SHE WOOD GO

If you thought you could and felt you should, do you think you would? The answer was yes, and Leinani Hong’s wood-working and engraving small business She Wood Go was born.

She Wood Go adds beautiful custom laser engravings to on-demand tumblers, creates decorative items for the home and office, has made coasters and wooden plates - the inventory of possibilities is endless with this mom’s creativity.

Having recently purchased a home on Maui, Leinani was inspired to make decorative pieces to support her daughter’s learning of the Hawaiian language while in first grade. She created educational shape cards and play sets with 'Ōlelo No'eau (Hawaiian proverbs), and soon it expanded into beautiful pieces for the kitchen, the office, the living room, and more. If you can imagine it, Leinani may be able to help manifest your vision.

Getting into business and self-employment became an option for Leinani when work slowed down during the pandemic. “I was pretty happy at work,” as she described the excellent and supportive staff at the Kaunoa Senior Center, a senior-care program by the County of Maui. But she couldn’t escape the “ooh’s” and compliments when others saw her products.

“Where did you get that? I love it!”

“Oh, I made it.”

And there goes another sale. 

Through her participation in the "Open For Business" program's Cohort 2, offered by YWCA Oahu/MCBL's Power Up Your Business, Leinani gained invaluable knowledge and skills. This comprehensive program empowered her with the essential tools to thrive in the digital landscape, from website design and development to digital marketing strategies.

Opportunities have opened since then, and Shop YWCA is proud to be a part of it!

“This business journey challenged me and pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Leinani said. “As cheesy as it sounds - if you believe in yourself, if you have the passion for what you love and are capable of doing it, you gotta’ go!”

We love amazing and empowered women like Leilani and hope the best for her business. Don’t forget to check out the shop to see her available items.

Shiyana Wainscoat wanted to do something to save the bees in her neighborhood. She started a hive with her family after learning about colony collapse disorder, where adult honeybees simply disappeared from hives. But Shiyana, along with her husband Richard, who are both educators, with their son Roen, took on the steep learning curve to raise a backyard apiary and turn it into a buzzing small business.

Kailua Honey was born. The entire ohana got involved from harvesting and maintenance, bottling, labeling and with shipping and distribution. They now offer a line of infused honey and honey nut butters with macadamia nuts.

“Small business entrepreneurs are jugglers who don’t quit,” Shiyana said. “A willingness to learn and evolve is a must, such as being able to listen to veterans in the industry.”

Like how busy bees work, Shiyana said there are “no days off” when there’s passion in what you do. And just like how honey bees are essential in the local economy, Kailua Honey is also proud with its local partners, where they source ingredients such as vanilla beans from Laie and macadamia nuts that are grown, roasted and packaged in Hawaii.

It is part of the business’ mission to help the community lead healthier lives by educating them on the healing properties of raw honey. Shiyana and her family don't tire of sharing their stories in several pop-up markets. “It was amazing to see our product on store shelves, but there’s no better feeling than when someone tries a Kailua Honey product and you see their face light up,” she said.

We are excited to have Kailua Honey partner with Shop YWCA - get their products right here!

“Many women are willing to help their sisters navigate the obstacles that are thrown at small businesses,” Shiyana said. “Build local partnerships and collaborate with other businesses in your community. Surround yourself with women (and men!) who will say good things about your business in a room full of opportunities.”

That’s what we’re all about, Shiyana. Empowered women empower women.

Jean is a graduate of YWCA Oahu’s Launch My Ecommerce program, provided by the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership, and funded through the Wells Fargo Open for Business grant. The program was created to educate small business owners needing to transition their business online through a cohort focused on how to build a Shopify ecommerce website with hands-on labs facilitated by industry experts to provide technical and legal support.

Her goal was to sell quality handmade pet dresses that are beautiful, well-made and yet affordable! Now that some of her products are featured right here on Shop YWCA, they can make perfect gifts for fur babies, which are easy to put on and clean, and will definitely add a little more bounce and color during your walks.

But Jean’s story goes way back in 1991 in the municipality of Lagonoy in Camarines Sur, Philippines. She met her husband then, and they decided to begin a new chapter of their life together in Hawaii. 

Jean faced challenges as an immigrant, and often missed her hometown and family back home. She endured microaggressions and stereotypes, but with encouragement from her supportive husband and daughter, she persevered to become successful in her career. 

Oftentimes, she also wondered if she’ll ever get the chance to witness all the beautiful sites in the Philippines and in the world, so she traveled whenever she could. 

Jean found a love for travel and found it frustrating to have limited vacation days at a financial institution where she worked. So after 25 years of working, she decided to retire from her 9-to-5 and realize her dream of becoming a business owner and The Island Pooch was born.

The inspiration was her own little “resident island pooch” bichon frise, Angel Marie.

Angel loved the Hawaiian-print dresses her mom hand-made for her, and with many compliments received, Jean decided to spread more joy with her “slice of paradise” to other fur baby mommies.

Every piece of Island Pooch garment is hand sewn by Jean. The care she puts in every stitch was inspired by her mom who was a self-taught seamstress by profession. Jean said her mom was very passionate with her work, which is why the same dedication is poured into every garment produced in the business.

“Dogs are more than just companions,” said Jean. “They can help you grow and heal with the joy they bring, which is why they deserve care.”

In addition to pet dresses and accessories, The Island Pooch also offers recycled items made from fabric scraps transformed into throw pillowcases, aprons, pouches and more.

Find some of The Island Pooch's collection right here in Shop YWCA!