Ask Me Anything

Just under a week ago... I posed the question to those on FB and IG that they could "ask me anything."

The world we are living in right now is much different than the world we lived in 6 days ago. But hopefully as time goes by we grow, learn, are resilient, empathetic and resourceful.

​With that, I am going to answer your guys' questions here and also record a video answering them when the time is right. 

(Just want to note - my blouse in the photo is from The Mauve Fox - this is the cutest little boutique for ladies and the owner (a local gal) is so sweet and kind. Be sure to checkout her stuff... it's a great mix of garments for every lady that wants to look stylish and be comfortable -I love her clothes!!!). ​https://www.themauvefox.com/

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 How are you feeling now?

I think this is in regards to my surgery last spring that involved trying to prevent breast cancer...by electing to remove both my natural breasts and move on with no reconstruction. My preventative bilateral mastectomy was a major surgery, but overall I always felt comfortable and didn't have any major complications. I have been all healed from the surgery and the scars are all set and done healing since July...which is when I went "public" about my decision. So how am I feeling? I feel great. My health is top notch, I am happier than ever, business is fantastic, I've been so busy with work, events, shows, shoots, writing that I feel like I am busier than ever! Thank you for all the support. 

I really miss you anchoring the news. Any chance of returning?

Thank you for this question and I appreciate your asking. At this moment, the answer is 'no.' I can assure you there have been some potential possibilities and opportunities to return to the news, but I have not been interested in doing so. I understand that in time perhaps these opportunities may not be available ever again and I am totally ok with that. I am probably 400% happier doing what I am doing now and wouldn't change it for anything. A lot of people ask me if I miss the news or if I miss being on TV. That is a strange question because I never thought of being on TV as the motivator. It is actually a more stressful, uncontrollable and awkward life being on television 5 days a week. I don't miss it at all. The one thing I do miss is knowing everything about well everything. I would know every detail of most of the news stories and headlines and all the facts of everything that was making news here at home and abroad. That was power as you know knowledge is power. 

If you could go back and say one thing to yourself on the eve of your high school graduation what would it be?

I would say to take things slow and don't grow up too fast. I look back and cherish those times and all the experiences which shaped me into the woman I am today. But often you are focused so much on growing up and being an adult that you forget to live life as a young person. I made a few mistakes.. some of them big and some of them small. I think most of them were driven by trying to be something I am not... Relish in your youth, appreciate what you have and don't try to rush everything. 

If you could only have one last meal, what are you picking?

This is probably the hardest question ever. I am guessing it is just one meal and not a series --- so maybe I will say dinner so it can be 3 courses and have my favorite things. 
1. Shoyu Poke for my appetizer (no onions please)
2. Truffle Mushroom Pizza with extra cheese
3. Godiva Chocolate Souffle with a side of Haagen Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream
4. *Bonus Sour Patch Kids (Petite Fours) LOL

Can you offer some tips on building credibility as an ENTREPRENEUR?
​

Sure thing, I would say... tips to build credibility are:
1. Always remain professional - people, businesses, business owners, corporations and etc may not treat everything/everyone with respect, communicate well or be the most professional, but you can hold yourself to a higher standard. Always communicate clearly, honestly and with kindness. If you remain professional in all your dealings, interactions, proposals, client endings, emergency issues and etc others will respect you, always remember you and you always want to leave on a high note.
2. Follow-Up - often people get busy and they forget to respond. I will send a gentle reminder and follow-up to see if there is still interest, nudge them a tad or remind them you're still here. That is admirable and you will seem reliable. 
3. Volunteer - if you don't have clients and are looking for some try volunteering for practice, to get involved, to network, to build character and to help others. You can't go wrong by offering your time and energy to something that needs it. I have had several clients come from my efforts spent volunteering in many aspects of life. I also know some of my grad school students did the same thing and ended up getting a job from it!

Are you seeing anyone right now?

Absolutely, yes! I have been seeing Daniel Heu for 13 years now... we were married in May 2009 and he is the love of my life. I don't always post photos of him, as he is a bit shy when it comes to the Internet and social media, but you can rest assured that on Valentine's Day and in May I will sneak a photo of him/us. Sometimes I will post on Christmas or New Years too - just not constantly. 

How do you stay so positive?

Trust me there are hard days, bad days, sad days and so on... But I try to always focus on the glass being half full instead of half empty. I am a firm believer that a positive mind attracts much of what will come. I am always looking forward to something and with each day and every morning I focus on what I am looking forward to that day. It can be super simple like I look forward to posting a great photo I took for a client, or we are going to share new store hours and I am excited about that, plus I am always excited for lunches or dinners and what I am going to order. With all that you can find something to look forward to each day... a new episode you wanna watch, the day coming to an end, that McDonald's Ice Cream Cone you've been craving or hey it's ALOHA Friday. This is all related to being grateful or thankful as well. I am always thinking how thankful I am - to have a roof over my head, to have something to eat, a loving cat, an impeccable husband, friends who are my family --- that is how I stay so positive! (plus if you have been following this blog, you know I use it to release when I am stressed or upset and then I am cleared of the negative energy and I move on). 

What's your favorite Oahu beach?

I would have to say my favorite isn't really a beach, it's more of a snorkel spot - I love Shark's Cove. The diving, snorkeling and etc there is great. The water is clear, the fish are beautiful and there are spots further out (I am an extremely strong former competitive swimmer) where the water is super blue and so deep. Plus I love to go across the street and grab food and enjoy the sunset and relax. They have a bathroom and showers so it is convenient. 

What's your guilty pleasure? tv show, food, etc...

Oh man... my guilty pleasure TV show is pretty much anything on Bravo - Vanderpump Rules, Below Deck, Project Runway, Shahs of Sunset... eeek - so embarrassing. LOL
My guilty pleasure food is a combo of sugar - either chocolates or fruity gummy candy. I have a severe addiction to sugar and I have to have something sweet after every meal. I try to eat dried fruit so as not to keep eating candy. 
I also have a super soft spot for rainbows. I always have to take pictures, videos or point out a rainbow when I see one. If you've known me a while you totally know and a lot of people will think of me when they see rainbows or butterflies.

What are your thoughts on covid-19? are you scared?

For me personally, I am not scared and don't feel threatened by the illness part. Myself and my husband have been really really healthy our whole lives and our immunity isn't compromised. The majority of the severe cases and deaths are from people who were older or had compromised immunity. But the virus continues to change and that is alarming. It is a pandemic which means it is a global outbreak and has been taking the planet by storm which is really nerve-wracking. I have been at home 90% of the time and when I am out I stay away from people as directed, don't hug or touch anyone, don't touch my face and wash my hands. What does worry me is local businesses and in turn my work. I am very concerned about the wellbeing of our economy and how this is going to impact us all longterm. I am working 200% more and on overdrive to help with the crisis and provide the most up-to-date and accurate info on behalf of my clients and that changes daily. So, I hope I don't lose any clients and I hope people don't close their doors for good. But it may be inevitable for some businesses unless we rally and try to support them as much as possible. I think a lot of small business owners are going to be bleeding.