Entrepreneurs and Artists: Like Fine Wine

Enjoying the Process

I believe that love and gratitude are the two most powerful forces in the universe. And this is indeed true within business and entrepreneurship.

The amount of wisdom accumulated along the entrepreneurial road is invaluable. Entrepreneurs and Artists embrace the entire journey, and are the most "on track" when they enjoy the process.

My third interview in my "Entrepreneurs and Artists: Like Fine Wine" series is with Karen Kampfl, Founder of Soul Spark Candles. Made in San Diego, Karen created Soul Spark Candles to spread a little love and gratitude wherever the candles are burned. Hope you enjoy this interview, as much as I did!

#likefinewine

#entrepreneurjourney

#embracethejourney

#enjoytheprocess

#time

#love

#gratitude

Me: Your vision and mission is spreading love and gratitude. Where did this vision emerge from?

Karen: Back in 2016, I felt a shift going on here. People being in a hurry and only caring about themselves. There seemed to be a loss of camaraderie, and I wanted to do something to kind of spread positivity in my little circle and see where it would go. Around that time, my best friend was doing a class on affirmation writing. I wanted to support her in this, and took her class.

During this same time, I was selling gifts and many of my clients were asking about candles and I did not sell candles. One of my friend's boyfriend had thirty plus years of knowledge in the candle business, and I asked if he would help me. He was instrumental in this, and the company has grown organically since then.

My Takeaway:

I am a big believer in intentions, clarity of intentions, and purity of intentions. When we are clear in our intentions, the universe does seem to deliver people, clues, creative ideas and insights. Being present and taking one step at a time is important. Karen's story is an example of how this does indeed work. Life does seem to unfold in beautiful and amazing ways, when we are aware, present, clear, and pure in our intentions.

#vision

#clarityofintentions

#purityofintentions

#presence

#lifeunfolding

#soulspark

#mentors

Me: How did you come up with the idea for the affirmations, crystals, as well as the amazing and luscious fragrances for each candle? and the amazing packaging?

Karen: I literally came up with the affirmations and names for the candles in an hour or so. I wrote it all down in my notebook, and the start of it was very clear to me. It all came together naturally and organically. In one week, I had the entire business handwritten.

My Takeaway:

Most of the best entrepreneurial ideas start on a napkin, or in a matter of a few hours. Big elaborate business plans and "decks," which many labor with and talk about, in my opinion, do not bear the same "fruits" as the ones that start out simple, organic, and in the flow.

#intheflow

#organicgrowth

#organicallygrown

#entrepreneurialfruits

#clarityofintention

#soulsparkcandles

Me: So many entrepreneurs start out with a clear vision and along the way get "distracted." Much of this "distraction" comes from others who are giving them ideas, suggestions, ways to "improve" and to "grow" their entrepreneurial endeavors, etc...

Some entrepreneurs stay true and focused on their core vision and others start listening to others, who most of the time have no clue about any of the "unsolicited advice" they are spewing. How do you stay so true to your vision and not get distracted?

Karen: I never deviate. I don't follow any other candle brands. I don't want any distractions. This is way more than a 'candle business.' I sell a lot of my Healing Candles. Lots of people are going through so much. I hear so many stories from others, and I know I am on the right track. I am clear on my vision, and I am not in this to 'chase the money.'

My Takeaway:

Karen is so spot on! Do not deviate! I find it so odd how there is so much "unsolicited advice" that others want to give entrepreneurs and artists. One of my mottos, which I mentioned in a previous interview –

"never despise small beginnings." As long as we are moving forward and taking steps which are aligned with our unique vision; clear and pure in our intentions, we are on the right track on our journey.

#vision

#love

#gratitude

#soulspark

Me: I know your "Confidence" scent is one of your favorites, mine as well. There is an amazing quote by Marie Curie on confidence:

"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained." - Marie Curie

Want to chat a bit about confidence and perseverance?

Karen: One needs to stand for something! Whether starting a business, pursuing a career, etc... one needs to have a clear vision or one will get sidetracked. I sell a lot of the Confidence Candles to those between the ages of 15-35 years old.

Me: This is great! Leading up to my next question!! What advice would you then give younger women, specifically, who are just starting out in their careers and entrepreneurial endeavors? Many get a bit "bummed" when they have a challenge or bump up against a "struggle."

Karen: As I have gotten older, I have learned to not fight against the flow. When I fight against the flow, it ends up hurting me. The best things just come. If I allow them to come to me, and I am not 'chasing' the next big thing, I am good. The gut is never wrong. When there are times I work against it, I end up in a '"wrong" place. Trust yourself and it is so important to believe in what is right for you.

My Takeaway:

Don't get side tracked! Go with the flow! Flow and Resonance are two of my favorite words! One of my favorite sayings is "Don't Push the River." As Karen shares, allow things to come, as these things are usually (if not always) the best things and meant for you! The older we get, the more we understand this, on a deeper and deeper level, as we have acquired the evidence and the life experience to know this to be true.

#confidence

#resilience

#mariecurie

#dontpushtheriver

Me: Do you have any non-negotiables and/or core values that you remain steadfast to?

Karen: Live and Let Live! Everyone is entitled to be who they are. As long as people are not impacting me and affecting me, I say "live and let live."

My Takeaway:

Live and Let Live!! One of life's great mottos for sure!

#liveandletlive

#corevalues

#nonnegotiables

Me: Last question is on introverts. The last couple of women that I interviewed are introverts. I know you are most likely extrovert? What are your thoughts on the introvert/ extrovert scale, as it pertains to entrepreneurs and artists?

Karen: Oh no, I am definitely an introvert. I am the closet introvert and very shy. I am a very deep thinker. I am really a homebody, and an introvert deep down. I am only an extrovert with my business.

My Takeaway:

This is the great last question, as well as insights, possibly for many. I really thought Karen was an extrovert, though she is so similar to me, this does make sense. This may possibly be why others think that I am an extrovert, for many of the same reasons I thought Karen was. It is clear from all three interviews in this series, the 'Triple Threat' in the Entrepreneurial/Artist categories: shy, deep, and introverted!

#closetIntrovert

#deepthinker

#shy

Me: Lastly, any good podcasts that you listen to?

Karen: How I Built This with Guy Raz. Also, Mayim Bialik Breakdown.

Me: Thanks for the recommendations! I listened a while back to a great episode on Mayim's podcast with Michael Singer, the author of The Untethered Soul, and The Surrender Experiment. I will post the link for that, as well as the general links for both Guy and Mayim's podcasts. Thank you!

Mayim Bialik Breakdown:

https://www.bialikbreakdown.com/

How I Built This with Guy Raz:

https://www.guyraz.com/#podcasts

Mayim Bialik with Michael Singer:

https://mayim.simplecast.com/episodes/michael-singer-let-go-of-yourself-and-surrender-to-life-QhJ75Bkd

#mayimbialik

#howibuiltthis

#guyraz

#michaelsinger

#thesurrenderexperiment

#theuntetheredsoul

My Final Takeaway:

As mentioned in my last interview, the amount of time and life force energy it takes to forge a path unique to one's own vision, is in my option, one of the great adventures of life. Being true to yourself, your intuition, your vision, as well as being self aware, present, and curious, do meet with invaluable rewards, most of which are quite intangible!

I want to thank Karen so much for this interview! What an amazing example of someone who continues to stay true to her vision, mission, as well as living in the flow, sharing love, and spreading gratitude!

For more information on Karen and Soul Spark, please visit:

https://soulsparkcandles.com/

Entrepreneurs and Artists: Like Fine Wine

The Joy of Resonance and the Art of Flow

This is my second interview in my series on "Entrepreneurship and Artists: Like Fine Wine."

As mentioned in my previous post/interview, I do believe that great artists and entrepreneurs get better with age. Kinda like fine wine.

The amount of wisdom accumulated along the entrepreneurial road is invaluable, as well as the intimate soul journey that most grow to deeply appreciate. Artists embrace the entire journey and can find the immense beauty in life.

#likefinewine

#artistjourney

#enbracethejourney

#deepwisdom

#selfawareness

One of my favorite quotes is by Henry David Thoreau, which I mentioned in a previous blog series a while back:

“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment." ― Henry David Thoreau

This quote is the perfect beginning for my interview with Colleen Wilcox. Colleen is an amazing surf, tropical, nature, ocean inspired artist based out of Honolulu, Hawaii. She is amazingly talented, extremely humble, and is filled with grace, joy, and presence! Her life and art reflect the beauty of moments. It is a real pleasure for me to interview her and have her a part of this series. Hope you enjoy!

#artistentrepreneurs

#artistentrepreneurship

#presence

#bepresent

#moments

#naturesbeauty

Me: Two of my favorite words are 'flow' and 'resonance.' In your art you create such amazing movement and energy, and your art exemplifies perfectly 'flow,' and no doubt resonates with many! As you create movement and energy in your art, how do you create movement and energy in your business and other aspects of your life?

Colleen: Ideally I want to be in the flow all the time, and that is what I am going for. There are different elements to get in the zone and flow. The place where I am better at this is in my art. When I am in my studio and painting with my headphones, I can be in the right mindset and allow flow to take place. In everyday life, interacting with people, this can be more challenging, so I do try and apply the tools I have to rebalance, reset, and refresh.

My Takeaway:

How one does anything, is how one does everything! I believe all entrepreneurs and artists aspire to live their lives in the 'art of flow,' and to live in the harmony and resonance of life. They acquire tools along the way and implement what works for them, into other areas of their life. The flow state is where it is at!

Me: For people like us, who are keenly aware of the amount of time, energy, and life force one expends during each day, we have to be quite intentional on how we spend and invest energy. How do you remain so focused on your vision as an artist and how do you choose and prioritize projects?

Colleen: I go with the feeling first. If it feels good and I am excited about it, and then if I like the people, it is usually a great project. I have learned over the years in making some mistakes, what to look for, and I now know 'red flags.'

My Takeaway:

The triple threat in entrepreneurial and artistic endeavors is, in my opinion, what Colleen shares. Go with the feeling first, then reflect on the level of excitement. If the people are a good fit too, then that is the winning combo!

#winningcombo

#artisttriplethreat

#corevalues

#priority

#intention

Me: How do you personally deal with hardships and setbacks? I know you went through a period of soul searching a while ago. What did that look like and how were you able to move through it? I think many go through deep periods of soul searching, some for short periods of time, and some for longer periods of time. What did those years look like before you took the plunge into becoming a full time artist?

Colleen: During that time, I was really searching. People had been telling me since I was a kid that I was good at art. Looking for those things that you were always naturally inclined, is a great thing to do when considering a career. It was during that time, that I decided to go towards my strengths. I researched people who had their own business and sought out some examples, specifically, of those doing art on the island. I also read and watched a lot of videos. Fifteen years ago, the internet was not as robust and there was no social media.

#soulsearching

#gowithstrengths

Me: What advice would you give younger women specifically, who are just starting out in their careers and artistic/entrepreneurial endeavors, that are gifted in the arts and creativity? Those who love to paint, draw, photograph and have a real God given talent for these things? (as well as passion)

#youngwomen

#artists

#entrepreneurs

Colleen: Make sure they are passionate about what they are doing, as this will carry them through any setbacks. This is the glue that holds everything together. It is important to not give up. It is important to focus on one's strengths and gifts, and to not ever do it for superficial reasons.

My Takeaway:

Any type of 'success' leaves clues. We all learn as we go and can also learn from others who have been on a similar journey. It is indeed a process. Being able to focus on one's strengths, gifts, talents, and persevering through setbacks make for a rich and fulfilling journey.

Me: Let's talk a bit about one of my favorite topics, introverts! You and I are both a bit introverted, and as I mentioned in my previous interview/blog post, introverts in general, can be quite confusing to others How do you balance being an introvert and being 'out there' with associates, colleagues, and clients?

Colleen: I think there are blends of introverts/extroverts. I think those who can deeply connect in person and be social, do the best They are able to interact well with clients/customers. I balance the introvert/extrovert blend, with being sure that I have enough alone time and quiet time while staying away from groups/crowds when I need to recharge.

My Takeaway:

I agree with Colleen 150%. The introvert/extrovert scale can be seen as a blend or spectrum. Somewhere in the middle, is possibly the sweet spot, where most successful and grounded artists and entrepreneurs live. The 'alone time' and 'quiet time' seems to be most important for the recharging and grounding that they desire.

My Final Takeaway:

Entrepreneurs and artists are, at their core creators, and they live to create. The amount of time and life force energy it takes to forge a path unique to one's own vision, is in my option, one of the great adventures of life.

For more information on Colleen, and her amazing art, please visit:

https://colleenwilcoxart.com/

Great Hotel Brands, Great People

With Ona Hinds, Recreation Manager, at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii,

Kohala Coast, Island of Hawaii

Me: I was so excited for this interview, since you are not only a "client," but I also consider you a friend. I have known you many years, and am so grateful for our connection. You are one of the kindest, most warm hearted, compassionate women in our industry, in my opinion.

So, let's start with your name Ona, is this your birth name? In Hawaiian it means "sweetness?"

Ona: Well, my whole name is Keona Ona Lani ( Ke-Ona-Ona-Lani), which is my Hawaiian name, and means 'fragrance from the heavens'. My mom's mom (Tutu – Hawaiian for grandparent) says it means 'intoxicating fragrance from the heavens'.

Me: So, where does Jolene come from. How do we get from Ona to Jolene?

Ona: Jolene is my English name, and came from my mom.

My Takeaway:

"Intoxicating fragrance from the heavens" – that pretty much sums it up. I do believe that the names we are given at birth, do have deeper, intangible meanings, that are evident to some. Clearly, the name Keona Ona Lani, is divinely orchestrated. I believe my birth name "Faith" is as well. I am very blessed that my father fought hard for my name Faith.

#divinegifts

#divinelyorchestrated

#birthnames

Me: How long have you been with the Fairmont Orchid? I feel like I have known you forever.

Ona: Fifteen years. I started as Rec Attendant at the pool.

#brandloyalty

#fairmontorchid

Me: Your Fairmont location, in particular, has some very special people. As you know, I still keep in touch with Ryan, and also Cassie. Addie is the best, and you know I adore Gina, who used to work next door at Mauna Lani. Seems like the HR team/management hire very sensitive, heart centered, and warm people. Is there a special interview process there? Do you have leadership meetings? Team workshops there?

Ona: The interview process here is like any other, possibly. Normal questions are asked. We used to have leadership meetings once a month. Maybe it is our location, as the Big Island in general, has much to do with the way we are.

We are who we are, before we get to the Fairmont. They really look for personality, genuineness, etc.... maybe that is the answer as to how we all ended up here.

My Takeaway:

Great point! Who you all are before you got there, is who you are, so it probably does go to the HR/management team's desire to hire people who have warm personalities, and who are genuine, and caring naturally. I do not believe these are qualities that can be "trained," as they are innate, and as it is said, "wherever we go, there we are."

#whereverwegothereweare

#genuineness

#heartcentered

Me: I must ask you about your level of self-awareness, as well as awareness in general. You and I had a very deep conversation last week; thank you again by the way for that. Where do you think awareness, self-awareness, being open and vulnerable, fit into the work culture? Do you think there is space for this in a work culture?

Ona: Yes indeed there is space for this in a work culture. Here at Fairmont, when Accor took over, they launched a training program. It was called 'Heart ist'... like 'artist from the heart'. I thought this was really cool! We strive every day, to take the time out to see how other people are feeling. There is space for this, if a company is willing to take the time to introduce trainings like this.

It is also up to each individual to ground themselves. In this industry the needs never end. It is very easy to get caught up in work, expectations, etc...and people can get lost in that. There is room for this within a company culture. This is a 'hard industry' so we do all need to take time to be empathetic, and feel someone out emotionally. It is always up to the individual. I hope this makes sense?

Me: Yes, you are speaking my language! And yes, "the needs never end" in this industry. Another reason why this type of sharing and support can be powerful in helping us all maintain our serenity, perspectives, and most importantly sense of humor.

My Takeaway:

It is quite impressive that Accor would launch a training program like "Heart ist." I am an artist at heart, and also super sensitive and empathic. Many think the hospitality industry is no longer a place for sensitive, warm, and caring individuals; especially those who are heart centered. I think it is important to remember that even though so many have left the industry, there are a percentage of amazing individuals like Ona, who remain, and who are terrific reflections, especially to me, that some of us can still be ourselves, within an industry that is quite tough, especially this last year and a half. Finding others who can appreciate us for what we bring to the conversation, bring to others, and who we are as individuals, make our jobs that much more rewarding and fulfilling. No one is an island, and we need others who are "heart-ists" to share, grow, evolve, and laugh with. And yes, this can be done within a work/professional environment!

#needsneverend

#heartists

#artistfromtheheart

#heartcentered

#presence

#emotionalconnection

Me: You mentioned something from NPR a while back, I think it was from June? About the number of workers quitting their jobs/ positions?

Ona: Yes, I listen to NPR on my drive to work. And this episode was about the unemployment rate, and it went on to talk about how many have left the hospitality industry, etc...

I typically listen to NPR to hear news and hear what is going on. Music these days can be depressing. Listening to some of the words in some songs, this unconsciously feeds into the brain, and this is what some of these kids are listening to!

My Takeaway:

I tried to find this NPR segment, to reference, and I think this is the one Ona spoke about: www.npr.org/2021/06/26/1010521131/millions-of-workers-say-i-quit-as-restaurants-and-hotels-reopen

Totally agree with Ona about some of the songs out these days, and probably many songs in general. Probably why I have always been a huge fan of classical music, jazz, and some blues. There is much beauty in music available, if we are attuned to it.

One of my favorite Plato quotes about music: "Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything." Another great quote, this one from Aristotle, and to Ona's point – "Music has the power of producing a certain effect on the moral character of the soul, and if it has the power to do this, it is clear that the young must be directed to music and must be educated in it."

#plato

#aritstotle

#jazz #blues

#classical

#orchestras

#musicbeauty

Me: As you know I did a great and fun interview with Ryan and his wife, Corinne. What an amazing couple. Talk about love, synergy, compassion, and awareness- they have it all. We spent some time talking about balance, boundaries, and time away from all the cell phone madness. As I do think we are living in a culture that has gone mad over technology, especially with cell phones. It is really shocking to me, how so many are very unconscious as to how they use their devices.

Many of us need to have very strong boundaries and clear, rigid intentions, to take time away from all this. Do you get time away from your phone?

Ona: Yes, when I paddleboard. It is always an hour or two, and this is my time away from the phone.

My Takeaway:

Whether it is an hour, two hours, or periods of time like Ryan and Corinne regularly schedule, many enjoy their time away from the phone. There should be no expectations from anyone other than ourselves, as to when we decide to step away from the phone and technology. I think this should be supported, and never criticized.

Me: So this perfectly brings me to my next question. Tell me about Shaka Aloha Adventures.

Ona: Shaka Aloha Adventures' official start date was March 2020. I had the idea since 2016, there was just no time to move on it. So when I had the time, when I was basically laid off from Fairmont, I thought it out more and got to go on more hikes, and test out more gear.

I put all the paperwork together, applied for a business license and started to learn what it really takes to start a tour business here in Hawaii. I had time to hike around, and a couple of my friends were not working, so we would go on hikes, and take boards to secluded beaches, ponds, rivers. It was lots of fun.

I am very excited sharing these experiences with people because I grew up here. Maybe people who are not from here, do not know about all of these amazing spots. No tour company on the island does such a thing. I do my bookings on Fridays, which is my day off from Fairmont.

My Takeaway:

I am so excited about Ona's Shaka Aloha Adventures. I am not sure if there is any place more beautiful than Hawaii. It is by far, my favorite place! For those who love nature, beauty, being in "awe," and want to adventure the Big Island, with a beautiful and amazing individual, this would surely be the "go to plan" for your visit.

This interview with Ona, was so amazing, as she is no doubt someone who is not only invaluable to the hospitality industry in general, but to anyone who comes in contact with her. I am blessed to work with her, and most importantly, blessed to have gotten to know her on such a deep level these past few years. I am fortunate and grateful to have her as a friend, and so glad we had time together to do this interview. I hope that anyone reading this blog post, can get some gem(s) of wisdom, insight, etc...

For more information about Fairmont Orchid, please check out:

www.fairmont.com/orchid-hawaii/

And for more information on Shaka Aloha Adventures, please check out:

instagram @ Shaka_ Aloha_ Adventures

facebook Shaka Aloha Adventures LLC.

Bookings are typically done through these or Airbnb experiences.