We took some time off for our back to back birthdays, but today we are back with a guest by the name of Mari Tisby from Pikake & Sun. We ran into Mari at a holiday pop up and were absolutely mesmerized by her handmade wreaths and ornaments. They are beautiful!
1. Why did you decide to start a side “hustle”?
I was a room mom, team mom and one of those “ask her, she will do it” moms for both of my children from kindergarten to high school. I enjoyed every moment of it. It was a big part of my life…more like it was my life!! Now both of my children are in college. All of sudden I have all this time to myself. What do I want to do? Should I go get a job? But I still need to make myself available when my children need me. Well, I have been pretty crafty decorating the classroom doors and windows, making banners for the teams, making very cute goodie bags for every occasion. Maybe I can share my creations with other people!! That’s why I started my side hustle.
2. Why (How) did you choose your business?
Oh the answer for this question is in the answer above…(smile). I thought it might be a good idea to share what I love making for the people I love and care with other people. I love seeing the smile on the faces when they see what I make. It is the best when they gasp!! 😉 I named my business “pikake & sun”. Pikake means jasmine in Hawaiian language. Hawaii is like my second home in my heart. I have been visiting those beautiful islands since I was 11. My husband and I got married in Oahu and had a wedding in Maui. The islands have a very special place in my heart. I didn’t take long to come up with the name because the smell of jasmine and the sunshine which give me the positive vibe is what I wanted to give people with what I make.
3. How do you balance your side hustle along with your marriage and raising kids (if you are not married or have kids, balance life overall)?
Well, my husband (24 years of marriage!!) is very supportive and patient with me. 🙂 He gives me advice with his (guys) point of view and made the weights for my EasyUps with cement. He is there for me when I need him. Also my children are always so supportive of their mom. 🙂
4. What advice would you share with someone who is thinking about or may have just entered the side hustle scene?
I have just started my side hustle not so long ago myself…what I can say is “Do What You Love”. It is very intimidating to start something new. Contacting businesses, meeting new people and swiping a stranger’s debit card!! But as long as you love what you do, you get over those jittery feelings and move forward a little at a time.
5. What was the initial investment to start your side hustle?
The new Cricut machine was the biggest investment!! My husband bought one for me as an early Christmas present last November when I was still debating whether I should start my side hustle. I feel like he believed in me and pushed me for the first step with the machine.
Find Mari and her creations here: https://www.facebook.com/pikakeandsun/
Instagram: @pikakesun
If you’re interested in being featured for Side Hustle Saturday, please e-mail us at [email protected].
