Shop local this holiday season! This Saturday is Small Business Saturday, a day to support local businesses that create jobs, fuel our economy, and bring people together. We spoke to three small businesses about what it means to them to be a part of the Oahu community.
Horsemanship for all
North Shore Stables put out a plea for help in October – if business didn’t pick up quickly, they’d have to shut the stable doors for good. Phone calls poured in as people booked tours, riding lessons, trail rides, and pony rides.
A young student on a pony ride. Photo courtesy North Shore Stables
“The outpouring of support was more than we could have ever foreseen. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for that,” says Amanda Lorenz, marketing director and photography manager of North Shore Stables. “Our community has shown that they care. They care about local business and they care about taking care of each other. And we promise to keep giving back.”
Since opening in 2021, the stables’ mission has been horsemanship for all.
“We think everyone deserves the opportunity to build relationships with horses, spend time outdoors in a safe and beautiful setting, and have a place to come together with their community,” says Lorenz.
Students bond and play while taking care of horses. Photo courtesy North Shore Stables
That’s why North Shore Stables offers quarterly scholarships for horsemanship lessons. It also hosts community events and is creating an extensive education program. The stables have grown over the years, building a community between the students, staff, and animals.
“We have many youths who rely on this place for somewhere safe to go after school, a place to feel like they belong,” says Lorenz. “We’ve watched their confidence bloom from spending time with their favorite horses and learning new skills. We see them learning the importance of putting in work to earn their playtime with the animals.
“It’s a community of both animals and people. All the tourism activities we offer are simply to fund the mission – to keep kids on horses and to keep offering lessons to our neighbors. That’s what we’re about.”
Bringing southern love to the islands
Southern Love opened in June and business has already been booming. Customers stream into the cozy restaurant on Queen Street, looking to indulge in catfish po’boy, fried chicken, and mac and cheese.
Love cooking in his open concept kitchen.
“The support has been amazing,” says Corey Love, the executive chef and owner. “At first, it was mainly people I knew. Since I worked in the industry for so long, it gave me a wide network. After a while, we started getting more people who came in based on reviews or word of mouth. It means a lot!”
Love is originally from Georgia and has lived in Hawaii for 13 years. He wanted to bring his comfort food to the Islands and spread the love.
“It’s a type of food that warms your soul and we need more of it here in Hawaii,” he says.
A sign on the wall that reads “y’all come eat” is Love’s slogan. His favorite part about cooking is sharing it with people.
“I want them to know that my food is made with love,” he says. “It brings joy for those experiencing it.”
Love serves up all his favorite comfort foods.
While Southern Love is a family-run restaurant, there are also days when Love is a one-person show. He takes orders, cooks food, and cashes people out. Despite how busy Love is, he greets every customer with a smile and enjoys talking story with them in his open-concept kitchen.
“It feels like you’re at your grandma, mom, or dad’s house, having your meal cooked for you, in front of you, and with you,” Love explains. “It’s more than a meal; it’s an experience.”
Land and ocean-friendly activewear
Lilikoi Wear began as small pop-up shops on the Big Island, where co-founder January Barros was raised. She and her husband, Rodrigo Barros, created the brand when they realized they could fill the niche market of high-quality athletic wear in Kona. They use a special type of swimsuit fabric, which means all their clothing can be worn in and out of water.
Barros in her booth at the Kakaako Farmers Market.
“That’s what drew us to the fabric,” says Barros. “With so many people leading an active lifestyle here in Hawaii, people want to run and then go directly into the water and not have to change into a swimsuit. And I can relate to that! I’m a hiker and I don’t want to bring my bikini or wear it under my clothes. This allows me to get in the water without having to worry.”
The fabric is also sun protective and eco-friendly; it’s fully biodegradable and will break down in a landfill within five years.
“We want to support the well-being of our planet and all the beings that inhabit it,” says Barros.
While Lilikoi Wear started with shorts, capris, and leggings, the clothing line has since expanded to include T-shirts, rash guards, pants, and dresses. The couple moved to Oahu six years ago to build out their brand and started selling their products at expo events and local farmers markets.
Barros designs a variety of clothing, including rash guards, athletic wear, and dresses.
“I love having the direct connection with customers,” says Barros. “What really warms my heart and lights me up is when people love our clothing as much as I do. I design things that I want to wear, so when people pick it out for themselves, that’s what excites me the most.”
