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May 06, 2008
Here at HT, we were just blown away by the many wonderful women business owners we have spoken to in the last few weeks. Our greatest regret is that we can’t feature each and every one of the women-owned businesses of Maui. It’s a woman’s world, that’s for sure. Women are stepping up in every facet of the world today from government to the arts to business, and many of us are also mothers, wives, sisters and aunties – integral parts of the communities we live in.
It is an honor, especially in light of Mother’s Day, to tell you a little more about some of the businesses that advertise in this paper, and the women behind their success. Also, please check our website www.haleakalatimes.com, where these listings can found for future reference.
A-Z Bouncy Castles LLC
A-Z Bouncy Castles LLC is Maui’s newest inflatable party rental company.
Jennifer Moss, single mother of two, is the owner of the new bouncy biz – and she is enthusiastic and confident about her winning combination of quality, value, good customer service, and a lot of heart. “My children and their future are the primary driving force behind starting this business. The company is named after my two daughters: Adeline and Zaden.” (hence, A-Z).
Jennifer has made it a point to hire other family oriented people, both men and women, who understand that birthdays only come once a year, and that making it special for the family takes effort. Two of A-Z’s top employees are single parents supplementing their income on the weekends. The fact that most of A-Z’s employees are parents and totally “get it” means a lot to Jennifer, and her customers.
Jennifer is well-known on Maui for her work with various social service agencies, as well as her commitment to several community organizations, such as Kiwanis Club, and her participation in many local fundraisers. Jennifer has new waterslides and other inventory arriving mid summer: Check the website for A-Z’s current specials, and monthly giveaways for members of the birthday bounce club. 808-879-7520. www.bouncemaui.com.
Aloha Hidden Dog Fencing
Susan Hernandez found herself in Maui on 1983, invited by friends to help them with their restaurant business. She arrived fresh out of college, with $800 in her pocket. She’s been here ever since.
Aloha Hidden Dog Fencing began in 2002 when Susan bought the business from a girlfriend. She purchased the dealership license for Maui with one of those zero percent interest credit card checks they send in the mail. Susan is an animal person so this business fits her – dogs seem to know when she comes on the property that she’s there to help them.
“Being my own boss means I can make my own schedule. It also means I probably work harder, but I’m happier trying to please dogs than corporate executives.”
Aloha Hidden Dog Fencing also supports the efforts of the non-profit shelters (both cats & dogs) and has done a few rescues. Just the other day she rescued a dog sitting by the highway in the middle of a thunderstorm. Kicking off her high heels and wading through a river of water, Susan carried her back to the car. “That was pretty funny. I don’t know who was more soaked and muddy, the dog or me! We were both pretty happy to be out of the rain.” 808-575-2275. www.alohahiddenfence.com
Animal Care Hospital & Wellness Center
Dr. Cindy Krach and her husband Dr. Dennis Brown are the veterinarians at Animal Care Hospital and Wellness Center in Kula. This is no ordinary veterinary clinic – Animal Care is a full-service veterinary hospital with state of the art equipment. Dr. Krach graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1990, and worked in an animal ER for a year, then spent about a year and a half at small clinic, before moving to Maui in 1992. She and Dr. Brown opened the Animal Care Hospital and Wellness Center in 1994, in a neighborhood surrounded by ranchland, and they have been an integral part of the community ever since. Providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care for a wide range of our animal friends – from companion animals to livestock, the staff take a preventative approach to animal wellness, including recommending routine testing and medication to ensure pets’ optimal health. The friendly and gentle folks at this animal hospital pay attention to all the health concerns that may arise – even those you may not first think of. Education is also an important factor at this clinic – they offer information and classes for animals and their humans. With 24 hour emergency services, a lab, radiology, ultrasound and a pharmacy, The Animal Care Hospital can offer your pets the care they need, without leaving the island! 808-876-1000.
Bohemia Boutique
Maggie Bijl graduated from the Illinois Institute of Art, Chicago, with a degree in Fashion Design in 2002. She came to Maui soon after, living in Lahaina with her best girlfriend, painting Henna tattoos by day, creating swimwear each night, and learning how to surf every moment in-between. Her time on Maui was not nearly long enough; about a year after arriving, Maggie had to go back to Chicago – her mother was terminally ill with brain cancer and needed a caretaker. After spending six months in Chicago, Maggie moved to Los Angeles to design swimwear for Nautica.
But Maggie missed Maui and the life she had left behind almost three years prior. She moved back, this time to the North Shore. After designing for Tamara Catz as well as for herself, she decided to buy an existing business. Bohemia (a small resale shop) was transformed into Bohemia Boutique vintage couture and contemporary consignment. The boutique features upscale designer fashions and unique vintage treasures, showcasing Maggie’s own designs, as well as those of local designers/artists. Soon after, the boutique relocated to Wailuku, fitting right in with the small town’s eclectic diversity. An active member of the Wailuku Community Association, Maggie’s boutique is an ever-evolving treasure for you to discover anew each time you visit. 808-244-9995.
Designing Wahine
Lisa Payne has been in the retail business in Hawaii for 25 years. When her children were young, she focused on offering quality children’s products and cotton clothing through her stores here on Maui: Sandkastle Kids and Upcountry Kids. As her children grew, so did her focus, and she started designing and producing much of her own merchandise. The upcountry store eventually evolved into ‘Designing Wahine,’ which until recently was located in The Courtyard in Makawao. Over the years they have carried many wonderful locally-designed products to satisfy all the senses. From artisan foods to fabulous children’s items and luxurious linens, Designing Wahine has built a following of loyal customers. Lisa’s family’s passion has always been surfing, and through their family surfing trips to Indonesia, Lisa was exposed to the amazing creativity and talents that the beautiful Balinese people display, and realized she could create a wonderful ‘synergy,’ by supporting business in their local villages, and by sharing what they do with the people here on Maui... from exquisite hand-carved furniture to stone carvings, home accessories, woven handbags, jewelry, tabletop decor and linens... they just needed a larger location. In December of 2007, they were able to move into the old “Hearth and Leisure” building on Baldwin Ave and expanded into the “Designing Wahine Emporium” you see today. Lisa and her knowledgeable staff look forward to welcoming you to their new ‘home’ in the heart of Makawao Town. 808-573-0990.
Elise Clothing
Bethany Gingerich first came to Maui on vacation, to visit family who live here. She fell in love with the island, returned after three months to “try it out,” and is still here three years later. She loves secondhand stores of all kinds, and the unique shopping experience that is found there. Inspired to open her own store, she joined forces with her boyfriend, signed a lease and got started. “I enjoy being a business owner because I can decide how my world will look – from the style of my store to the direction my business will grow in. I’m inspired by the natural beauty of Maui and the casual lifestyle here. I like clothing that makes me feel good, and that’s what I strive to carry in my store. I have no need to look proper or buttoned up – I’d rather be breezy and flowy any day! Natural and relaxed is my style.” Elise Clothing Company has bloomed in Kahului. They feel blessed to be able to donate clothing to various charities around the island. “It’s nice to know these items are going to people who would not be able to afford them otherwise. We feel good about helping people improve their confidence and in the long run, we hope it helps them in finding and maintaining jobs, and supporting themselves and their families.” 808-893-5473. www.eliseclothingcompany.com.
Green Ti
One source of inspiration for Laura, the co-owner of Green Ti Boutique & Massage, is that we all have something beautiful to offer, something that speaks to us and in turn touches others. “When we are true to ourselves and follow our hearts, we become open to new opportunities, explore new ideas, and deepen our life experience. This is what Green Ti has done for me.”
It was a dream in the making for as long as Laura can remember. Since the age of 12 she has been passionate about alternative medicine. Attending massage school at the age of 17, she then moved to Maui and continued to explore many different practices, such as Qigung, Yoga, Reiki, and Acupuncture. It was at this point that Laura started to imagine a center for healing, a place that people could go for quality natural health care and gentle assistance on their own unique path to wellness. Green Ti offers this through Massage and Acupuncture Services, Nutritional and Herbal Counseling, herbs, teas, aromatherapy and natural spa products. She found a welcoming community in historic downtown Wailuku. The quaint studio on Market Street embodies the passion and integrity of all pathways to health and wellness, providing an affordable alternative for our Maui family. 808-242-8788.
Hanzawa’s
Hanzawa’s Store in Haiku is an institution on Maui, and a landmark in rural Haiku. The true “country store” has been open almost continuously since it was founded by Tetsuji Hanzawa in 1915. That is pretty amazing, considering how times (and the needs of their customers) have changed. But Hanzawa’s has remained reliable, consistent and involved in the community through two wars and a devastating fire in 1974. Family members and employees have always pitched in to keep this store, which a valuable community resource, open for business. The most recent family member to take the reins is Sandy Daniells, who returned to Maui to operate the store in 1989, after living on Oahu and working as a nurse at Queen’s Medical Center. Sandy works with an all-woman management team: office manager Janella Nelson and store managers Pat Caires and Shauna Silva. The store staff is about 80 percent women, and many are long time employees – some have been working for Hanzawa’s for over 20 years. That says a lot about this small family-run business. The store is a one-stop shop – literally. You can leave Hanzawa’s with a new pair of Levi’s, locally-grown produce, groceries, a full tank of gas, and a six pack of your beverage of choice. Why drive all the way to town, when everything you really need is right here? 808-572-8337.
Holiday & Co.
Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Isabelle Buell traveled the world and settled in Maui in 1980. In the beginning, she worked at Maui Girl in Paia, and a few years later she took a job at Holiday and Co. in Makawao. After a time, the owners of the store decided to sell – and asked Isa if she would be interested in buying the business. In 1995, she became the owner of the small boutique, located in the heart of Makawao – right at the intersection of Makawao Ave and Baldwin Ave in the historic K Matsui Store building.
Over the years the store has evolved to reflect Isa’s relaxed, classic style. Featuring clothing lines Organic, Common Thread and Calypso, Isa also has a wide selection of unique pieces that she has collected or created on her travels. From hand made shoes to luxe leather bags, skin care, and pareos, Isa has managed to create a boutique filled with beautiful and interesting items. She has a selection of home accessories that are tasteful and understated, and a wide range of books, from cookbooks to children’s stories, scattered throughout the store to browse or purchase. Holiday and Co. is an extension of Isa herself – warm, friendly, welcoming, interesting and diverse. 808-572-1470.
Kila Kila Employer Services
Carole Kooy came to Maui in 1990 for vacation, to visit her two sons and friends. Carole was introduced to Rob Kooy during that vacation, and they fell in love... within the year, Carole moved to Pukalani. Working as a mobile accountant, she offered bookkeeping services all over the island. Then one of Carole’s construction clients encouraged Carole to open an “Employee Leasing” business, in order to benefit from the group workers comp. policy. Carole obtained her federal and state tax ID numbers and started workers comp., TDI, and health insurance policies. Majestic Corporation Of Maui, dba Kilakila (“Majestic”) Employer Services began business in February 1997, and started payroll for some of her bookkeeping clients with just one internal employee. Eleven years later, Carole has 25 internal employees servicing over 150 clients on all of the Hawaiian islands. In addition, Carole has started Majestic Insurance Agency and an outsource safety consulting business: Workforce Assurance. With her services, Carole has become an important resource for small business owners, allowing them to focus on growing their business while Carole and her staff take care of the time-consuming details and paperwork involved in being an employer. Recently, Carole was also elected to the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce, and Carole was also recently named the 2008 SBA Woman in Business Champion. 808-873-0883. www.kilakila.com.
The Love Shack
Lila Sherman, owner of The Love Shack in Kihei, came to Maui more than sixteen years ago, and since her arrival she has been changing (and improving!) people’s personal lives with her products, knowledge, infectious humor and enthusiasm, both in her shop and at her Love Shack home parties for women. The Love Shack started with a table, metal shelf, and a rack for lingerie in a corner of a shop in the original Aloha Market. Since that tiny start, she has been honored as a nominee for “Maui Retailer of the Year” by the Maui Retail Merchants Association two years in a row. The Love Shack has also been named Maui’s Best Adult Store and Lingerie shop many times. (Mauiqueen.com even lists it as a “favorite shop on Maui”). Located in Kihei Kalama Village for the past six years, The Love Shack helps couples connect with each other, empowers women, and offers life-changing tips – plus, of course, lingerie, lotions, potions and things that make motions. A busy mother and grandmother, Lila Sherman has been impacting and enhancing lives as a sex educator for almost 30 years. The store (and Lila’s) motto is: “Love is a piece of cake and we have ALL the frosting!!” Come on in and have a “taste!” 808-875-0303. www.loveshackmaui.com.
Maui Stuffed Animal Shelter
Since October of 2007, The Maui Stuffed Animal Shelter has been traveling around to various events on Maui, with a portable stuffing machine and an ever-expanding selection of animals waiting to be adopted. The Maui Stuffed Animal shelter is ready to go holo holo and bring the party to you! The stuffing machine is a party activity and party favor – all in one. The shelter provides animals with outfits that fit the theme of the party, from sports to aloha-wear. Every animal comes with a personalized adoption certificate that makes a great keepsake. The party guests are allowed to operate the stuffing machine, so they are involved from start to finish in the creation and adoption of their new companion. Business packages are available for stores that would like to increase revenue with a stuffing station, and there are fundraising programs available for team sports, schools, churches and other organizations. This locally owned and operated business is now affiliated with the Maui Humane Society’s “Animals with Aloha” program, donating a percentage of funds from every dog or cat stuffed animal sold. You can see Maui Stuffed Animal Shelter in action at the Keiki Kokua benefit this month, and the Upcountry Farm Fair in June! holoholobear@yahoo.com. 808-214-6082.
Offices of Mastroianni, MD
At the offices of Rob Mastroianni MD, we pride ourselves in providing our patients with the best healthcare possible, but there is the practice of medicine and then there is the business of medicine. Just like any other business, we have bills to pay, payroll to meet and invoicing to do. This is where a dedicated team of women professionals support the medical team by staying on top of the thousand and one things that need to get done in any medical office.
At Reception we have our head receptionist, Ravan Pavao, who ensures that faxes are distributed, referrals made and appointments booked. All the while answering the constantly ringing telephones and laughing with our patients. She is ably assisted by Terry Downs, Joann Lopez and Tish Holt.
Medical insurance is a minefield of rules and regulations and we are fortunate to have Daya Stout as our Office Administration Assistant. She oversees the accounts receivables, patient accounts and general office administration. She is assisted by Michele Dale form MD Billing Services who ensures that our billing is sent out and monies collected.
If you have ever seen a medical coding book you will certainly understand that it takes a person with great attention to detail to marry up the office procedures with the correct billing code. Lori Sitzwohl of Akamai Billing provides excellent medical coding for our office.
Susi Mastroianni rounds off the Administration team by doing the Human Resources, Accounts Payable and overall Office Management.
Our team of dedicated nursing staff ensure that vaccines are recorded, the tests you need are done and medical records are kept up to date. Our exceptional team is headed up by Dawn Ray RN and supported by Christina Kealoha and Joann Lopez.
So the next time you see one of our providers, know that there is a whole team of dedicated ladies ensuring that our doors stay open and you stay healthy. 808-573-8900.
Pink By Nature
Desiree Martinez has worked all over Maui, selling swimwear, planning weddings, and designing flower arrangements, but always held onto her dream of owning her own store. A single mom, Desiree was inspired by her mother (also a single mom) who had a classic, simple style. When her mother passed away, Desiree decided to open the store of her dreams, a boutique that her mother would have been proud of. And so, Pink by Nature found it’s home in a cottage in the center of Makawao town, and opened its doors in February of 2004. Carrying a range of lines for women, some of Desiree’s favorite designers are Ella Moss, Free People, and the locally-designed Fighting Eel. You will also discover a children’s section in one corner, with a window seat looking out over the trees. These clothing and gift items for infants and toddlers – hip t-shirts, satin carseat covers, and antique print wall hangings all make wonderful gifts for showers and special occasions. Throughout the store, you will also find a wide selection of gifts, from delicate pearl salt and pepper shakers to blooming gardenia candle holders. Pink by Nature is a great spot to find a gift for moms, mothers to be, and girls who just want to have fun! 808-572-9576.
Simply Delightful
Maile Davis is known for throwing great birthday parties for her kids – she’s had a lot of practice! As a mom to three girls, there is always something to celebrate. And at each of her parties, her friends would tell her “you should be a party planner!” One day, she called her girlfriend Vanessa and said “I have this idea...” Simply Delightful’s concept is to make celebrating easier for parents, without breaking the bank. For birthdays, Maile and Vanessa organize a fun, safe, and affordable party. They have also got the supplies on hand to whip up last minute goodie bags for classroom celebrations, and can deliver them (along with cupcakes and anything else you request) right to school at the time you specify. For parties at home or away, they arrive with whatever you need for your perfect party. From decorations to food to games and activities, these two moms know what it takes to throw a successful and memorable affair.
They have recently expanded their services to include deliveries to hotels for visitors, and there are plans in the works for “grown up parties” as well. Maile and Vanessa look forward to planning each and every Simply Delightful event! 808-385-3176. www.simplydelightfulevents.com.
Sugarcane Clothing
When Nicki Peterson turned 30, she drove all over the island looking for something fun and sexy to wear for her birthday night out on the town. She had a difficult time finding what she wanted, and had to get things from several stores. She started tossing around the idea of Sugarcane Clothing Co. after that experience. Nicki began asking friends where they shopped, and found that overwhelmingly the answer was Macy’s or Ross – both of which are fine but not exactly known for sexy. She had found a niche – no one was catering to women that wanted to buy a whole outfit – shoes and accessories included – at one store that also offered a fun and personal environment in which to shop affordable. And no one was specializing in sexy!!! Sugarcane is the go-to boutique for fabulous women who are self confident. Nicki carries many locally produced items, as well as environmentally responsible ones from the mainland. “Being a business owner is something I’ve always wanted to be. I also like the connection to the town of Pa‘ia that it gives me. When we moved to the island, we were living in Kihei but knew that we wanted to do something in Pa‘ia. We just love the town and are so happy to be a part of it!!!” 808-579-8760.
Traci Bean – Nu Beauty
Traci Bean was practically brought up on the beach in Lahaina enjoying all that Hawaii has to offer. Being sunburned on several occasions, she tried everything under the sun to correct the damage that occurred – there was not much emphasis on sun protection back then! With that, she found her calling…Esthetician! A graduate of Lahainaluna High School and Trendsetters BeautyCollege, Traci loves working with the skin , studying how it is structured and how to Repair it. As a part of the original spa team for the Hyatt’s Spa Moana, Traci enjoyed creating new facial and body treatments and researching new and exciting skin care lines. Moving forward, Traci decided to go out on her own, opening Nu Beauty in the medical spa of Dr. Leonard T. Yu’s Plastic Surgery Center-Maui,incorporating pre and post surgical skin care into Dr. Yu’s client care program.
Traci’s primary goal is to educate the public about skincare and protection from our beautiful Hawaiian sun. Traci’s motto is Protect, Protect, Protect!!!!. Starting a good skin care regimen at a young age will have serious benefits in maintaining healthy skin for a lifetime. Traci believes it’s all about taking care of the whole body. Relaxation and wellness come from within and can radiate youthfulness you see on the outside. 808-871-9791.
UpCountry Realty
UpCountry Realty is a boutique style, real estate specialty office founded in 2003 by owner Janet L. Anderson-Pung. Approximately 95 percent of their clientele comes from past client referrals and repeat business. “It’s their confidence in us that keeps our doors open.” Jan has been helping Maui buyers and sellers since 1994, she’s been past winner of the Aloha Aina Realtor’s Choice Award, is recognized for her honesty and fair dealings with others, and has assembled a stellar team of associates working with her at UpCountry Realty. “We try and keep our overhead low so that our clients benefit by way of reduced commission expenses.” This philosophy, along with doing a great job, has been a great formula for success. Each UpCountry Realty Associate is encouraged by Jan to perform volunteer work as often as possible. “There’s no better way to show our appreciation for our clients than by giving back our time, energy and money to the community.” Mrs. Anderson-Pung is current Secretary on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity Maui where she’s been a Board Member since 1999. Habitat is completing their 30th home build on Maui this year. “I truly believe in the mission of Habitat which is to provide clean, safe, affordable housing for Maui families by giving a hand up... not a handout.” 808-573-5600. www.upcountrymaui.com.
Vasi’s – Pan Restaurant
From a very young age Vasi has had a love for cooking. She learned to cook and bake in her grandmother’s kitchen in Greece. After college her travels led her to Europe, where she continued to study the culinary arts. Upon returning to Los Angeles, Vasi catered for many celebrities from the film and music industry, and at famous health retreats. A thriving catering business was born out of this success. Vasi moved to Maui in 1992 where she worked with the Hawaii Regional Cuisine Chefs, traveling through out the state and shaping her talent in this unique cuisine. In 2004, Vasi developed a line of products for Costco derived from her popular catering menus, featuring specialty dips and baked goods. In 2007, Vasi opened her restaurant, Pan – A Mediterranean Bistro, combining her talents in Mediterranean and Pacific culinary delights. Open for lunch and dinner, Pan is located in the Haiku Town Center on Kokomo Rd, and now features both indoor and covered outdoor dining areas. Vasi’s, a deli-style take out venue, is just around the corner in the same building, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Two great locations serving fresh, inspired food for everyone. 808-575-9101. www.vasigourmetcatering.com.
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