Page 4 - MidWeek East - Jan 5, 2022

4 JANUARY 5, 2022
Business Supports Local; Showcases Polynesian Products And Talents
FROM PAGE 1
Seleni has adapted her business strategy as more local shoppers have fre- quented the marketplace.
mother Blossom Kunewa are celebrated kumu hula, and my dad, Malo Seleni Sr., was a world renowned and pioneer of the Samoan fire knife dance, whom I lost to COVID-19 in October,” Seleni says. “I’m just glad my dad got to see the store. We had so many ideas and plans. Now, it is the fuel that keeps me moving forward; to bring to life what we en- visioned and to make my fa- ther proud.”
casing not only products, but also the talents of our Poly- nesian people.”
Seleni explains that she receives feedback from ka- ma‘āina and tourists alike that customers love the feel of the store and the fact that it’s locally owned and fea- tures locally made items by Polynesians.
“COVID has affected ev- eryone, but as small business owners, it has kept tourists at bay, which is why we are hoping to appeal to locals by offering one-of-a-kind products and experiences that tourists and kama‘āi- na will appreciate,” Seleni says. “We are a very ‘grass- roots’ operation right now and most vendors couldn’t do expos or craft fairs, so this space allows them to at least make something during this down time as the world adjusts to our new normal.”
“We will be working with smaller tour groups and cre- ating smaller workshops and experiences, like kava tastings, so visitors can ex- perience another side of our culture,” Seleni says. “In ad- dition to handmade products made in the islands, in 2022 ,we will be incorporating workshops, awa nights and engaging in community ac- tivities throughout the island representing our diverse Polynesian community.”
The business owner takes an extra sense of pride when running the budding opera- tion as she is aware that her family’s rich cultural heri- tage is being perpetuated.
For more information and updates, follow @cultur- alconnectionspacifika and @kapakava on Instagram. Stay tuned as well for a website that is currently in the works, and is expected to roll out soon.
Cultural Connections Makeke and Makana in Waimānalo features vendors from across the South Pacific, highlighting the gifts and talents of the Polynesian people.
building an e-commerce showcase more vendors, can’taccommodate.” platform,” Seleni explains, artisans and practitioners Call 808-773-7555 for “which will allow us to that our physical location more information.
During the ongoing
“My great-grandmother Rose Joshua and grand-
It’s Time to Beat the Heat! We do it right the first time
COVID-19
pandemic,
Cultural Connections Makeke and Makana will offer small workshops and unique experiences, like kava tastings. PHOTOS COURTESY SHELLY SELENI
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