Go green, save green is my new promotion. Inspired by the rising gas prices, and need to contribute to saving our resources, I have created a new way for :ik: help you save money and trees at the same time. If you have a large informal party and can use email to invite folks, you can use our designs for a flat fee of $50. Check it out!

I have also installed a new way to book your appointments with me through Genbook.com. Its very easy and seamless! So there is no excuse not to meet and start designing your invitations today. Just click the "book appointment" link on the index to the left or click the button on the bottom of every page that says "book now." I look forward to meeting with you and making your event that much easier!

Customers have been calling and saying that the other companies in the phone book are closed and there are only two or three taking orders! These high gas prices have been terrible for us and small businesses like mines are going out of business or are seriously in trouble. I was not happy to hear that my competitors were going out of business. On the contrary, a smaller market/industry is less thriving in a capitalist economy. Competition is what makes business better and it gives the shopper more comparison and potentially a better deal.

All of you know that I have struggled in these 6 years to maintain just this site and what little I have. I recently paid for advertising in Pacific Weddings Magazine, DUYW (Dress Up Your Wedding.com) and may have a booth at the Hawaii Woman Expo in Sept. However, this has been a leap of faith for me as July-Dec. has typically been a slow season for me. I have no idea why, but this is the pattern.

Therefore, I am seeking your help. If you like the service I have given you, products, or just like the site, please give me good word of mouth! There are three ways I am suggesting: The knot.com message boards, and Merchant Circle.com- enter "Invitations by Kiku". Just by spreading the word, you can help our industry to grow and survive. I can't tell you how many great compliments I get, but that's as far as it goes.

Thank you for reading this blog. I have been sick these last two weeks, so keeping up on this blog has been a top priority.

Talk more later...
8.02.08

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Hilo visit rescheduled

I had originally thought I could go in the beginning of June, but it turns out the last week of June was better. I will be taking appointments for June 25-27th. I will be meeting at the Downtown Hilo Starbucks. You'll see me at one of the tables. Call me to book today!

Wow! The vog in Oahu was thick! The volcano is sure gasey! I grew up on the Big Island and remember many days that the vog was thick. They didn't have the vog alert system so we all went to school anyway. It was so thick you could taste it, feel it and sometimes smell it. I had asthma and the vog didn't help. I thought moving to Oahu would be better, wow, it is worse. There are so many valleys in Oahu and the vog just sits in it. You couldn't see the mountains. This week was muggy, sticky, and voggy. Not a trade wind at all! It is slowly clearing up and looking better.

There must be a big pocket of sulfur dioxide because there is enough to cover our island chain (250 miles of it.) The scary thing is after the gas is gone, there will be a big empty chamber to fill with yet, more lava! It doesn't seem to end! When I'm on the Big Island, I will post some pictures of the scenery.

Gotta run... starving! Oh, check out 'special deals" for graduation packages.... you'll be thankful!

Tisha
05.17.08

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Playing with the photo booth software on my new cpu. Fun! Managing these two, a hubby and a business is quite a challenge. I'm pursuing some financing so that I can hire some part time help, build inventory and do more advertising. I realize the need for my services from what my clients have said. I want to expand, but being in HI presents its challenges. Retail and office space cost just about the same. This is why I have opted to do more in house as to not sacrifice the quality I can put out.

Chloe is potty trained, thank God! Now she can go to preschool which she is well ready for. This means I'll be yours for the booking soon... Also have to deal with a shortage of preschools in HI as well.

Okay... here's another picture of me. All this time, I've avoided posting a picture. Like everyone else, I don't like pictures of me. Well, now there's no way to avoid being recognized!

NOOS.... (NEWS)
I'm taking appointments to meet in Hilo on June 10th to the 12th. Email me and book it today! I will be designing your invites right in front of you, then printing them when I return on the 12th.
Graduation custom photo invitations can be purchased for $1.75 per invite (reg. $2.25) for a limited time only. You must use the "product order form" at the top of the page to make this request. Printing is on 80lb gloss cover stock with envelope.
Have a great night.
Tisha 5.12.08

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Yea! I upgraded again and added some cool features for you...
1- I am now able to design while we meet! This means we can get your invitations done on the spot and printed within 24 hours or less! 2- I have added a top of the line camera and lenses so that if the need arises and you need better pictures on the spot, we can do it!
So, this means I am more efficient for you! The cool thing about :ik: is our ability to be mobile, print in house, fast turnaround, affordable prices, and quality products.
My latest hoorah is working with Cole Haan to design invitations to their private event in-store. AND that the Viva Italia Collection has been a hit! I love that paper... it truly is the best.
You'll be seeing :ik: in more places as I am starting to advertise more. I took off my advertising to give birth to Chloe. Now that she is two, almost three, I can do more projects. I never really stopped, but taking out advertising has given me a break. I remember taking an order right after I gave birth to her. My client was so shocked! That's how it is. Esp. in Hawaii.
Last month, I had the privilege of attending a networking reception for Grace Ormonde's Wedding Style Magazine Platinum list at Turtle Bay. Fellow professionals were there: Mona from Weddings by Grace and Mona, Eugene Kam from Eugene Kam Photography, Cakelava, Le Saison, and more. Grace Ormonde and Yanni, her editor, were both there hosting. They are wonderful and gracious and very down to earth.
The one thing I learned from my colleagues is that living and working in Hawaii is hard for everyone in the wedding industry! We are all looking for creative ways to market to our customer. The internet is the number one way to reach beyond Hawaii. Truly don't know what I'd do without my site.
I have added the Product Order Form to ask specific questions from you so that I can recommend the right product for your needs and give you a quote. I found that people would rather ask questions first, then purchase, than buy direct off the site. I guess it depends on the comfort level of each client. That is why I have developed this blog so that I can establish a relationship with clients that I can't help in person.
Well, it's late. Blog more later...


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Wow! Its been a while since my last posting. I'm glad to announce the Viva Italia Collection of invitations. It was one of my first collections and it was popular in the beginning. But I started to focus on linen paper and took the handmade cardstock off the site. However, it's growing in popularity again because of it's full color florals. It is definitely more colorful than letterpress.
I have also added the Product Order Form on the home page. I've noticed that people want forms to collect their ideas for their orders. It is easier to do than email and will move your project along faster.
I love ideas, keep sending them! I have loads of designs and little time to post them. So sometimes your comments or compliments inspire to invest more time in the site.
Aloha for now,
Tisha 4.21.08


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More food places...Keneke's in Waimanalo. They have the best plate lunches and huge shave ice cones! Take cash with you...its faster, take my word for it. Order the kalbi, mochiko chicken, or teri chicken. YUM!
Another cool stop, if you like Hawaiian food, is Mel's Market in Waimanalo It looks like a shabby shop, but head inside towards the back. The deli is back there with Hawaiian delicacies just for you. At times there is raw Oio poke (my fave), kulolo, poi, haupia, lau lau, dried aku, and lomi salmon. If you like 'em all, buy the plate. The lau lau is tender and tasty... jus' right.
Two other great places to eat..
Sam Choy's Breakfast Lunch and Crab at Nimitz My honest opinion is to go for the buffet on Sunday mornings. If I remember correctly its about $25.00 per person. Go early, some entrés only have one tray. When it's gone they don't make more. But all the entrées are soooo goood!
I think I could really go for some hot Chile Con Queso cheese right now at Cha Cha Cha Salsaria in Hawaii Kai. Perfect ambiance on the Hawaii Kai marina. Excellent food! The CCQ cheese is soo flavorful with the bell peppers and red torilla chips. Gotta try these.
Well, I know you newly-weds will enjoy these tasty tips while you're here. I will blog about some more places to eat soon.
Aloha,
Tisha 1.22.08


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Aloha!
Starting my blog again... Yes, this is a picture of my children. Chloe at left and Seth at right. They were playing by the pool one day and I got this shot. I thought it was the perfect picture of aloha.. don't you?
One of my other passions is great food. I love to tell others about great food and restaurants. Particulary the small places. One of my recently discovered spots in Oahu is Tamura Supermarket in Waianae! What! Yes... You can get a bento with two pieces of teriyaki chicken and rice for $2.95. There's even others for less. Grab some bentos and go for a picnic at Makua Beach down towards the end of the road. Makua beach is known for it's long white sand beaches and pods of dolphins. The dolphins swim by about 100 yards from the beach. I've swam with them and they are the most adorable and majestic animals I've ever seen... A must do in Oahu. Our friend, Jason, often fishes there for ulua. We used to go a lot when camping was allowed. Thanks to the DLNR, there is no camping. Makua Valley (in the back of the beach) is also the training grounds for the military. So, at certain times of the year, there are noisy excercises like shooting, bombing, helicopters, etc. Startling at 7a in the morning! You may even find melted lead shot in the water... I wonder how it got there?


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