More than two dozen University of Hawaiʻi alumni-owned or operated businesses are participating in the 3rd Annual UH Alumni Makers’ Market on August 7. This year’s alumni vendor lineup includes Rainbow Drive-In, La Tour Cafe, Mango Mango, Hawaiian Pie Company, Late Bloomer, Ten Tomorrow, The Lei Stand and many more.
“I’m new to the pop-up market space and I’m constantly blown away by what others do. It’s my inspiration. I’m a one-woman business, so being around other creatives and entrepreneurs is what gives me energy to keep doing what I do,” said Traci Yoshiyama (BEd ‘07, UH Mānoa), owner of Late Bloomer. “The talent of UH Alumni is incredible and I’m just excited to make new connections and see how we can support one another.”
Andrew Chun Hori (BA ‘15, UH Mānoa) is the Operations Manager for Hawaiian Pie Company and has been participating in Makers’ Market since the event’s inception in 2022.
“Anytime we can support UH and just branch out and meet new people and things like that, I’m game,” Hori said.
Learning journeys
Some of this years’ makers reflected on their learning journeys and the benefits of a UH education, and their stories and advice are featured on the UH Alumni Association’s website and YouTube channel.
“Although my major (accounting) was very challenging for me, the professors were passionate and sincerely dedicated to my success. I appreciate the breadth of experience and backgrounds the Shidler professors came from,” said Amy Bender (BA ‘15, UH Mānoa), vice president of Kai Spirits. “The University of Hawaiʻi is simply unparalleled.”
Nicole Okuna (MS ‘08, UH Mānoa) is the general manager at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort in Waikīkī. Since 2022, The Royal Hawaiian has been the venue for the Makers’ Market and a support system for UH alumni vendors.
“We have quite a few alumni who work here at the hotel,” she said. “It makes me very proud to be a graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi.”
More stories about outstanding UH alumni are on the UH Alumni Association website.
