CAPABLE AND POSSIBLE: Leinani Would Go
If you thought you could and felt you should, do you think you would? The answer was yes, and Leinani Hong’s wood-working and engraving small business She Wood Go was born.
She Wood Go adds beautiful custom laser engravings to on-demand tumblers, creates decorative items for the home and office, has made coasters and wooden plates - the inventory of possibilities is endless with this mom’s creativity.
Having recently purchased a home on Maui, Leinani was inspired to make decorative pieces to support her daughter’s learning of the Hawaiian language while in first grade. She created educational shape cards and play sets with 'Ōlelo No'eau (Hawaiian proverbs), and soon it expanded into beautiful pieces for the kitchen, the office, the living room, and more. If you can imagine it, Leinani may be able to help manifest your vision.
Getting into business and self-employment became an option for Leinani when work slowed down during the pandemic. “I was pretty happy at work,” as she described the excellent and supportive staff at the Kaunoa Senior Center, a senior-care program by the County of Maui. But she couldn’t escape the “ooh’s” and compliments when others saw her products.
“Where did you get that? I love it!”
“Oh, I made it.”
And there goes another sale.
Through her participation in the "Open For Business" program's Cohort 2, offered by YWCA Oahu/MCBL's Power Up Your Business, Leinani gained invaluable knowledge and skills. This comprehensive program empowered her with the essential tools to thrive in the digital landscape, from website design and development to digital marketing strategies.
Opportunities have opened since then, and Shop YWCA is proud to be a part of it!
“This business journey challenged me and pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Leinani said. “As cheesy as it sounds - if you believe in yourself, if you have the passion for what you love and are capable of doing it, you gotta’ go!”
We love amazing and empowered women like Leilani and hope the best for her business. Don’t forget to check out the shop to see her available items.
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