Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordy Houglum.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Where I started… Lahaina Maui
I am the creator of Puka Maui. I started off in 2020, during the Covid-19 lockdown I YouTubed how to sew to relieve boredom indoors, and it became a hobby that I became to love! I turned my sewing hobby into a business for my high school senior project at Maui Preparatory Academy! Living in Hawaii, I was always looking for a perfect bag for accessories, sunscreen, and makeup, so one day I decided to give it a try and it was a hit! Supporting local means a lot to me; supporting small businesses and helping the local community out=better for the environment! When I graduated high school in Maui, I decided to not go to college right away. I moved to Delray September 2021 to grow my business. I started selling at farmer’s markets around my area. I’m currently still trying to find the perfect continuous market to sell my bags at. As well as local boutiques.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Living in a small town like Lahaina Maui everyone knows everyone we call it our Ohana, everyone is family. I started off doing one small farmer’s market in Maui. When I moved to Florida, the flow and energy is a lot different from Maui’s “Aloha Spirit”. I’m currently still looking for the perfect flowing farmers market here in South Florida to represent the Aloha of Maui.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I sew all my bags myself, from buying the fabric cutting the fabric to sewing all the patterns and making it into a finished bag. I’m also an artist at heart, I’m designing fabric textiles with my artwork. When I started my business, I was 18 years old high school student. Which sets me apart from most business owners.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The characteristics I believe are the most important to running your own business is that you find ways to stay motivated and always thinking of new ideas to bring to your business to either expand or advance it.
Pricing:
- Tote Bags – $60
- Zipper Pouches – $25
Contact Info:
- Email: Jordy@puka-maui.com
- Website: www.Puka-maui.com
- Instagram: Puka.maui
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/PukaMaui/
