like on the floor all the time?
SPEAKER_01A little bit of all of it, just depending on the day. Yeah. So some days I can be there all day and I I can be running the floor. There's some times where I gotta just pop in and pop out. I gotta do the things that I gotta do that not necessarily. It's just more things that you know, like I I have to do that they can't do, you know, just business owner type of things, I guess. Yeah. And then there's moments where I come in where I'm like, okay, this needs a coaching session, you know, like let's work on this. How can we help you get better? Okay, and I I feel like I'm very thoughtful to everybody, and I I do give a lot of chances, but I see the good. I always try to see the good in them that they can do it, you know, because same for me, like if I wasn't giving all given all these chances, how am I gonna get better? How is anybody get how is anybody gonna get better if you don't give them the chance to even grow, you know, or correct them to what they're doing? Like maybe they don't even know what they're doing wrong. Yeah, so that's something I feel like I had to learn too was um very vocal, very open communication. Uh I wasn't so comfortable about being confrontational, but now I am. Like I have to be, you know, like if something's bothering me, oh, you're gonna know. I mean, but I say I say it in a nicer way, you know, like it's not like I cannot um just uh say there's a certain way to tone and delivery, I guess is the way is to say it. There's a certain way you gotta say things to certain people for them to understand, for them to grow and be better from it, because you can you can say something so wrong and you can shut down the whole their whole person as you know, like their personality. So I feel like that's really important as like just a life skill. Yeah, you know, you're growing this person. Well, for I guess in this example, you're growing, I'm growing this person to help this business help me, help them. You know, you do good for me, you reap the benefits too. Yeah, so it's it's a connect the dots type of thing where I give you chance, you gotta you gotta show me and prove to me though.
SPEAKER_00All right, that makes sense. That's that's that's shows sign of a caring boss, and you seem like you're leading this company by example, like you're not just in the back, like you're engaging with customers and showing people how to do it. That's a sign of a true leader is leading by example, being in the front. Um what did you say? Tone and delivery. Did you just that is that what you just said?
SPEAKER_01Tone and delivery, yes. That's very important.
SPEAKER_00Implement that more with my daughter, because what you said, like sometimes I can have a great conversation with things that bother me, and it's so receptive, or I could yell at her, and like you said, they just shut down, and it's like now I'm talking to the freaking wall, and it's tone and delivery. And and if I get mad, or if I'm like my daughter does something dumb, and I gotta kind of guide her. My tone and delivery is either gonna make or break how receptive she is to what I'm trying to teach her, and that's that's definitely something I have to remember tone and delivery. I'm gonna I should write that shit down.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, well, because also you want to find the resolution to what the problem is, you don't want to just yell and be like, you did this, you did that, but like, okay, you yell at them, okay, let's sit down and talk. How are we gonna make this better between you and me? You know, like I guess you have to. I'm not just scolding not telling you how it is, but you know, just being the bigger person and like, okay, understand that this is what had happened. Now, what are we gonna do to get past this point? And how can we not how can we how can we prevent this from happening again and again? Yeah, you know, so it's a lot of that and learning everybody's personalities. Yes, so if someone is gonna shut shut out like that, like you have to know how to give the tone and delivery to that person. If someone doesn't understand, you gotta give them you you have to tell them how it is sometimes, even if the truth hurts, like yeah, it it it has to come out because if if it doesn't, and at that point too, I feel like I guess for me speaking personally, if you don't say what it is, um you know, like you feel the guilt in you. So like really. Releasing it gives some type of peace. You know, like I said what I said, this is I mean, but with reason too. Like I have a reason like why I'm feeling this way. So it's up to them to take it. And how they take it will be all on them, you know. And that's the growth that they have within as well.
SPEAKER_02That's super smart.
SPEAKER_00Well, girl, you own two stores, you're a hair salon, you have pop-ups going on. What do you do for fun? And when do you have time to have fun?
SPEAKER_01Um this is fun. I don't know. Like I I hang out with my friends uh at work, you know? Like I guess that's true. Work becomes life and then it it's fun. I mean, there's a heck of a lot of stress with it, that's for sure. But I think it's like the reward that comes with it. Um, I guess like cable, besides business and work, um, I love to eat. Um so eating, I think that's me and my husband's thing is like always eating anything, eating out. I mean, even cooking too. We love to cook. Okay. So anything. Um, spending time with our son is super fun. Um, in the mix of all that, yeah, we try to make family time as well. Or or they're coming along with me to, you know, work as but and then they're they're playing, I'm working, I come back, you know. So that's why I like I'm running around everywhere. Like I'll go to the store, hop around to do each location. Okay, come home, spend time with them. Um, you know, it it just it it's so far it's working, but definitely challenging for sure, not easy.
SPEAKER_00I I feel like um, like you said, communication is kind of the key, and I feel like you do have that, and I think that's the biggest key to most relationships is communication for sure. From what I'm learning, and I'm already like I'm on my second marriage, so I'm I gotta learn that sometime. Yes, but that is the key to any relationship, and I feel like you got that on lockdown just from how you described communicating to your employees. Um, shoot, we've been going for over an hour, and you're in kawaii. I know it's super cool.
SPEAKER_01I love it, yes.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, I think um being a woman boss is always inspiring to me because I have a daughter, and I want my daughter to have that same mindset, the same mentality, the same work ethic as some of my guests, even like with Reese and some other girls that come on my show. And I feel like girls like you are leading away and paving a way for the next generation to be able to uh bet on themselves to put in that same mindset and implement the work ethic behind it. And it's oh, she did it, I can do it. And I love telling these stories. I love having you guys on to share and kind of get uh like tap into your guys' mindset to see how it works and and why you do what you do and how and how you do it. And it's been kind of the similar every single one is like you guys believe in yourself, you guys put in the work, you guys kind of just don't stop and keep pushing forward. And I I I want my daughter to have those kind of attributes, so these these um conversations mean so much to me because of my daughter. So I'm super stoked you're down to come on that show. Yeah, I think um people girl, like if you if a young girl watches this, they'll get inspired. And I hope so. Guarantee, and like then you'll have some competition.
SPEAKER_03No, no, there's room for everyone at the table.
SPEAKER_00I agree, and I always felt like that. I feel like throwing shine at other people will never uh take away from mine.
SPEAKER_01So for sure, like super stoked that you're I wanna see people win, I wanna see people do big things. I'm yeah, uh yeah, you, me, we're willing to help.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, definitely. I love that, and that's pretty much what aloha is, right? And that's that's what um our whole community is based on, and we just gotta keep making it uh um live because it's not easy out there nowadays with these young kids, but with people like you inspiring, I think that's that's uh um it's gonna help the next generation get on the right track for sure. Well, where can people find you? Like Instagram, website, and all your information?
SPEAKER_01Instagram is gonna be Marn Zaza Hawaii. Our website is Marnzazagoodies.com, and then we have two locations. So one being at Harbor Center by Cutter Ford or Fabric Mart in that area, all the way in the back. And then we have Windward Mall, where the old hot topic used to be, and the salon. I mean, uh, I'm in the salon at Snip T salon in Kanyohi.
SPEAKER_00All right. Well, I appreciate you taking time while you're in Kauai getting ready to do a bunch of pop-ups. But thank you very much. Um, shakas for the cameras. Right on, we're out. Shout out to the artists from network. Aloha.
