Who inspired you as a little girl and who inspires you now?

My mom. She inspired me as a little girl, and she still inspires me now. she's a single mom that  raised two kids. She worked hard and continues to do so now. She's going to be 90 and she still takes care of everybody. She takes care of everyone in the family From all her siblings, her father and all the kids and grandkids. She still finds time to do her walk and her Tai Chi.  She's gonna do anything she can. She's always willing to try something and is very determined to make sure that her family got everything they needed.

In addition to her role as a dedicated mother, she's also been my guide for almost 40 years. As a teacher, a cultural practitioner, a hula dancer, and a community leader, she imparts wisdom not just through dance but in everything she does. At 75, she manages a stable non-profit that impacts our community both locally and beyond Hawaii. She's elevated countless lives, creating a legacy of strength and determination. Watching her handle it all, not just for herself but for others, has been incredibly inspiring. I'm surrounded by remarkable women, and their strength motivates me every day. Having such role models enriches my life and keeps me going, reminding me of the power of resilience and determination.

What brings you joy?

My joy revolves around my family. Simply being with them, cherishing those moments, is everything to me. If I could choose anything, it would be to stay in their presence.

Hula, too, holds a profound place in my heart. I've been dancing since I was three, blessed to learn from different kumu and fortunate enough to travel the world through this art form. When life feels challenging, I turn on Hawaiian music, losing myself in movement, finding comfort in the dance. It's more than just steps and beats; it's where I get my energy. On tough days, I find comfort in practicing alone or sharing stories in our halau, a space that transcends hula. It's a community, a family, where I draw strength.

My daughter was born into this world of hula, witnessing my passion firsthand. Despite life's ups and downs, my halau, my hula family, remains a constant source of energy and support. In moments of difficulty, they stand by me, offering encouragement. And when joyous occasions come our way, we celebrate together. Besides my immediate family, my husband, daughter, son, and my dear mom, they are my pillars of strength. During our portrait session, I made sure to incorporate this vital part of my life, a testament to the joy and fulfillment hula brings me.

What personality trait do you love about yourself?

My determination. My dedication. 

What is your definition of success?

Success, to me, mirrors the dedication I've witnessed in my mother and my hula family. It's not about personal accolades or individual achievements; it's about a selfless commitment to others and to our craft. I've learned from my mother's example, as she gave to everyone around her, finding happiness in their well-being. Similarly, my kumu, and now my Hula brother, epitomize this spirit of selflessness.

For me, success is about ensuring that every individual within our halau feels valued and cherished. It's this dedication to fostering a sense of belonging, whether we have ten students or over a hundred, that defines our success. Life isn't always a smooth journey, filled with constant happiness, but it's this drive, this relentless determination, that propels us forward. Without this  dedication, we'd never uncover the treasures waiting on the other side of our endeavors. Success, then, is not just a personal pursuit; it's a collective journey, marked by our shared dedication and the unwavering belief in the value of every individual.