Cheryl Martin, owner of Mahina Mermaid in Hanapepe, says the best way to describe her merchandise selection is to imagine what a mermaid would wear if she lived on Kaua‘i — a little bit feminine and a little bit fun.
Cheryl Martin, owner of Mahina Mermaid in Hanapepe, says the best way to describe her merchandise selection is to imagine what a mermaid would wear if she lived on Kaua‘i — a little bit feminine and a little bit fun.
And fun is something Martin knows a little something about. After all, her business was basically founded while she was on vacation. After more than 16 years working for Costco Wholesale in Issaquah, Wash., Martin fell in love with the Garden Isle on a trip last year. She didn’t stay then, but she knew she was returning for good soon.
The boutique, which opened in August, features stylish and trendy apparel and accessories. And though it may seem a stretch, Martin took some lessons learned from Costco and applied them a new, much smaller retail model, namely affordability and likeability.
“Customer satisfaction is a priority for me and I do everything possible to make sure my customers are very happy with their purchase” she said.
With junior, ladies and women’s plus sizes, Martin says she loves to provide clothing that cannot be found anywhere else on the island, as well as accessories and jewelry.
Located on Main Street in downtown Hanapepe next to Vintage Aloha, the cozy little store is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
“I have designed my store so people feel invited in and can relax and shop comfortably” she said.
