Things I struggle with in the jewelry industry
Lauhala Bangles & Hoop Earrings
14K gold-filled metal wrapped with woven lauhala
Staying Relevant
Keeping up with social media: It is a constant struggle to manage one’s time as a small business owner. Marketing managers say to post every day, some say you only need 2-3 times a week. Some swear by reels while others swear by real engagement with your audience. The overarching theme here is that social media is the most cost effective and a real, authentic way of staying relevant nowadays.
Constantly taking new photos: In order to stay relevant, it has been super important for me to take the time to take new photos with great lighting and nice displays. So lucky we have awesome iPhones so we don’t need professional photography!
Focusing on taking video clips for reels & stories: Videos for stories and reels has been a main focus of mine since getting back into working since covid started. I am trying it out and seeing how this increases followers of mine and how people react to what I share.
Showing the faces behind the name Kanilehua: This is something that I need to work on more. Letting my personality come through so people can see who I really am and what I am about. I have to admit, I am a work in progress!
Staying on Brand: Branding, branding, branding. What is Kanilehua about? Hawaiian culture, perpetuation of traditions, handcrafted jewelry, independence of time and creativity, Hawaiian, local, and woman owned small business.
Keeping our Pillars in mind ALWAYS: Providing Behind the Scene looks, Before & Afters, Tip Sharing, Inspiring, Sharing our Events & Products will definitely be more prevalent in my postings on social media in the future.
New Releases
Constantly grappling with new ideas for new pieces: This is a hard one. Lauhala in and of itself is a niche. However, as more people delve into learning the culture and ancestral knowledge, the more challenging it will be to come out with Hawaiian inspired pieces with lauhala.
Diversifying mediums we work with: Metals, wood, resin, beads, gemstones, etc. are all mediums I already work with. But attempting to keep the creativity flowing to provide more and diversify will be at the forefront of my thoughts for the remainder of this year into 2022.
Biters
Jewelry is an industry where people think it is okay to copy someone’s idea or work, and not really have to answer for it. This is something I do not think I will ever get away from. I just try to focus on the craftsmanship of my work: how tight the weave is, the quality of the leaves I weave with, and the overall beauty of the end product. This is how you can spot a Kanilehua piece!
Handmade lauhala jewelry made on Maui by Hawaiian Artisans