PO‘IPU — Local creativity abounded at the Garden Isle Artisan Fair Saturday in Po‘ipu. As the sun beamed down on one of the few cloudless spots on the island, Kaua‘i entrepreneurs had a chance to show off their handcrafted products.
PO‘IPU — Local creativity abounded at the Garden Isle Artisan Fair Saturday in Po‘ipu.
As the sun beamed down on one of the few cloudless spots on the island, Kaua‘i entrepreneurs had a chance to show off their handcrafted products.
They said supporting local businesses is especially important given today’s economic environment.
Laura Cristobal of Salty Wahine’s Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salts started her business in October, but has already found success with her flavorful salts.
“I think I’m the only one in Hawai‘i that actually infuses tropical flavors into the salt,” she said. “It’s just different — they look different, they taste different and they look nice.”
Cooking is one of Cristobal’s passions and after trial and error, she happened to stumble upon a business that is literally booming, she said.
“It was mainly for friends and family at first, but then everyone said I should sell it,” she said. “It’s had such a big reception, it’s mind boggling at times.”
When asked how she manages to pack flavors like Mango Java and Guava Garlic into a jar full of sea salt, she was reluctant to share her secret.
“I can’t tell you,” she said with a sly smile. “It was one of those accidents that just happened.”
Another business that recently fell into place is Stellar Creations by Chad Mizushima.
He was employed by Princeville Resort until it shut down for renovations last September. Since then, he has devoted his time to apparel and Chinese calligraphy.
“You learn everyday,” he said about launching his own business. “You just try by putting yourself out there and hope for the best.”
Not only were new businesses at the event, seasoned companies were there as well, including Veronica Kaua‘i, which has had a presence on the island for over 25 years.
When asked how Veronica Groepler’s “organically made” jewelry was holding up through the tough economy, she sounded as though she also hoped for the best.
“I think before the elections, business was very bad,” she said. “There was a lack of consumer confidence; people didn’t trust anything they bought. Now, with the new president, people are starting to let go.”
One of the busiest hotspots at the fair was the shave ice booth where Mandy Marinez greeted customers with a big grin. It was hard to imagine that at age 11 she could have such aloha and professional business skills to boot.
Her cousin, Chasitie Gonsalves, owner of Sassy’s Sweets & Surprises, said she couldn’t be happier with her shave ice business.
“It’s been really busy,” she said, hardly having time to talk between customers.
Gonsalves usually sets up at the Kaua‘i Products Fair in Kapa‘a and has not noticed the economic crunch. Apparently Blue Hawai‘i Coconut and Pina Colada shave ice are what people can’t live without after a hot day at the beach.
For upcoming events like this, check out the Community Calendar every Sunday in The Garden Island.
• Coco Zickos, business writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com
