In this episode we introduce you to the Merrie Monarch festival and its significance in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. We'll discuss the economic impact of the festival and the opportunities it brings for local businesses.
Our guest, Cassandra Evans, talks about her role in Manaola Hawaiʻi and the pop-up retail experience during Mele Manaka. She shares the challenges and logistics involved in organizing the pop-up and the importance of building relationships with vendors. The guest also highlights the cultural values and aloha spirit that guide their business.
Overall, the conversation explores the intersection of culture, commerce, and community during the Merrie Monarch festival. In this conversation, Cassandra Evans, the Director of Retail for Manaola, shares insights into the strategies used to promote and market the mākeke (marketplace). She emphasizes the importance of social media in building excitement and anticipation for new releases.
Cassandra also discusses the significance of the physical store location and the impact of wrapping the windows with eye-catching prints. She highlights the role of effective communication in maintaining relationships with customers and the importance of analyzing data to measure success and make informed decisions. Finally, she offers advice for small businesses, emphasizing the importance of setting goals, adapting to change, and putting in the work to achieve success.
