Hawaiian program adds values to business

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WAILUKU - Already running a successful design and retail business of her own, Kilihune Kaaihue said an entrepreneurship training program offered by Neighborhood Place of Wailuku is helping her to plan for expansion.

Kaaihue is among five couples and individuals who are building small businesses for themselves and their families after completing the 12-week program geared specifically for Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs.

Guided by Leslie Mullens of Play*Book Consulting Group, the program was developed for Neighborhood Place through a grant from the Administration for Native Americans.

The Native Hawaiian Micro-Enterprise Program incorporated Hawaiian values, referring to cultural traditions with which the participants could identify in developing the information and skills they needed for operating in a business world, according to Mullens.

"Our students are going to be more successful in business - and in life - if they can integrate who they are with the tools we've helped them develop here," she said.

The participants graduated from the program in October. They are:

* Kaaihue, who is expanding her Hula Rock Design Co., a specialty clothing design business with a shop in Queen Ka'ahumanu Center.

* John and Lehua Tampon, who are opening J&L Movers, a full-service moving business.

* Napua Hueu, who is expanding her Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread, a business she was operating in Keanae producing fresh banana bread as well as mixes and gift packs.

* Alaina Hinau, who opened Lainz Frenz, producing fabric characters in costume designed to appeal to both children and adults.

* Eve Kaikala, who is reopening a business, Pono Maka'alae Maui Design, producing photo and gift card packs embellished with Hawaiian truisms.

As part of the training program, the students drew up business plans that are aligned with each of their families' core values, talents and passions.

Kaikala, who lost her job when Aloha Airlines folded, developed two new products based on work she did as a graphic design company she had shelved nearly 10 years ago.

"The whole process has been so inspiring," said Kaikala. "It's such an important program for people who have wonderful ideas and don't know what to do with them. It's given us direction and awareness of all the people out there who are just waiting to help us succeed."

Kaaihue said the training helped her to plan to expand her Hula Rock Design operations to add an online component that will open a worldwide market for her clothing products.

"It is a new business plan. Instead of doing customer operations just locally, we will expand via computer," she said. "We're talking about millions and millions of people we can introduce to our designs."

She already is doing a small mail-order business with Mainland customers who have visited and now call in orders. She said customers have been asking when she will have her business go online and she realizes the expansion will cater to visitors from Japan and other areas who discover her shop on Maui.

Having an attractive product involving her personal designs helps. She said all of her clothing is printed at a shop in Waiehu using Swarovski crystals "that give a little bit of bling and make the product unique, give an eye-catching element."

But while she already had a business, she said the Native Hawaiian Micro-Enterprise Program provided technical information that is giving her the confidence to expand.

"I found the information on cash flow important. What I found out was to make sure you have working capital," she said. "People don't think about the importance of working capital and maintaining cash flow, what you need to keep available for slow economic times, like we have now.

"I think the overall class is excellent, and I would highly recommend it for anyone, not just for businesses, but for knowing about handling your personal finances," she said.

As part of the course, students were introduced to private and governmental agencies that assist small businesses seeking startup funding, ongoing education and support. There were a variety of guest speakers from the business community and lending institutions.

Neighborhood Place initiated the business program to complement its portfolio of family strengthening classes and events. The community-based nonprofit group provides a range of family support services, including parenting classes, cultural programs, support groups and youth leadership programs. Its mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect by building strong roots in the ohana and community that provide nurturing environments for children and families.

"We're serious about fostering self-sufficiency," said Neighborhood Place Program Manager Charles Robinson. He said the students were required to focus on their programs, with about 100 hours of study outside the hours spent in the classroom with Mullens.

In addition to the training in operating a business, Neighborhood Place offers a family strengthening component with counselors to assist the entrepreneurs and their families to resolve conflicts.

With a husband and two young children as part of her family business, Kaaihue said the family support component as well as the classes on handling finances were important.

"It's good for your marriage, especially during these hard times when personal finances can be really difficult," she said. "The program can benefit your entire life."

Play*Book Consulting is a Maui-based group that provides instructions and assistance in strategic planning, management and team development. Information can be found at www.ThePlayBookGroup.com.

Robinson said Neighborhood Place expects to sponsor another small business development session early in 2009, with registration to start in January. Information is available at 986-0700.