What are some hard lessons you had to learn in becoming a female powerhouse?

A hard lesson I had to learn was not being afraid to fail. I think growing up we are conditioned to strive for perfection. My career has taken me through so many amazing experiences. I’ve had the privilege of working and learning from some remarkable leaders, who have pushed me to step out of my comfort zone. I now understand that failing is a part of the journey. It’s about how I bounce back and how it helps me grow as a person and leader. Looking back at my career, I realize that everything ebbs and flows. At times, I’ve had to trust my instincts, be flexible and put in the time and hard work to make things happen. I’ve also surrounded myself with great people who are there for me as I am for them.

What is one of your proudest accomplishments in this career?

The Hawaiian Pie Company has been a dream for over twenty years. When we opened our doors in 2014, we knew we had an excellent product; but, we were launching a new brand into the marketplace. I knew it was going to be challenging. Yet, if we could get people to try the product, they would love it. With no marketing budget, we turned to social media and used our in-store experience to create conversations with people and connect on more than just pie. Everyone talks about how difficult it is to do business in Hawaii, but what’s not mentioned is how incredible our community is at lifting each other up if you create a space for that to happen. Our family is a witness to that magic, because through the years our customers and their word of mouth are what has helped us grow into where we’re at today. This is by far my proudest accomplishment—establishing a brand that represents Hawai‘i, connects with people and extends beyond the walls of our shop. We are more than pie makers. We are also storytellers and stewards of our family’s legacy.

What wardrobe choices make you feel the best in your workplace on the day-to-day?

I need to be comfortable and be able to transition from office work to jumping on the production line. Prior to starting this business, I had a full closet of business attire, and I have to be honest; I get more done in jeans and a Hawaiian Pie Company t-shirt than I ever did in a pantsuit.

What do you do for self-care?

My mornings start with meditation, affirmations and a gratitude session before I head out the door. This practice helps me reset and focus on the day ahead. With the hours that we keep, I try to get as much sleep as possible. The Calm app really helps put me in a good place, and typically I’ll fall asleep pretty quick once I put it on.

How do you overcome fear?

Fear can be an emotional roller coaster if you allow it to take over your life. For that reason, I look for a quiet space to sit and assess what is going on. I like to write things down to keep me focused and it helps me review the issue at hand. I am then able to map out a positive way to overcome these feelings.