My name is Shanalaine Hesira and I am currently an active BESTie, full-time business student, and the owner of laine jewelry and laine honolulu. The beginnings of my business first started in the unfortunate-fortunate times of the COVID-19 pandemic. With everything that was happening in the world at the time, I found myself often returning to my passion of making jewelry. This then sparked the idea of creating my very own website (lainejewelry.com) and business Instagram account (@lainejewelry). After finally launching my website in 2020 on July 1st and seeing orders continuously coming in, it definitely channeled my inner entrepreneur which made me think, “How can I grow my business?” “How can I make this a full-time thing?” and “What’s the next step?”
In the first year of starting my own business, I would say that it has been a great learning experience and very crucial to the growth of my business. As my major is Marketing, I found that I quickly had to apply what I was learning which also allowed me to be hands-on and further apply what I was being taught. One outlet that I found to be great for my business’ growth was going to markets, pop-ups, and special events. These events consist of a wide variety of products from small businesses including specialty food, candles, pet accessories, and of course, jewelry! At least 90% of my sales and growth came from these events as I did at least one every weekend since December of 2020.
Now that my business has almost hit two years since I first launched it, I have been really fortunate for every opportunity that has come my way and have been able to fully take advantage of them. With inspiration to expand into a boutique one day, I signed a three month pop-up lease with Ala Moana Center to test out the market and see the possibilities of what could be, right in front of me. There has been so much blood, sweat, and tears put into my business and getting it to this point where I am fulfilling the dreams that I once had, is my biggest accomplishment. My entire entrepreneurial journey and success is a reflection of the endless support from my customers, family, and friends.
Last but not least – I saved the BEST for last, pun intended. Joining BEST was the most worthwhile decision I have ever made in my college career. All members have shown nothing but tremendous support for my business and its growth! Not only are the members encouraging, but the alumni and professionals as well. I have gotten the rare opportunity to connect with amazing alumni and professionals at both Mock Interview and Professional Interaction Night. I was given helpful advice, tips, and motivational wisdom that I still keep in mind to this day. The professional events that BEST hosts are definitely challenging but are always rewarding. My personal and professional skill set has improved within the time I’ve been in BEST and is still continuing to grow. The opportunities that BEST has presented to me have been endless and I am forever grateful for this experience and am proud to be a part of this organization.
