Customer Service... from the other end of the line

Every day millions of consumers shop online and wait patiently (or not) for a shiny new treasure to arrive at their mailbox. The wait is painful – but surprisingly addictive! I have to think it stems back to the excitement of getting mail as a kid. It still makes me giddy!

But sometimes... and I know we’ve all been there… something goes wrong. Mr. Postman gets lost, or confused – the size is wrong – they shipped the wrong item – or worse I see the package arrived 1 day after I left on the vacation I’d been planning for 6 months. WHY?! (Yes, this happened to me, and the wound is still fresh!) So, I proceed to find out how to contact customer service and spend the next hour composing a “somebody done somebody wrong song” - and - if they catch me on the wrong day, I just might jump down the throat of the first person who tries to help me.

And sometimes, that’s the only way to get things done, right?

WRONG.

In this day of everything-I-want-is-online-and-I-want-it-right-NOW we've skipped over the person to person interaction and rarely see a face or smile to go with the purchases we make. Worse yet, somewhere along the way we forgot to be nice – on both ends. There are places I frequent that maybe aren't my favorite or I 'll even pay more for something just because the person on the other side of the counter is SO wonderful I can’t help but want to support them! Finding good customer service these days is like a Diamond in the Rough. (Like my Disney reference girls?) Likewise, the internet has made it easy for us to be abrupt, demanding and downright rude because we know we’ll never meet the person on the other end of that email or phone call.

But you know who is on the other end of that email or phone call?

Me. 

I’m not pointing any fingers – I’m as guilty as the next person – but being the face of customer service for KaiKini has opened my eyes in a major way. Gone are the days where I immediately assume the person on the other end of that line doesn’t care about my problem. We DO care! You’re the reason we get to make bikinis on a gorgeous little island in the middle of the Pacific. But sincerely, please be understanding as much as possible and believe we are doing our very best to make you feel the ALOHA.

I’m not saying it’s all bad!

I have to give a major shout out to our amazing customers, because for the most part, you are sweet, understanding and gracious. You have no idea how much it means when I get to post a good review about our Kinis or get a ‘Thank you for the amazing customer service.’

So, THANK YOU. You rock my world!

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.

How does a gangster from Detroit end up as a seamstress?

Meet the KaiKini Wahines! Today we're giving thanks for our resident comedian and girl of many talents, Kristen. This little blonde bundle of joy hails from the 'burbs of Detroit and she brings a taste of the city to this quiet little island lifestyle. We love her to pieces! You're going to love her special talents - read on below!

Name: Kristen Oakes

KaiKini Position: Production Manager & Seamstress AKA The Closet Gangster

What’s Your Sign: Aquarius (Feb 2)

Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI

Favorite Color: Pink

Favorite KaiKini at the moment: Magenta Sport Top & Aloha Kahua Bottoms

Favorite thing about working at KaiKini: That we are such a close family here and I get to come in and work with my friends!

If you could marry a cartoon character, who would it be?
Aladdin - Middle Eastern & Tan :)

Who's your favorite Disney Princess?
Ariel - The Little Mermaid

Secret talent:
Bursting into random song & dance


Words to live by:
Learn from yesterday, Live for today, Pray for tomorrow.

The perfect day is...
My birthday of course! And I'd have to say April 25th. Because it's not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket. (Props if you can name this movie reference)!


Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas?
Halloween all the way!

Vodka, Rum, Whiskey or Tequila?
Whiskey girl!

Theme Song at the moment:
Beer in Mexico - Kenny Chesney (Somebody's leaving for Cancun in 24 hours!)

What inspires you?
Money inspires me to be rich...

If you won the lottery, what would you do?
Travel the world in a private jet (after accomplishing world peace, of course!)

Name 5 things you can't live without:
Wifi, My Laptop, Sunshine, Love & my Family (Does that make me sound like a better person? hehe)

What are you giving thanks for?
Living in Hawaii and my parents – without them I don’t think I ever would have moved to Kauai to start a life!

What happens when a girl from Kansas ends up in Hawaii?

She turns into a mermaid! Well, almost... :)

This month, in honor of one of our favorite holidays, we're giving thanks for the KaiKini Wahines: the ladies behind the bikinis. Kauai brought five ladies from all over the US to this little piece of paradise with one passion in common - making the best bikinis. This week we're giving thanks for Andrea, our Sales Manager and resident bikini tester.

Going for a swim with my Pakala shark-dog

Name:  Andrea Rayne

KaiKini Position:  Sales Manager AKA The Smooth Operator

What’s Your Sign:  Scorpio (Oct 27)

Hometown:  Solomon, KS

Favorite Color:  Red

Favorite KaiKini at the moment:  Don't make me pick!! Anything with our Aloha Print!

Favorite thing about working at KaiKini: These girls – we all say it, but we really are family and I love them like crazy. I also have a slight bikini addiction, so getting to see these beautiful creations come to life is really rewarding!

Favorite Food?

Put cheese on it and voilà!

Vodka, Rum, Whiskey or Tequila?

Tequila. every. time.

What’s something you collect?

Shells, beachglass, coral, rocks... anything I can find beach-combing. Oh, and bikinis.

Favorite way to stay in shape?

Running is death - I don't know how people do it. Gyms scare me. I've found my happy place with yoga & surfing.

Still smiling after getting worked

How many bikinis do you own?

Over 100. You could say I'm working at the right place. ;)

Bikini Trend you wish would go away...
Crochet. Pretty, but quite possibly the least functional material you could make a bikini from. And don't get me started on these one-piece suits with high cut legs circa 1980. Just stop. Please.

What’s your favorite childhood memory?

Christmas - everything about it. Decorating - The build up around it... (opening my presents before the day and re-wrapping them so my parents wouldn't know) - family coming together - laughter, joy, warmth & delicious food!

Top 3 things on your bucket list?

New Zealand - Northern Lights - Swim with sharks (no cage!)

Best thing about living on Kauai?

Endless Adventure and living in a constant state of wonder. It's truly never-never land - I feel like I never have to grow up!

What are you giving thanks for?

Happiness - living in this beautiful place that reminds me daily I have so much to be thankful for - my family, friends and to get cheesy for a second... my hubby. :)

Congratulations Grand Prize Winners!

Our Grand Prize Winners Priscilla & Mariah are made for adventure and have been #spreadingaloha all over Kauai for the past couple weeks! They each will be receiving a tour of our new headquarters and 5 custom bikini sets!

Want in on the fun? Our Bucket List is far from complete! We have 4 Location Prizes left right here on Kauai (see below for rewards available) and we'll be expanding to the other Hawaiian Islands and around the US & World next, so stay tuned!

HANALEI PIER: Take a pic on the pier with 2 other girls wearing a KaiKini *all of you wearing KaiKini* 

KILAUEA LIGHTHOUSE: Take a unique perspective pic in front of the lighthouse (make it look like your holding the lighthouse in your hand, etc.)

REWARD (still available): I ♥ Kauai tank top + Hand-painted KaiKini trucker hat

KAPAA BIKE PATH: Take a pic riding a bike anywhere on the path with the ocean in the background

SECRET FALLS: Take a pic at Secret Falls with a rock tower and the falls in the background 

REWARD (still available): Custom Bikini Set & Tour the New KaiKini Headquarters 

KILOHANA TRAIN: Take a pic riding the train in your KaiKini

REWARD (still available): Bikini Top of your choice

MENEHUNE FISHPOND OVERLOOK: KaiKini Love! Take a pic at sunset kissing someone special at the overlook 

SPOUTING HORN: Take a pic in front of the spouting horn (must be spouting) and there must be a chicken in the picture too! 

HANAPEPE SWINGING BRIDGE: Take a pic on the bridge wearing your favorite KaiKini 

REWARD: I ♥ Kauai tank + 30% Off your next order

PIHEA LOOKOUT - WAI'ALE'ALE SIGN: Take a pic next to the famous "wettest spot on earth" sign doing a yoga pose

NAPALI COAST FROM THE WATER: 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!)

Top 10 reasons NOT to buy a KaiKini

1. You've done a million squats but don’t want anyone to know
   
   
   
   
   
2. You like wearing bikinis that give you diaper butt
   
   
   
   
   
3. You like it when your bikini comes off in the waves
   
   
   
   
   
4. You like to wear the same suit as everyone else
   
   
   
   
   
5. You don’t want to put a smile on your boyfriend/husband/lover's face
   
   
   
   
   
6. You don’t like Hawaii made products
   
   
   
   
   
7. You like dealing with wardrobe malfunctions
   
   
   
   
   
8. You think receiving compliments is SO annoying
   
   
   
   
   
9.  You hate going on adventures
   
   
   
   
   
10.  You like wearing drab, dull colors- bright, bold colors blind you
    
    
    

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!

#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...