One in a series of profiles of new small businesses in Hawai‘i that have launched since the pandemic shutdown began Crisis can open a window of opportunity. Panda General Store is a grocery delivery service formed by three friends whose…
Many kamaʻāina want to support local businesses, especially now during the pandemic, and a new portal aims to make that easier.
One in a series of profiles of Black-owned businesses across the Islands Elite Prep Hawaii founder Seleena M. Harkness-Lee aspires to provide the guidance she wishes she had as a teen. Harkness-Lee describes herself as an educational consultant, coach, teacher…
One in a series of profiles of Black-owned businesses across the Islands Hawaiʻi offers more than just great local and Asian foods. Le Crêpe Café is an excellent example. Soufiane Bouharkat grew up in Paris, where he had memorable experiences…
Flower shops and other floral businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, but they’re innovating to serve customers – and hoping that flowers remain an important part of local celebrations and people's lives Parts of Hawai‘i’s flower industry were…
One in a series of profiles of new small businesses in Hawai‘i that have launched since the pandemic shutdown. Since graduating from UH Mānoa in 2014, Tina Wang says, she has dreamed of bringing her favorite ramen to Hawaiʻi’s rich…
One in a series of profiles of new small businesses in Hawai‘i that have launched since the pandemic shutdown. COVID-19 raised stress levels as uncertainty spread across the world, and the stay-at-home orders that followed left people restless. Rare Cannabinoid…
One in a series of profiles of new small businesses in Hawai‘i that have launched since the pandemic shutdown. An international pandemic hitting just as you launch an independent business may seem like an insurmountable barrier. Noelani Yoshino is ready…
Building an Empire, One Loaf of Bread at a Time. We don’t need to tell you that La Tour Café is the destination for people in search of delicious breads, macarons, kouign amann, and French dip sandwiches. What you may…
What has been your company’s latest pivot or innovation? Aiea Copy Center was fortunate to be designated an essential service provider which allowed us to avoid a shutdown. But it has not been easy. Sales dropped 70% in April. Our…
First in a series of profiles of new small businesses in Hawai‘i that have launched since the pandemic shutdown Blane Nishizawa’s secret to success is adaptability. Nishizawa’s newly opened Noods Ramen Bar began as a pop-up out of his McCully…
The coronavirus pandemic has forced many local restaurants to pivot their business models or risk closing for good. Here’s a look at how restaurants have changed and how they are preparing for their new normal. It was common to see…
Please describe how Nalu Health Bar & Café will return to your physical locations. We decided to reopen one location at a time to make sure all new safety procedures were being followed and adapted. We opened our South Shore…
Please describe how and when you are conducting your return to your offices, stores, warehouses or other physical locations. Global Village originally targeted June 1 as an opening date based on government proclamations in April; however once given the go…
What has been Belle Surf Café’s latest pivot or innovation? Even as we saw the writing on wall, COVID-19 hit us hard. With a quick stop to tourism in Maui and with the unknown risk, we had no choice but…
Please describe how and when you are conducting the return to your stores. Crosscourt Hawaii opened for business at our flagship location in Kaka‘ako, with a modified schedule on May 15, and will continue to run a modified schedule until…
How are you coping amid COVID-19 crisis? I had just signed a lease on a 17,000 square foot space in Kaka‘ako when the pandemic hit. This is my second endeavor and I had put a year and all my savings…
How have you been able to continue your core mission(s)? At Kilo Books Hawaiʻi our core mission aims to strengthen family bonds through the native Hawaiian practice of kilo. Since the school closures, I think the value of learning and…
How has your organization been able to continue its core mission(s)? Koosh Media has been able to continue its core mission of helping local businesses grow with technology. We did this by running targeted online campaigns to reach new businesses…
What has been Marina Florist’s latest pivot or innovation? We immediately created a food gift basket and grocery shopping delivery program, courier and moving services, on top of our normal offerings. Basically, if it fits in our mini cargo van,…
What has been Watanabe Floral’s latest pivot or innovation? Right now, it is more understanding the unpredictability of this situation and figuring out how we stay relevant and solvent as we navigate this process. The first thing is using our…
What has been Websites with Aloha’s latest pivot or innovation? At the beginning of the crisis, as everyone was gaining their footing and our workload was low, we were exploring some new design tools that would enable us to build…
What has been Banán’s latest pivot or innovation? We have recently partnered with local Chef Mama T to roll out Kalo/Ulu based soups and stews for takeaway. As individuals and families have been challenged over the past month to get…
These steps are essential for keeping your business top-of-mind during the pandemic.