Made In Hawaiʻi Adventure
A Dream Come True: Our First Time at Made in Hawai’i
This year marked a significant milestone for Kumumea, one that I could have only dreamed of: participating in the Made in Hawai’i Festival. It was one of the many lofty goals I set for myself and for Kumumea in 2024—a year filled with intention and purpose. As I reflect on this moment, my heart is full of gratitude for how far we’ve come.
Preparing for this event took months, not only in crafting products and managing finances but also in strengthening my mindset. There were so many uncertainties that weighed on me. *Were we ready for such a large audience? Would I have enough product? Could I do this without my amazing husband by my side?* The questions circled in my mind, adding to the anxiousness I felt as we approached the event.
But slowly, as the pieces of planning came together, that anxiousness began to ease. I was not alone on this journey. My friends from Oʻahu were there every step of the way, cheering me on. My family was deeply involved in the logistics—transporting our twins, managing work, and planning our arrival in Oʻahu. Most of all, my Boom Wahine community of fearless entrepreneurs wrapped me in their love and support. We weren’t just individuals hustling toward our goals, we were doing this together.
The group messages, the planning meetings, the texts, and the hugs leading up to the event—those moments became just as memorable as the event itself.
Though I didn’t meet the financial expectations I set for the festival, I walked away with something far more meaningful. Kumumea, which I began nearly ten years ago to help me cope with cancer, has grown into something greater than I ever imagined. It has become an embodiment of hope, resilience, and the power of community. Our purpose has evolved. What started as a way for me to heal now serves as a reminder to others that we can overcome anything life throws at us.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned on this journey is that no matter how much you prepare for life, there will always be moments, people, or challenges that catch you off guard. These moments aren’t meant to break us—they’re meant to teach us how little we can actually control. And in that surrender, we discover our inner strength.
In those unexpected moments, I’ve found that everything happening right now is exactly what is meant to be. My strength has been tested many times, but each time, I’ve grown stronger, preparing for the next lesson life has in store. This growth, these tests—they are how we evolve.
Through it all, one truth remains: *nothing lives alone.* We aren’t meant to walk this path by ourselves. It’s our connections with others that sustain us, nurture us, and lift us higher.
To our *hui*—my tribe, my community—thank you for standing with me, for loving Kumumea, and for believing in our journey. I couldn’t do any of this without you. Here’s to doing life together, stronger and more resilient than ever.
Mahalo. Sept. 2024
This year marked a significant milestone for Kumumea, one that I could have only dreamed of: participating in the Made in Hawai’i Festival. It was one of the many lofty goals I set for myself and for Kumumea in 2024—a year filled with intention and purpose. As I reflect on this moment, my heart is full of gratitude for how far we’ve come.
Preparing for this event took months, not only in crafting products and managing finances but also in strengthening my mindset. There were so many uncertainties that weighed on me. *Were we ready for such a large audience? Would I have enough product? Could I do this without my amazing husband by my side?* The questions circled in my mind, adding to the anxiousness I felt as we approached the event.
But slowly, as the pieces of planning came together, that anxiousness began to ease. I was not alone on this journey. My friends from Oʻahu were there every step of the way, cheering me on. My family was deeply involved in the logistics—transporting our twins, managing work, and planning our arrival in Oʻahu. Most of all, my Boom Wahine community of fearless entrepreneurs wrapped me in their love and support. We weren’t just individuals hustling toward our goals, we were doing this together.
The group messages, the planning meetings, the texts, and the hugs leading up to the event—those moments became just as memorable as the event itself.
Though I didn’t meet the financial expectations I set for the festival, I walked away with something far more meaningful. Kumumea, which I began nearly ten years ago to help me cope with cancer, has grown into something greater than I ever imagined. It has become an embodiment of hope, resilience, and the power of community. Our purpose has evolved. What started as a way for me to heal now serves as a reminder to others that we can overcome anything life throws at us.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned on this journey is that no matter how much you prepare for life, there will always be moments, people, or challenges that catch you off guard. These moments aren’t meant to break us—they’re meant to teach us how little we can actually control. And in that surrender, we discover our inner strength.
In those unexpected moments, I’ve found that everything happening right now is exactly what is meant to be. My strength has been tested many times, but each time, I’ve grown stronger, preparing for the next lesson life has in store. This growth, these tests—they are how we evolve.
Through it all, one truth remains: *nothing lives alone.* We aren’t meant to walk this path by ourselves. It’s our connections with others that sustain us, nurture us, and lift us higher.
To our *hui*—my tribe, my community—thank you for standing with me, for loving Kumumea, and for believing in our journey. I couldn’t do any of this without you. Here’s to doing life together, stronger and more resilient than ever.
Mahalo. Sept. 2024