KaiKini on the Runway for Kauai Fashion Week 2016

Invited back to Kauai Fashion Week for the second year in row, we showed off our Journey In Paradise Collection. The girls looked gorgeous in jewel tones and rocked the runway! 

Photos by Keith Ketchum

hand-MADE on Kauai Series

While being one of the most renowned vacation destinations today, the island of Kauai is actually either missing or unrecognizable on most maps. All 1,430 kilometers of greenery and waterfalls in the middle of the Pacific offer some of the world's best produce, products, people, and places on the planet!

KaiKini Bikinis is a locally owned and operated, hand-MADE on Kauai, and is the largest bikini manufacturer in the state of Hawaii! Being located at least 3,000 miles away from any major city and shore line only makes us appreciate and value our out-of-state and international customers even more!

As I walk into headquarters today, music is bumping while Kristen and Kim are running production, Allison (model) and Keith (photographer) are photographing new arrivals, Desirea is marketing and processing sales, and Taryn is directing the whole show.

Everyone was in their own element, zone, and specialty- flowing gracefully. Mama said they'll be days like this! She also warned that there would be days in which you aren't as fluid. Times when you'll be faced with bumps in the road, and the inevitable question of why are you not so inspired?

For anyone on a daily basis it's a rut we know all too well. You snack a little, check your email, scroll through social media, edit your selfies, and drain your brain of motivation while trying to squeeze out of yourself any shred of inspiration.

But maybe the inspiration doesn't come from you. Maybe it comes from other people and requires you to put yourself in their shoes and to see the ambition from their point of view.

Looking around at all these talented people, I found that that kind of empathy breaks my writers block and in turn gives my position and voice an opportunity to represent everyone around me.

I think of all the beauty and talent in Kauai and my community and can see where KaiKini's design inspiration comes from. The blues of the ocean represent the teal, white set suits, the glowing Polihale sunsets radiate both magenta & neon nights collection, and the Aloha print represents the colorful spirits of the people.

As you can guess, our next series of blog posts all stem to honor the community and environment in which we create our bikinis and reside, Kauai- Hawaii.

KaiKini would also like to challenge our readers to ask yourself, where do you come from, who is surrounding you, and what influences your thoughts and behavior when you create? Let us know!

Step outside and consider that the creative process is NOT only about you, but instead you are an honorary channel for others. Lets help make something of each-other!

Hand-MADE on Kauai with Aloha- KaiKini Bikinis
Mahalo-Kona-Kai

P.S- stay tuned for posts through out the week of Kauai Made features!

Styled for Adventure with our Tanned & Salty friend, Tayler

As a self-proclaimed bikini connoisseur and (almost) mermaid, I know a rad bikini when I see one. Kaikini Bikinis have always been the experts on creating amazing designs with the surfer girl in mind. Their suits are perfect for stylish babes who live an active lifestyle, accentuating your curves while giving you the support you need while you surf.

When I heard Kaikini was releasing new and improved Okole bottoms, I was stoked! I couldn't wait to see what they had come up with, especially since their original styles were already fantastic. After giving both the original Okole bottoms and the new designs a spin, I am excited to give you all the deets! The original design was just what any beach babe would need, sleek, slimming, figure flattering, and super easy to adventure in. Oh ya, and they make your booty look AMAZING! I couldn't imagine how Kaikini could possibly improve on this already amazing fit.

Needless to say, Kaikini did it again! The new and improved Okole bottoms have all the great features of the original bottoms, but their new seamless design is simply outstanding. These bottoms hug your curves just right without pinching or squeezing. And trust me, if you wipe out hard, these babies aren't going anywhere.

I can't wait to show off my Okole bottoms, they are definitely my new beach day essential! If you are looking to accentuate your booty and do some serious shredding, the new and improved Kaikini Okole bottoms are a must have. After all, you didn't do all those squats for nothing!

 Your tan & salty friend,

 Tayler <3

Who's tougher than a boy but hotter in a bikini?

We are wrapping our month of giving thanks with our inspiring leader, Taryn! She's one of the toughest women we know, leading KaiKini fearlessly to spread aloha and conquer the bikini world; but she's also got a heart of gold and rocks a bikini like no one else we know! Let's catch up with the head KaiKini Wahine as we give thanks for this beautiful life we live!

Name: Taryn Rodighiero
KaiKini Position: CEO/Founder/Creative Director AKA "Da Boss"

What’s Your Sign: Cancer (July 19)

Hometown: La Cañada, CA

Favorite Color: Red

Favorite KaiKini at the moment: Plum Shell Bandeau & Kahuna Bottoms

Any secret talents?

I'm an excellent water skier!


Words to live by:
Do it with passion or not at all.

Top 3 destinations on my bucket list:

Bali - New Zealand - Antarctica (to see the glaciers)

Most expensive item I've ever bought?
Does KaiKini HQ count? :)

Cutting the ribbon with hubby Tyler at our new
KaiKini HQ!

Best way to stay fit:
Outrigger Canoe Paddling & Bikram Yoga

What do you collect?
Yoga shorts & Bikinis

Name the best thing about living on Kauai:
The lifestyle and sense of community. I've never lived anywhere that people genuinely wanted others to succeed as much as they do here. We all help each other succeed. Businesses collaborate and promote each other rather than compete.

Collaboration with Kauai designers to put on our
Grand Opening fashion show!

Such an honor to share the
runway with Louda Larrain!

Last book I read?
#Girlboss

What inspires me?
Success stories. I love reading about people that accomplish things that seem impossible.

Best gift I've ever received:
Taeya

Best. Gift. Ever.

The finishing touch that makes all the difference...

Meet the other half of our dynamic-sister-duo, Kim! No bikini would be finished without 'Trim'-berly's final touch - she's the last stop for each and every bikini that comes through production! Let's take a time out with our favorite fan-girl and give thanks for her help making each and every KaiKini look perfect!

Name: Kim Oakes

KaiKini Position: Seamstress AKA Fan Girl Extraordinaire

What’s Your Sign: Gemini (June 8)

Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI

Favorite Color: Orange

Favorite KaiKini at the moment: Black Halter & Brown Cheetah Kai

Favorite thing about working at KaiKini: That my sister works here and I get to see her EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. (ok.. maybe that's not the best part) My favorite thing about KaiKini is that it never feels like work. I get to do something I enjoy all day while hanging out with my favorite girls! <3

Theme song at the moment:
Vacation - The Go-Gos

Favorite dessert:
Any kind of ice cream!

Favorite food:
Sushi, or any kind of sweets!

Celebrity crush:
Big Time Rush Boys (I can't decide which one!)

I'll take one of each please!

If you could marry a cartoon character who would it be?
Johnny Bravo :) Whata hunk!

Favorite way to stay fit:
Staying away from Marina's delicious treats! (Yes, Marina brings us cookies and other delicious)

Best words to live by:
LIVE IT UP.

The perfect day is...
Having no plans, yet filled with adventure!

Enjoying life on a beach in Hawaii...

Best thing about living on Kauai?
Sun all the time!

How many bikinis do you own?
Oh my... way too many. But never enough.

What's your favorite time of day?
As I'm laying in bed to fall asleep!

What are you giving thanks for?
For having such an amazing sister, Kristen. (Okay maybe Kristen put her two cents in on this one too...) haha! I am thankful for my family. Without them I wouldn't be where I am today. They are great supporters with anything I decide to do in my life.

Bucket List Photo Challenge - 10 Locations, 10 Prizes

Join us for the KaiKini Bucket List Challenge! Our first 10 locations are right here at home on beautiful Kauai. We took KaiKini to the top of Sleeping Giant to start off the challenge and had a blast on the adventure!

Everyone is welcome to participate! The winners will be announced as each challenge is completed. The winner will be featured on KaiKini.com & Facebook and the first two Runners-Up will also be featured on our website. We can't wait to see KaiKini all over Kauai! To see the official contest page visit our website!

Next our bucket list will be heading to the other Hawaiian Islands and the top 100 places we want to see KaiKini around the WORLD! Stay tuned!

To participate:

1.  Grab your favorite KaiKini Bikini (at least one piece top or bottom must be showing) 
2. Be the first to tag @kaikinibikinis and #kaikinibucketlist completing the challenge (be sure to read the details!) 
3. We will verify that you are the first to complete the challenge successfully 
4. Photo will be posted on KaiKini.com & Facebook - Rewards will be given out as each challenge is completed 
5. Complete ALL 10 places on our Bucket List and win our GRAND PRIZE!! (Read on below!)

Contest entries must be submitted before 12/31/14

Grand Prize:

TOUR THE NEW KAIKINI HEADQUARTERS + 5 CUSTOM BIKINI SETS

Are you made for adventure?! Spread Aloha visiting all 10 places on our Kauai Bucket List & complete the challenges to meet the KaiKini Wahines and tour our new facility in Kapaa! You'll also have the opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at our little piece of paradise and choose 5 custom bikini sets (or 10 pieces)!!! You do not have to be first for each individual location on our list to win our Grand Prize but you must be the first complete ALL of the challenges as instructed in the details below.

1. Hanalei Pier:
   CHALLENGE: Take a pic on the pier with 2 other girls wearing a KaiKini *all of you wearing KaiKini*
   REWARD: You and your 2 friends receive a promo code for 35% off your next order! 
2. Kilauea Lighthouse:
   CHALLENGE: Take a unique perspective pic in front of the lighthouse (make it look like your holding the lighthouse in your hand, etc.)
   REWARD: I ♥ Kauai tank top + Hand-painted KaiKini trucker hat 
3. Kapaa Bike Path:
   CHALLENGE: Take a pic riding a bike anywhere on the path with the ocean in the background
   REWARD: Bikini Set of your choice 
4. Secret Falls:
   CHALLENGE: Take a pic at Secret Falls with a rock tower and the falls in the background REWARD: Custom Bikini Set & Tour the New KaiKini Headquarters 
5. Kilohana Train:
   CHALLENGE: Take a pic riding the train in your KaiKini
   REWARD: Bikini Top of your choice 
6. Menehune Fishpond Overlook:
   CHALLENGE: KaiKini Love! Take a pic at sunset kissing someone special at the overlook REWARD: Hand-painted KaiKini trucker hat + 30% Off your next order 
7. Spouting Horn:
   CHALLENGE: Take a pic in front of the spouting horn (must be spouting) and there must be a chicken in the picture too!
   REWARD: Bikini Bottom of your choice 
8. Hanapepe Swinging Bridge:
   CHALLENGE: Take a pic on the bridge wearing your favorite KaiKini
   REWARD: I ♥ Kauai tank + 30% Off your next order 
9. Pihea Lookout - Wai'ale'ale Sign:
   CHALLENGE: Take a pic next to the famous "wettest spot on earth" sign doing a yoga pose REWARD: Bikini Set of your choice 
10. Napali Coast from the water:
    CHALLENGE: Take a pic anywhere on the Napali Coast from the water holding up double shakas! (You can be on a Kayak, on a tour boat, sailboat, doesn't matter as long as you're on the water!)
    REWARD: Custom Bikini Set & Tour the New KaiKini Headquarters

A KaiKini Confession

Guest blogger Marina here, Quality Control Manager and seamstress for those KaiKinis you love so much. The most wonderful Andrea asked me to step in for this post and talk about my first experience with a KaiKini. Little did she know that…

I have a confession to make. 

My first time owning and wearing a bikini wasn't until after I started working at KaiKini (gasp!). As in, my first KaiKini was my first bikini! Up until that point, I’d never bought a bikini before. Like, NEVER EVER.  Why, you ask? Truth be told, I’m pretty self-conscious. Similar to many other girls out there, I easily find fault with what I see in the mirror, especially when it comes to my bikini body.  I pretty much never felt 'bikini ready.'  I was never comfortable enough to show that much skin so I stuck with unflattering, ill-fitting one pieces and tankinis. It took a move to Hawaii and a job at KaiKini to open my eyes to the possibility of wearing something other than the potato sacks I was used to.

There is something really awesome about Kauai. Actually, there are a TON of awesome things about Kauai, but there is one thing in particular: girls here, of all shapes and sizes, ROCK their bikinis. From high coverage to barely there Brazilians, women here strut their stuff and are proud of it. Never before have I seen as much self-confidence as I've seen walking the beaches of this beautiful island. And you know what? Self-confidence is contagious. If all of these women could kill it in a bikini, why couldn't I??

And this is where KaiKini comes in. When I first started working with Taryn and the girls, I had this mental block about our Kinis. NO WAY would I EVER wear something so cheeky and revealing!

A little known fact about KaiKini (Shhhh! Don’t let Taryn know I told you!):

As quality control manager, I make sure that every single piece produced in our small studio is up to our high standards.  If there is ever a flaw in one of our suits that cannot be fixed, like a hole in the fabric or broken elastic, it will sometimes end up in one of the KaiKini girls’ Kini collections. (Side Note: The downside to being such an awesome team of seamstresses is that flaws like this RARELY happen but when they do, the first thing everyone asks is, “What size is it?!”). We all have a few castaway, un-sellable bikinis in our possession and it was a suit like this that had the honor of becoming my-first-bikini-oh-my-god!

I remember it like it was yesterday… it was a black Okole with a hole. Now, the awesome thing about our Okole bottom is that not only does it offer more coverage than a Kai, but for girls out there who may not be as well-endowed in the booty department (like yours truly) it has this awesome ability to give what you've got some extra oomph! Thanks in large part to the scrunch in the back, the Okole silhouettes your bum and gives it a nice heart shape, magically making it look, well, better.  When I first tried it on, while still self-conscious and not ready to wear it in public, I did have to admit that my tukas looked the best it ever has in a swimsuit.  No saggy fabric or ‘diaper butt’ here!

So that was my first experience with a KaiKini. I have to say, it’s taken me a long time to get to the point of wearing a bikini in public. I’m still self-conscious and am not yet able to strut my stuff and rock it, but I’m getting there. I’m a bit biased because I actually make the bikinis I wear, but I truly have to say that if not for KaiKini, I might still be wearing my ugly tankinis and lamenting my awful tan lines. Not only am I proud to say that my stomach now gets to see the light of day, but my KaiKinis still remain the only bikinis I own. 

I guess the moral of my story and the message I’d like to share is this:

For those of you dreaming about one day wearing a bikini: you’ll get there. Take baby steps. Ease into it. Find the cut and fit that makes you feel the best. Go to an isolated place and wear your Kini without fear.  Work your way to the point of being happy in your own skin and of what you've got. Oh, and if your first suit happens to be a KaiKini, awesome!! Wear it knowing that we were thinking about YOU when we made it and that we see you as beautiful no matter what. But even if a KaiKini isn't the first suit you've ever owned, or even if you don’t own a KaiKini, wear whatever helps you feel like the goddess you are. 

Now go out there and strut your stuff, Kini lovers!

XOXO

Marina

P.S. What’s YOUR first bikini story? We’d love to hear about it in the comments section!

Survey says...We have the best fans in the world!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

We were so blown away by the incredible response we received from our survey last month! The feedback we received is invaluable and we wanted to take the time to let you know we've heard your requests and want to address some of the most common ones specifically.

• Bandeau Tops – Yes! We know those tan lines can be pesky! We have a new design in line to be cut & sewn (as a matter of fact we’re working on it as we speak) that should be released in a month or so and it is beautiful! 

  

  Sneak Peek of our new Bandeau

• More Reversible – We love this one because we’re as excited about the new Reversible styles as you are! We've already released a new Reversible Burnt Orange & Nude Kai and have big plans to expand this line in the coming months!
• More coverage/ Bigger Sizes – We already offer a couple styles that give more coverage than our Cheeky Styles like the Kai. The Okole & Kahuna bottoms are both more of a boy short cut offering more coverage for the booty. The Kahuna even has cute strappy sides like many were requesting! Our Makai bottom is more of a full coverage bottom and actually already comes in our Larger (Size 8-10) and we have plans to bring at least the Okole in size ‘Larger’ in the future, so stay tuned!
• Price – We hear you – bikinis can get expensive! With some brands charging upwards of $200 for a bikini set, we’ve done our best to keep our prices reasonable. Just in case you didn’t know, each piece is cut by hand and sewn with care and aloha right here in our warehouse on Kauai. While most swimwear companies eventually outsource their line to be made overseas where labor is cheaper (or even worse, in a sweatshop), we've held strong to our commitment to keep production here, where we can give back and offer jobs to our local community. Our story and the wonderful people behind KaiKini make it more than just a bikini. Your support and love is something you can feel good about – you can read more of Our Story here: http://www.kaikini.com/our-story/

A few things you asked about that we’re already doing:

• More styles and patterns – You may not know, but we release at least one new pattern each month if not more! We also try to release a new style every couple months. J Keep in mind, we make small batches of everything so we can give you more variety, but we are a small team, so we can’t release every new print or color in every style we offer unfortunately. We do our best to rotate through our most popular styles though, so keep on the lookout. (P.S. We have a new PinUp top and Makai bottoms in the works!)
• Tops for bigger chested women / More supportive tops – We have a few different options for Larger chests that we offer on a regular basis. Our Sport Tops and Elua/Ekolu tops are both offered in sizes up to an ‘E’ cup and our PinUp top is offered in sizes up to an E/F cup. The PinUp’s style and straps are specially designed for better support of the ‘ladies’ and we have customers who love these comfy options sans the usual padding and under-wire.
• Free Shipping – We have a free shipping option for all shipments within the US and there is only a $30 minimum order to qualify! We even have free shipping to Australia for orders over $50! Just select ‘Free Shipping’ at checkout!
• Rewards Program – We have a VIP Rewards Program that was launched at the beginning of the year and we've been awarding our faithful bikini addicts each month! You can find out more about our 2014 Rewards Program here, but be on the lookout, because we have plans to unveil a new and improved Rewards Program for 2015!

…. And finally, we wanted to address something we hear quite often regarding the models and photos we use to promote our products. We receive a lot of heat for using fit models or the same models to represent our line. Many of you have requested to see more curves/bigger breasts/full figure/voluptuous women sporting our suits. The truth is EVERYONE has a different idea of beauty and while we do our best to represent our line with beauties of ALL shapes and sizes, we run up against many challenges that maybe aren’t obvious at first glance. We find that no matter what photo we upload we get comments along the lines of ‘needs to work out’ ‘too skinny’ ‘too big’ ‘ugly’ or some other variation of hate telling these girls that they’re not good enough. We know many of our models and brand ambassadors personally and they are all beautiful, happy and healthy women. Isn’t it sad that no matter the shape or size of a woman, we can count on some type of negativity from every photo we post? We have a hard time posting a picture knowing it will be met with comments tearing the person down rather than lifting them up. At KaiKini we strive for ‘HAPPY.’ We talk about spreading aloha and what it means to us to live in a way that treats others with love and respect. We ask that you consider this next time you’re ready to comment on a photo and realize that these are real people – Real. Beautiful. People. And it’s time we start recognizing that beauty regardless of whether it comes in the shape or package you prefer. And always remember:

Stay tuned! We have another survey coming and we’re going to need your help again soon!

#SpreadingAloha

- ALOHA -

‘We use it in greetings and farewells and in expressing love. But the word means even more, it is a way of life. 

Besides these common meanings, the word Aloha holds within itself all one needs to know to interact rightfully in the natural world. These insights describe an attitude or way of life sometimes called "The Aloha Spirit" or "The Way of Aloha".’ - THE DEEPER MEANING OF ALOHA by Curby Rule 

 ‘The literal meaning of aloha is “the presence of breath” or “the breath of life.” It comes from “Alo,” meaning presence, front and face, and “ha,” meaning breath. Aloha is a way of living and treating each other with love and respect. Its deep meaning starts by teaching ourselves to love our own beings first and afterwards to spread the love to others.’ The Meaning of Aloha 

Here at KaiKini, we embrace Aloha – sewing it into every bikini – spreading it every chance we get. We keep it local – making our ‘Kinis right here on Kauai with supplies made in the United States. We’ve also made a commitment to sustainable, ethical manufacturing and ‘green’ business practices. We design bikinis made for fun – for adventure – the days that make your heart happy. We’re so fortunate to be doing something we love and we want to spread this Aloha from the little island of Kauai to the rest of the world.

We invite you to show us how you spread and share the Aloha! Maybe it’s as simple as a smile – lounging on the beach in your favorite KaiKini – sharing a wave with your bestie – or diving below the waves with da fish & da honu. Maybe it’s bigger than you, donating your time for a good cause or cleaning up your favorite beach. Whatever it is, show us! Tag us in your photos #spreadingaloha and together let’s show the world a little love and a lot of ALOHA!

Be the Aloha you wish to see in the world.

#spreadingaloha one bikini at a time: your KaiKini Wahines: (from left to right) Kim, Andrea, Taryn, Marina & Kristen

Bikinis and Beyond

               It's been a little while since I've posted because I've been so busy!! Lot's of things are going on: the photo gallery event went super good. It was the busiest art walk Java Kai ever had! My friends really helped out on that one...two of them fire danced and the other came to DJ.  (see video) Entertainment is always a big plus.
             Since then, I've hired two people to help me sew. I am now making more bikinis than ever. I had my first order from a buyer in Japan as well. She ordered a big sample order to pitch to the stores over there and if all goes well, she'll be ordering  atleast 100 pieces a week!!!! Which is great of course- it would mean my production would need to go up, but it would actually be a really big deal to have my line in Asia. That means I'll be producing for 8 stores on Kauai, 1 on Maui, 3 websites and the buyer in Asia. It's kind of funny to think that i'll be producing all this from my home...
             Another exciting KaiKini addition is the Keiki-kini line! Little tiny, itty-bitty bikinis for newborns all the way up to 6 yrs old. I cannot wait to start making these. Mom and daughter will be able to wear matching suits. How cute is that?!?
            So much is happening and I have so many opportunities coming my way. This business has opened me up in so many unexpected ways. I've become more social, I'm meeting new people all the time, making new friends, working really hard, exercising regularly, eating super healthy, doing more and more everyday. I feel like I have direction. A purpose. A fire has been lit inside me and everyday, thanks to the people and support around me, it seems to be burning brighter.

Sneak peek of java kai art show pics

       I cannot tell you how excited I am to have my photography up in a shop! This business has me doing so many different things that I didn't think of when I started. I've always had fun taking pictures, but this will be the first time my pics will be displayed in public. I enjoy the photo shoots almost as much as the bikini designing...such a pleasant surprise. There will be 11 photos total, and they are all being printed on canvas and enlarged. 


       The prints will go up in Java Kai in Kapaa on January 2nd and remain up for the month. The art walk will be on January 7th from 5 to 8pm. My girlfriend, Andrea is fire dancing, and my friend Zaq is going to DJ. The canvas prints will be for sale, but anything that is left over, i'll be more than happy to take home myself! We'll have hats, posters and calendars too. Would love for you to join us... 

I need a shot

      
      This was my first shoot with three girls and I kind of winged it...next time I'm going to have a plan of attack. As we drove closer and closer to the westside of Kauai, the sky got grayer and grayer- which, if you know Kauai at all, usually the further west you go the MORE sun there is! By the time we got to Polihale, it was totally overcast, it was chilly and the wind was blasting. Perfect for a bikini shoot right? We did have one thing going for us though: not a soul on the beach. 


       The girls arrived and I did everyone's make-up, got them accessorized and had them throw on bikinis. They were great- when we first got started, hair was flying everywhere, but we soon got the hang of it: always face the wind and try not to look cold! There would be little bursts of sun here and there and Tyler would be ready to grab any sunbeams he could with the reflector. Somehow, we got the shots. 


        Now here's the part where I wish I had a better plan of attack: it's really hard to get all three girls looking right at the same time. Sometimes two of them are looking great and one just isn't at the right angle or for whatever reason, isn't making the right face...or two are smiling and one isn't...or one is just rocking it and the other two just aren't at the moment. There were times when I wanted to tell one or two of the girls to step out of the shot for a moment, but didn't want there to be any hurt feelings, and tried to make the shot work anyway. A couple times, it did end up working out, but after going through nearly 700- yes, 700 shots- I need to learn how to get the shots I need sooner. Having modeled a little myself, I want to be careful about making the model think she was doing something wrong, or looked weird or something. I know I would have felt a tiny twang of "uh oh, was I making a funny face? What was she doing that I wasn't?" if I had been asked to step aside. Cuz let's face it, you have to be feeling good about yourself to be able to stand in front of a camera in an itty-bitty bikini...the last thing you need is someone telling you to get the hell out of the shot. No, no, no, we want the girls to feel very good about themselves so they feel comfortable and give us the shots we need! 


     Plan of attack for the next time I use more than one model? My friend Kristen actually suggested this to me, and I thought it was a great idea: Lay it all out for them at the start. Explain that while I'm shooting I may ask one or two to leave the shot for a moment, but not because you look bad or are doing anything wrong, but because I see something working and need to go with it. The other suggestion my friend had, was make sure I have someone helping me. I have to admit, it was pretty hard to keep track of under boob popping out, hair being in the right place, lighting being good and taking the actual photo. 


     All in all, I think everyone had fun, we worked with the elements and the photo shoot was a complete success. The girls were absolutely amazing to work with and I learned a lot.

Master Delegator

         Both my grandmothers and my mother sewed their whole lives, but for whatever reason, I never learned how. My Grandma Millie taught me how to crochet rugs, but that's the closest I ever came. Even though I ended up teaching myself how to sew, I always knew in the back of my mind, it was in my blood. Unfortunately, or fortunately- depending on how you look at it- there is a lot more to the bikini business than sewing. 
         The more I get into this business, the more learning there is to do. It started with learning how to make A (as in one) bikini, then it was how to make 50 at a time...then 100. Building inventory to open an online store and learning how to use and manage it. I did photo shoots for the inventory I wanted to sell, wrote descriptions for each one, figured out shipping rates and got a system in place for orders, refunds and exchanges.
         Then there's the photo shoots. You can't have a bikini company without the photo shoots. These I really enjoy. Lately, photo shoots are the only reason I get to go to the beach, so I'm quite happy to have a reason to get out of the sewing room. I'm learning, by doing, about how to be photographer, and what lighting works best and when, getting the models ready: making sure the suits fit, getting the right sizes. I do their make-up, and use earrings and bracelets and necklaces from my own collection to accessorize. After that, there's the photo editing. Seeing as I'm still in the process of learning how to get the shot I need, I end up taking a shit ton of pictures. So needless to say, there's a lot to go thru. It's a lot of work and there's a lot of time involved but the end product is totally worth it.
        We can't forget the little shows on the side: I've got the runway show coming up in a few weeks- I know it's going to be fun, but it's my first one, so I know there will be some challenges too. I've also got a show for my photography starting January 1st at the Java Kai in Kapaa. I need to blow up prints and fill the space for the whole month and possibly into February. I'm pretty excited about it. 
       I also drive around island to all 6 of my retail stores, checking inventory and dropping off more. I get along well with all of the shop owners so this is usually pretty fun too.
      The problem I'm having with all this, is that I love it. I really truly like each part of it. There's parts I like more than others, but for the most part, I really like it all. BUT- I can't do it all. Right now Im able to, but I know that if I want my business to grow, I'm going to have to train someone and delegate out some of my favorite things. What I need to do first is train people to do the bulk of the sewing. (My inner voice just screamed out: "but no one can do it like I do! It won't be the same!") Will they still be MY suits if someone else is doing it?!? Yes. I suppose. This is something i'm going to have to get over. 
      So what does all this mean?!? I need to become a Master Delegator. I am a horrible delegator by the way. I prefer and try to do everything myself, (usually because I enjoy it) and I hate asking people to do things...especially things for me. My Dad on the other hand is THE Master Delegator. The name plate on his desk says "BOSS MAN". Well, right next to it, he should have another one that says "MASTER DELEGATOR". I was not taught this skill, but it's definitely something I'm going to have to teach myself. It will be challenging, and I'm sure I won't be good at it as first, but in the back of my mind, I'll know it's in my blood.  

Sneak Peak

Here's a couple sneak peaks from the most recent photo shoot...

 *Lalo* String Bikini Bottoms with braided Rasta ties

4- in-1 Halter tops in matching red, yellow and green

Gold 4-in-1 Halter Top and Hawaiian Floral *Okole* Bottoms