What are your thoughts on aging?

When you’re young, you think of aging as getting old.  However, climbing the ladder in age tends to change your perspective.  Each decade in your life is another chapter.  One of adventure, lessons, opportunity, and growth.  With each chapter comes moments to reflect and apply what you’ve learned.  Thatʻs called wisdom.  Every decade is an occasion to gain your pearls.  I hope that the imperfections in my pearls when strung with my love, passion, dedication, and intentions, will add character to my necklace and transform it into a uniquely beautiful expression of my legacy.

Younger women, might think that it’s scary getting older. What wonderful things can women look forward to at your age?

It just keeps getting better!

Share tips on how you celebrate yourself, what you do for fun, and self care.

I donʻt celebrate myself enough, but when I do it could be something like getting a pedicure, traveling, shopping, and lunch with the girls. Going to the beach helps me to reset.  To hear the ocean, feel the Tradewinds, and taste the salt on my lips is relaxing.  This is where I can turn the chatter off and have gratitude for the simple things in life, the beauty that surrounds me, and just be thankful.  I also enjoy spending time with my cousins.  Itʻs important for me to have those relationships.  Weʻre getting older and as our parents pass, we only have each other.

Share one experience or piece of advice that would lift other women up and empower them.

I powered through some family struggles after feeling like I wanted to give up.  My cousin reminded me that the work I do is the work my dad tried to do.  She asked me how I would feel if I gave up.  That gave me enough inspiration to put my boots back on and keep going because I didnʻt want to have any regrets at the end of my life.

What was your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?

Public speaking and being in the spotlight.  I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone.  Each time an opportunity is and was presented to me I challenge myself to do it.  Each experience increases my confidence.

What would you tell your 14-year-old self?     

Go for it.  Take risks.  The younger you are the more time you have to bounce back.  Donʻt listen to the negative voices in your head.  If the idea felt good when it came to you, go for it.

FEAR - false evidence appearing real.  Do NOT give life to this word.  It does you no good and will deny you incredible and amazing life-altering experiences.  Challenge yourself because when youʻre at the end of your story, you cannot change regrets.

What is your definition of success?

Success doesnʻt have to be big and spectacular with all the fireworks.  It can be very simple.  I teach hotel guests how to make ti leaf leis and weave their intentions in. When they tell me itʻs the most meaningful and authentic experience of their trip, for me thatʻs success.  When they return to Kauaʻi and seek me out to make a lei for a loved oneʻs celebration of life, thatʻs success.  Itʻs an honor when they return and request my assistance for their special day.

What is the best advice you have been given? 

When you leave, take ALL of you.  This was shared with me when leaving a toxic relationship.  Itʻs one of the best advice given to me.  I used this when I had to sever a professional relationship.  This advice helped me to take the high road.  Itʻs not about being right but about doing whatʻs best for me.  This advice has served me well.