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A Spa-cial Place For Pooches

Combining her love for man’s best friend and fashion, Cocojor Hawaii and Cocojor Emporium & Spaw owner and founder Monica Shigenaga brings doggy couture to new heights. Located at 975 Kapiolani Blvd., this is your one- stop shop for all of your dog’s needs, including grooming essentials and specialty canine cuisine.

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Monica Shigenaga with Jordan (left) and Coco. Photos from Monica Shigenaga

“Everything that’s Cocojor-made is sold right here in our flagship store, from our award-winning doggie apparel to our own line of all natural shampoo/conditioner spaw bar, aromatherapy bar and Hawaiian Doggie Fragrance,” says Shigenaga, who is a certified canine specialist with more than 20 years of experience in the pet industry. “Our WiFi bakery has all-natural treats made with human-grade ingredients – Cocojor Canine Cuisine is made with local ingredients, including wagyu beef and honey-roasted rosemary chicken.

“We have creatively and ingeniously intertwined the human and canine ‘spaw’ experience with our open-door policy where you can stay with your canine for any kind of service. Human and best friend are welcome to relax and rejuvenate side by side,” she explains.

A self-proclaimed dog lover, Shigenaga says her passion in showing and grooming dogs eventually evolved into a passion for animal skin care and health, which is the underlying foundation for Cocojor Emporium & Spaw.

“Our signature service, the Minicle Microbubble Treatment ($40 and up), leaves your pooch clean, detoxed and anxiety-free.

Full grooming services also are available and start at $45, and the Zen Bath costs $30 and up,” Shigenaga states, adding that Boutique Doggie Daycare is perfect for furry friends as it provides them with the opportunity to learn dog etiquette and training during their stay. Cage-free daycare is priced at $25 for half a day and $50 for a full day. Private oasis, cage-free overnight boarding begins at $45 per day.

“It’s not just a job or a business for me; it’s my life journey, so I just love it,” Shigenaga says. “We create our own line of Cocojor products. Our clients know that what they see is what they get – fresh products directly from the manufacturer and products that I believe in.”

Shigenaga’s designs will stand in the spotlight of canine fashion in the Celebrities and Their Pets Fashion Show, part of The Hawaii Woman Expo Sept. 8-9 at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Directed and organ-ized by Nancy Bernal, the fashion show will draw in a crowd as local celebrities and VIPs in Hawaii’s entertainment industry walk the runway with their pets at 12:30 p.m. on both days. But celebrities will not be the ones wearing fashions – leave that to the dogs, as they will be dressed to impress in Cocojor designer outfits. Shigenaga’s doggie apparel is available for purchase at Cocojor Emporium & Spaw and online at coco-jor.com.

“This year we’re celebrating Cocojor Hawaii’s 10-year anniversary and one-year anniversary at our Kapiolani location, with lots of free workshops, lectures, events and special discount coupons throughout the month of August. Check out our Facebook page (facebook.com/cocojor) for the most recent updates,” Shigenaga says.

“I see Cocojor going global because people are starting to accept the natural way of taking care of pets,” she adds. “Finally, after 10 years of running Cocojor Hawaii by myself, I am able to share my knowledge and passion with pet owners and pet lovers in this industry.”

Cocojor Emporium & Spaw is open Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, visit cocojor.com.