Month: February 2017

LeiManu Designs
 

Ohhhhhh, I WISH we had cable, just for one night! We are on tonight’s episode of Handcrafted America! Mahalo so much to Jill and company for giving us this opportunity!

Mahalo so much to everyone for supporting us! As small business proprietors, we understand that we owe our success to each and every person who supports small businesses. It is often said that small business is the backbone of the American economy, and we believe that to be true. Even the largest corporation was once a small business!

So, “Mahalo nui loa” to all of YOU! Manu and I deeply appreciate you.

As you probably already know, LeiManu Designs is the “child” of Don Yuen Manufacturing, we having been given the kuleana of carrying on my Dad’s artistic tradition. We are especially blessed that he gave us that responsibility while he is still able to advise us! His biggest piece of advice, “Every piece you make is the first one. Put the same amount of care and craftsmanship into every piece. Don’t think about making five, or ten, or a hundred pieces. You’re just making that one right now. Make it the very best you can.” (He also says, “Look at that! Would YOU buy it???” ?)

I also want to give a shout-out to Galyn Williams (find him on FaceBook), who has been a wonderful advisor in marketing, and messaged me links to great opportunities such as the Chase Mission Main Street grant which we won in 2015, and encourages us to keep pushing the boundaries of what we think we can do.

Also, artists Susan Champeny and Chris Benders. None of us can do it alone. Networking with fellow business people, both in your field and in other fields, and developing strong and supportive friendships is SO important. These two amazing and talented women have taken hours of their time to advise and support us, proof reading grant applications and job proposals, and generally being an important part of our cheering section.

Brenda C. and Kev K. Mahalo, you two, for your unfailing aloha and support and joining us on our many adventures and misadventures!

Cuzzins “Bruddah Waltah” and Thaliana Aipolani! That ʻohana luv keeps us strong! Bruddah Waltah is the amazing musician playing with Manu when Jill and I are dancing hula. Thaliana, an outstanding hula dancer in her own right, was busy behind the scenes making sure the paʻina we made for Jill and her crew was ready on time.

And, a huge “Mahalo” to Rick, Jenn, and the rest of the “cast” at Beachside Lighting and Design for all the support over the years and an awesome job of marketing our work!

Mahalo nui loa, and blessings to all!
Leilehua