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Meet Lana Gronwald of Jules + Gem Hawai'i!
One of our FAVORITE co-branded collaborations hands down is our home fragrance collection PARADISE with Jules and Gem Hawai'i! So we thought we'd take this time to spotlight the amazing powerhouse owner behind the brand Lana Gronwald!
Lana founded and launched Jules and Gem Hawaii in 2016, and since then has built her brand into an island staple, collaborating with hundreds of companies from massive hotel chains to small, local businesses like ours. You can find her candles, room sprays, diffusers and more in a number of boutiques islandwide or directly at her online shop.
Let's get to know this incredible boss lady, mama, beautiful soul!
All photos captured by Trevor Isabel.
WHAT'S THE ORIGIN OF THE NAME "JULES + GEM"?
Jules + Gem is named after my daughter and my dog! Julie is my daughter's name. When I named her, I knew that when she was older I would call her Jules. Gemma is my red toy poodle's name! She was the first dog I ever had. I call her Gem for short because she is so precious! They are the loves of my life and the reason I work hard at my business.
WHERE DOES THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR SCENTS COME FROM?
Originally, my inspiration came from my love for the local Hawaii fruits! When I moved away from home for college, I found myself craving the food from back home. I've always been a fruit lover and I couldn't wait to get back home during the Summer to see and eat the ripe mangoes and lychee on the trees!
I guess you could say that my inspiration comes from my experiences and memories in life growing up in Hawaii. The flower fragrances we carry are all dear to my heart because the women in my family are all flower lovers and hula dancers. The fruit fragrances are all local favorite fruits that make my mouth water! On a side note, I love to eat and dine out! Sometimes, I'll come across food dishes or beverages that inspire me to make a scented candle of it! Our Cup of Coffee candle came from a story like that. :). Often, I'll just play with fragrances just for fun but not actually launch it to the public!
WHEN WE THINK OF CANDLES, WE THINK OF SELF CARE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING TIME FOR YOURSELF, WHICH CAN BE VERY HARD WHEN YOU OWN YOUR OWN SMALL BUSINESS. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FORM OF SELF CARE?
Great question!! My favorite form of self care is actually walking along the beach and wading in the ocean water. Salt water therapy does wonders for me. Listening to the waves crashing on the shore and submerging myself into the water where it is quiet and calm, is my happy place. If I could choose to be anything, I would want to be a mermaid. :)
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS LOOKING TO LAUNCH THEIR OWN BUSINESS?
Do it and be prepared to work hard! We all can do anything we put our minds to. If you're willing to work hard, you'll be successful. Just remember to fit in some time for self care! The first few years are the roughest and like most first time entrepreneurs, you'll most likely have to work out some kinks. Down the line it will become an oiled machine. Just know that you have to work at it and keep pushing forward.
- It's a LOT of work but remember to take care of yourself too (for your sanity and those around you :)!
- Being able to adapt is important!
- Know your WHY
- Know your VISION
- Know your strengths and weaknesses. Play to your strengths and find key players to help in your weak areas!
ASIDE FROM YOUR ONLINE SHOP, WHERE ELSE CAN CUSTOMERS BUY YOUR SIGNATURE BLENDS LIKE GUAVA, PUAKENIKENI, WHITE GARDENIA, ETC.?
You can find our products in Ten Tomorrow, our shared retail boutique with fellow local female entrepreneur and designer Summer Shiigi.
We are also carried in retail stores across the state including Eden In Love, Lulu's Lei + Bouquets, Hideaway Hilo, and so on. For a full list of stores, please visit our website.
LANA'S FAVES
FAVORITE BREAKFAST SPOT: Morning Brew
FAVORITE BEACH ON O'AHU: Sunset Beach
FAVORITE BOUTIQUE(S) TO SHOP AT: Eden in Love (for gifts!), Fighting Eel, Dolkii (online!)
FAVORITE JULES + GEM SIGNATURE SCENT: Pakalana
FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Manhattan, New York. I love to shop!
FAVORITE TV SHOW (OR WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY BINGING ON DEMAND?!): Currently binging Schitt's Creek :)
FAVORITE COCKTAIL / MOCKTAIL: Mai Tai's!
FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: "If you can dream it, you can do it." Walt Disney. I read this quote in high school when doing a paper on Walt Disney. Since then, this has been my mantra in life and I believe in it wholeheartedly. No matter who you are or what your circumstances are, your dreams can come true. Dream it, work hard to create it, believe in yourself even if no one else will, and it'll come true.
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