Oʻahu-born chef Chris Kajioka describes himself as stubborn, independent and a sports fanatic but what he really wants the world to know is that he is Cade’s father. “Being a dad is the best thing that has ever happened to me,” says the ʻIolani School graduate. “I love everything about it. I want to give Cade everything I can while I’m around.” His son was named after a favorite wine that he and his wife enjoy, […]
Yasmin Dar’s name might ring a bell for Hawaiʻi residents from when she was traffic anchor for KITV4’s morning show. In 2011, she departed for Eugene, Oregon to become an evening news anchor for KVAL. However, soon after giving birth to her first born, her and her husband realized “home” was the best place to be. Yasmin stays busy with her current role as digital media specialist for Governor David Ige along with co-managing a business and raising […]
Photo by Kaimana Pinē Don’t let this personable, Latina mix beauty deceive you. Mikhaila Christian is a force of nature. She launched two businesses and a non-profit within the last two years and is excited about future collaborations. “I’m either all in or not,” says the 28-year-old Los Angeles native. Mikhaila grew up in foster care and lost her parents through illness. Her mother died from HIV and her father from cancer. She emancipated herself […]
Photo by Eric Miyasato People come in and out of our life shaping who we are and how we live. Sometimes we don’t realize how much they truly influenced us until they leave. “I watched my Mom’s journey through struggle and success,” says Lee Wang, co-owner of Lucy’s Lab Creamery, a specialty ice cream shop located in Kakaʻako. “The values she instilled in me guide and shape my priorities and actions.” Like myself, Lee was […]
Photo by Eric Miyasato Hawaiʻi is home for me. For nearly 11 years, I’ve been living in a culture that resonates with me. I lived most of my life in communities where being the only Asian kid was normal but my parents raised me in a home where being kind and selfless was customary. Embracing everyone and welcoming them into your home was the norm. After I graduated college, I wanted to move. I didn’t […]
Photo: Eric Miyasato Raised by foreign born parents, my sister and I grew up with expectations to graduate from college and have a lucrative career as a doctor or a lawyer. If not this, then at least marry one! Our parents just wanted the best for us. They did not want us to experience the hardships that came along with being financially unstable. For them, education was the solution to financial freedom. Maybe they are right, but […]
Photo: Eric Miyasato Alice Inoue has been on an inspiring path for nearly fifteen years and leads a life most of wish we had the courage to live. She wakes up every morning with so much excitement and joy. “I call this internal expression divine inspiration,” says the University of California alumna. “I love what I do.” Inspiring others towards seeing new possibilities is a mission Alice and I share. Alice is a Life Guide […]
Photo: Eric Miyasato Summer Shiigi learned early in life that the achievement of your goal is assured the moment you commit 100% of yourself to it. She watched her parents become successful business owners and experts in their respective fields. “Whenever I walk through downtown, I would meet people who know my Dad and they would share with me how much they admire him. That’s the kind of legacy I want to leave,” says the Mid-Pacific Institute graduate and […]
Photo: Eric Miyasato For some of us, our early childhood hold memories of an intact family – attending family functions together, camping, vacationing Lake Tahoe, making ono (delicious) dishes in the family kitchen, and going to the beach. For Lena Hanson, these are her childhood memories. “I loved being with my family”, says the successful Hawaiʻi make-up artist. Having a routine and just knowing that her family was there gave Lena comfort. However, her parents […]
Profiles of Inspiration 