Cute illustration of a dog bending over to sniff a camera on the ground.

Why up since four?

Do you ever get crazy ideas and cannot sleep?  Do you wake up thinking of all the tasks you need to get done?  It took me four FULL weeks of non-stop brain farting to come up with a business name, conjuring up all sorts of ideas in the middle of the night.  Until one early morning, I stepped out of bed while it was still dark outside and my husband asked "Why are you up so early?" I replied, "Ugh, I don't know, I've been up since four"

ALOHA FRIEND, `O SARA JULIA KO`U INOA

Surfer riding a turquoise wave in the ocean under blue skies.

photos by Pekuna Hong

BEFORE YOU

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Let me tell you mine


In 2010, I had my first child who taught me a plethoric amount about being a human. I put my career and passions aside to raise him, had another baby, got a divorce, moved home quickly and started an entirely different career as a Visual Merchandising Director. Fast forward to 2017, got remarried, quit my job, had two more babies, and finally decided in 2023, it's time to pick that camera back up and actually use my degree...to a certain degree!


a native hawaiian mama with a camera
A boho style rust-colored maxi dress with ruffle details and long sleeves photographed against white.
I PICKED UP A FILM CAMERA IN HIGH SCHOOL AND LIVED IN THE DARK ROOM FOR HOURS. MY OBSESSION FURTHERED INTO COLLEGE WHERE I RECEIVED MY BACHELOR of arts IN TV/FILM PRODUCTION AT LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY
Group enjoying a sunny day on a boat with scenic mountain views in Hawaii.

 

I HAVE FOUR WILD KEIKI, I am a WIFEy,  ADMINISTRATOR/BOOK KEEPER/HR SUPPORT) TO MY LANDSCAPING GENIUS HUSBAND, AND A CONSTANT STUDENT OF ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING.
A fashion model in a white sequined top and loose pants poses against a sun-dappled wall.
I WORKED IN THE TV COMMERCIAL INDUSTRY AS A PRODUCTION ASSISTANT, TALENT COORDINATOR AND WARDROBE STYLIST (JUST TO NAME A FEW). BUT HOME WAS CALLINg...