Now in its third year, Inno Under 25 recognizes entrepreneurs and stand-out employees ages 25 and under.
This year’s honorees came from nominations from the community, and in evaluating the candidates, PBN’s editorial team took both professional achievements and volunteer work into account. This year marked the highest number of nominations that PBN received for this award, and we are honored to recognize these young leaders. Please note that the honorees’ ages listed in the article reflect their ages as of the Aug. 7 nomination cutoff.
The group features both entrepreneurs who have created their own businesses, as well as emerging leaders within existing companies. These innovators represent a range of industries from tech and energy to nonprofits and retail. But one thing they have in common is that they have all made tremendous contributions to their businesses and the community — and have done so already at their young ages.
Among the honorees, a number are still in college or have recently graduated — and many started their own companies while still in school. Others began their entrepreneurial journeys even younger: Brothers Jacob and Jordan Ah Sing, at just 17 and 14, have their own apparel brand, and Coen Cadinha, 15, is the owner of a candy company who also runs an incubator for other keiki-led businesses.
As a couple of the nominators for these honorees pointed out, to paraphrase, these young leaders are only getting started in their careers, and we’re likely to hear more about each of their successes in the years to come.
Jacob and Jordan Ah Sing
Owners, Red Rooster Designs
Ages: 17 and 14
Brothers Jacob, 17, and Jordan, 14, launched their online apparel brand Red Rooster Designs from their hometown of Makaha in 2022. According to the company’s website, their mission is "to inspire and support the youth of Hawaii" and to “create a better future for our communities while honoring who we are and where we come from.” To that end, their custom-designed T-shirts feature slogans that they hope will inspire others, such as “preparation brings opportunity” and “doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.”
For the past three years, Jacob and Jordan also have been taking classes with technology education nonprofit Purple Maia Foundation, where they have participated in classes on e-sports, web development, and entrepreneurship. “They have been such amazing haumāna [students] in our Purple Maia Inana program classes and have and will continue to inspire other youths in their community both locally and afar,” a Purple Maia kumu wrote in the nomination for this award.
How did you start your business? We started our business last year designing and printing shirts for other businesses. We soon realized that we didn't want to be a printing company, we wanted to focus on our own designs and brand. We wanted our brand to inspire youth to create their own opportunities.
What accomplishment are you most proud of to date? We are most proud of the relationships we have made throughout this journey that we wouldn’t have made otherwise.
What is your favorite part of what you do? Our favorite part of our business is creating designs that resonate with people and being able to give back to our community.
What advice would you have for other young entrepreneurs? Advice we would have for anyone wanting to start a business:
1. Be crystal clear on your why, your purpose. A brand without purpose is just an empty cup.
2. Never compromise on the quality of your product and the quality of your customers' experience.
3. Ask yourself, what problems will you solve?
Coen Cadinha
Owner, Big Boy Sweets
Age: 15
Coen Cadinha started his own Hawaii-inspired candy and snack company, Big Boy Sweets, when he was just 13 years old, growing the venture from his school to pop-up markets to an online shop. Now 15, Cadinha aims to launch wholesale operations by the end of the year. He’s also working to help other young aspiring entrepreneurs achieve their goals: Earlier this year, he launched Keiki Rise, a free business accelerator program for keiki throughout the state.
How did you start your business? I started selling li-hing lemon peel gummies in school when I was 13 years old. I knew I wanted to do more, so I tried to apply for some local pop-up markets but was denied because I did not have the proper requirements like GE tax number, insurance and more. I didn't know how to do those things, so it took me a while to figure it out myself. Once I completed those steps, I took part in my first pop-up market and sold out. About six months later, I was accepted in a Mana Up program, Build Native. This program helped me launch my online store through Shopify and build so many valuable connections.
What accomplishment are you most proud of to date? I would say my proudest accomplishment would be being named the HVCA [Hawaii Venture Capital Association] Student Entrepreneur of the Year.
What is your favorite part of what you do? My favorite part of what I do would have to be Keiki Rise, a program I founded this year to help other keiki entrepreneurs like myself grow, thrive and succeed. With the help of the Hawaiian Host Group, HawaiiUSA FCU, American Saving Bank and Zippy’s, I was able to create a program full of workshops, pop-up markets and so many valuable resources. Our mission at Keiki Rise is to empower and inspire young entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary skills, resources and support to turn their ideas into successful businesses. We aim to foster a supportive and nurturing environment where young entrepreneurs can learn, grow and thrive.
What advice would you have for other young entrepreneurs. Follow your passion and embrace failure. Being a young entrepreneur is hard. Many people won't take you seriously, but never give up and keep pushing forward.
Keaʻaokahonua Davis
Lead product and design strategist, Purple Maia Foundation
Age: 24
After graduating from Stanford University, Davis returned home to the Islands and joined local technology education nonprofit Purple Maia Foundation as a user researcher in its Mālama Venture Studio, where she helps to develop innovative companies that restore oceans, lands and communities. During her two years with the organization, she has spearheaded the creation and facilitation of a design thinking course focused on strategies to improve the future for Hawaii. Other aspects of her work involve collaborating with entrepreneurs on community-serving projects and hosting a monthly think tank.
How did you start your career? I graduated from college in June 2020 in the middle of everything happening with the Covid-19 pandemic. It was definitely disorienting to go from being immersed in design school in the Bay Area, to completing my capstone project from my family’s homestead in Hoolehua, Molokai. After graduation, I started working part-time facilitating community energy meetings with Shake Energy Collaborative before I joined the entrepreneurship-focused Malama team at Purple Maia Foundation. I never thought I’d be able to do design research and strategy in the Islands, so I’m really grateful for my work with both of these organizations.
What accomplishment are you most proud of to date? Though it’s still a work in progress, I’m currently on a team that is empowering stewards of fishponds with new water-sensing technologies. The hope is to integrate these sensors in ways that augment ancestral observation methods to support the long-term health of these sites. I grew up surrounded by these fishponds, so it feels full circle to be doing this work now.
What is your favorite part of what you do? My favorite part of any project is facilitating events or meetings for people to gather. There’s so much wisdom in our local communities. Whether I’m working with a neighborhood board or a coastal steward, it's a huge privilege to hold space for their insight to be front and center.
What advice would you have for other young entrepreneurs? One of the first things I learned at design school was to fall in love with the problem not the solution. Sometimes it can be easy to get fixated on the solutions that are in front of us. Through my work, I’ve learned the importance of letting go of the “shiny thing” to make space for something even better. I invite any young entrepreneur to consider how they can make space in their work for unexpected solutions to emerge.
Nick Kapule
President, Kapule LLC and Kapule Organization
Age: 24
In 2020, while still a student at Pitzer College, Kapule launched Kapule LLC, a contracting business that offers project planning and design, project management, and installation services for both federal and commercial markets. At the same time, he also launched Kapule Organization alongside his sister, Olivia. A nonprofit arm of the business, Kapule Organization aims to support the health and education of Native Hawaiians. Operating as a nonprofit community impact organization, Kapule Organization is financially supported by the economic ventures of Kapule LLC. Both entities are designated Native Hawaiian Organizations by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
In his spare time, Kapule also volunteers with the Huli Movement, a local conservation nonprofit that focuses on environmental and cultural education.
What accomplishment are you most proud of to date? I am most proud of two things: our nonprofit educational program and our big upcoming projects on the [Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam] Shipyard. Our nonprofit takes kids sailing on a traditional Hawaiian sailing canoe and the fundamental idea is to promote relevant environmental- and cultural-related issues to the next generation, aiming to instill a more enlightened mindset into the citizens of Hawaii that highly values our unique natural resources and culture. … Next, Kapule LLC has secured contracts with prominent prime contractors to participate in the upcoming JBPHH drydock infrastructure transformations.
What is your favorite part of what you do? The aspect of my work that I cherish the most is discovering diverse avenues for Native Hawaiians. Numerous programs, initiatives and resources exist for Native Hawaiians, which I wasn't aware of during my upbringing. … My long-term goal is to become well-versed in these various possibilities and educate forthcoming generations.
What advice would you have for other young entrepreneurs? A valuable suggestion I'd offer to young entrepreneurs is to seize the opportunity now! This phase of life is ideal for embarking on informed ventures and establishing the business you have confidence in. With age, the stakes tend to rise, so I would take that chance sooner rather than later. Prioritize thorough research and seek guidance from a seasoned professional in your field to benefit from years of experience.
Nirvana Dillingham
Owner, Maui Alarm Systems
Age: 22
Maui Alarm Systems started from what initially seemed like a setback: Dillingham launched the business after being laid off from his job during the Covid-19 shutdowns. Just 19 when he started out, Dillingham had no prior business ownership experience, and limited prior sales experience. But he grew the venture through earning industry accreditations and networking. Today, the company has accounts with business, government and residential clients.
What accomplishment are you most proud of to date? I'm most proud of being able to open and sustain a business that I opened when I was 19. This is now my full-time occupation and has been for nearly two-and-a-half years.
What is your favorite part of what you do? My favorite part of what I do is the people I meet. Sometimes doing security, I meet local homeowners — usually, I happened to go to school with their son or daughter. Sometimes I meet large business managers, or even celebrities! Both of these have provided me excellent connections for everything from fishing gear to Las Vegas trips.
What advice would you have for other young entrepreneurs? To be patient. When I first opened, I hardly had enough money to pay my rent. I had to organically grow the company and play the long game. Do not open [a business] expecting to see any revenue on day one, week one, or even month one. But once you get the hang of whatever you've chosen to do, you will figure it all out.
Daniella Pasion
Student director, Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship; president, Hawaii Student Entrepreneurs; vice president, alumni relations, American Marketing Association at UH Manoa
Age: 21
Pasion impressed the team at the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship, or PACE, at University of Hawaii at Manoa from day one with her “drive and innovative spirit,” according to Sandra Fujiyama, the executive director of PACE, in her nomination of Pasion. Now a senior studying entrepreneurship and marketing at Shidler College of Business at UH, Pasion is part of PACE’s student leadership team, and is already an entrepreneur who runs her own e-commerce shop, illicitlover, which features products she designs. She also is part of the leadership team at the American Marketing Association at UH Manoa, and last year, she led the revival of the Hawaii Student Entrepreneurs organization at Shidler, and has since grown the group to 40 members. For her efforts, she was named last year’s Outstanding Student Entrepreneur of the Year at PACE.
How did you start your career? During the pandemic, I graduated high school and spent my first two years of college online. Although I had the time to start a small business, it was hard to find the right resources and connections to work on bigger goals. When I started to go back to campus, I found out about the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship, or PACE, and their team helped me revamp the entrepreneurship club known as Hawaii Student Entrepreneurs. Through both PACE and HSE, I received many different opportunities to pursue my entrepreneurial goals and build connections that continue to help me grow in my career.
What accomplishment are you most proud of to date? Becoming the president of Hawaii Student Entrepreneurs was a big highlight of my college experience. The club had become inactive due to the pandemic, so there was nothing to work off of, but it has now grown to be larger than ever.
What is your favorite part of what you do? My favorite part is giving others the opportunities and resources needed to grow as an entrepreneur. I enjoy hearing members talk about their business ideas and goals, and being able to connect them with the right people and resources. The connections I’ve created and the relationships I’ve built with the entrepreneurial community hold a special place in my heart.
What advice would you have for other young entrepreneurs? My advice would be to never give up and never be afraid to fail. Failure is just an opportunity to learn and grow. Take advantage of taking risks, especially at a younger age. There are so many different resources and opportunities for young entrepreneurs. Reach out and talk to founders and CEOs — many of them are willing to help and share their experiences.
Mia Sofia Pimentel
Marketing associate, Turno
Age: 23
After graduating from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a degree in marketing and management in 2021, Pimentel landed a job at Turno, a software-as-a-service platform that connects vacation rental operators to vetted cleaners while automating other turnover tasks. Through her strategic marketing efforts, Pimentel has contributed to growing the company’s brand awareness and customer engagement. In addition to her professional life, Pimentel is also an active volunteer with Eco Rotary Club of Kakaako, where she works to raise awareness about environmental issues, and with the Hawaii Young Professionals, where she has hosted sustainability-focused events.
How did you start your career? My journey began at Shidler College of Business, inspired by my mother, who went to a business school in the Philippines. Growing up, my hardworking father worked overseas to support us, while my mother, a remarkable entrepreneur, sold jewelry. Both parents demonstrated that determination and hard work could overcome any obstacle. My time at Shidler College of Business is where my passion for marketing truly ignited. In my senior year, I accepted an internship at Turno, a Honolulu-based software company and a global leader in vacation rental cleaning management. I gained hands-on experience to complement my academic education. After graduation, I accepted a full-time offer with the company, marking the beginning of my professional career. At Turno, I found myself in a dynamic environment where I could learn and grow.
What accomplishment are you most proud of to date? A recent accomplishment I hold dear is becoming an official member of the Eco Rotary Club of Kakaako. Through this club, I have had the privilege of hosting the Hawaii Young Professionals group at community service events dedicated to communal land restoration projects including tree-planting, composting and weeding.
What is your favorite part of what you do? My favorite part of what I do, and something I take immense pride in, is being part of [the Eco Rotary Club of Kakaako], an organization that honors traditional Hawaiian cultural practices while actively working to protect our natural resources. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how marketing can be a powerful tool for positive change.
What advice would you have for other young entrepreneurs? One piece of advice I have for young entrepreneurs is to build strong relationships within your industry and community. Allocate time outside of your work for volunteering, attending networking events and collaborating with others. Putting yourself out there by networking early on can help you not only open doors as you begin your career but also establish meaningful, lifelong connections.
Juliana Rogers
CEO and founder, Motion Management
Age: 22
Motion Management is a sports management company that specializes in representing watersports athletes. Rogers launched the company while attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and in May, the concept took first place in the UH Venture Competition, beating out 40 other teams. Motion Management supports athletes in a variety of ways, including everything from personal branding and merchandising to contract negotiations and general career planning.
How did you start your business? I started my career as an athletic manager for watersports by accident. I had a good friend in the industry who came to me seeking assistance and I wanted nothing more than to make a difference in his career. In working with him, I noticed the need for water sports managers was incredibly high in the industry, especially in the Islands, [and] thus Motion Management was born. Being a business entrepreneurship major, I felt like I had the expertise to make something happen, not just for his career, but also for the world of watersports.
What accomplishment are you most proud of to date? From there my career blossomed, and I was able to create an organizational format that won first place in the University of Hawaii Venture Competition. Being able to stand in front of a crowded room, expressing an idea and plan I am so passionate about, while simultaneously gaining recognition from my community, meant the world to me.
What is your favorite part of what you do? I love that I am able to aid others in the pursuit of their dreams. As a manager for aspiring and established watersports athletes, I am able to turn what individuals once viewed as impossible into possible. I love the added bonus of the fact that my career revolves around the ocean.
What advice would you have for other young entrepreneurs? To other young entrepreneurs, my best piece of advice is to never be scared to fail. In our mistakes lie the biggest lessons, and when you take a risk, the universe offers it with reward even if it is not your desired outcome. Accept failure with open arms, as in the long run, it tends to be more valuable than your success. The journey to success is always more valuable than the success itself.
Desta Rudolph
President, Independent Energy Hawaii
Age: 25
Rudolph has been working in solar since he was just 19, starting his first job in the industry while attending college. Three years later, he and his father launched their own solar company, Independent Energy Hawaii, which specializes in solar installations and smart home upgrades. As the company’s president, Rudolph contributes to the whole operation, with a focus on customer acquisition and training. Independent Energy has grown to a team of 20 employees and now provides solar photovoltaic services to the entire state. The company was also among PBN’s Best Workplaces in 2023.
Rudolph also advocates for increasing renewable energy throughout the state through his involvement with the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, which aims to help Hawaii reach its 100% renewable energy goal by 2045.
How did you start your business? I am a second-generation solar professional. I grew up watching my dad leave the house before the sun was up. His hard work was instilled in me at a young age. After graduating from Mililani High School in 2016, I enrolled in Leeward Community College. While studying full-time I started my first job in the construction industry in 2017. I worked my way up from an executive assistant to operations manager of the residential solar department in a little under three years. It was a great experience and armed me with the tools and confidence that I needed to put myself out there. I left the position and began working on my dream, to run a family business of my own, side-by-side with my father. This dream has since turned into reality with our company Independent Energy.
What accomplishment are you most proud of to date? The first bid that we won for Independent Energy was a huge solar photovoltaic removal and reinstall project in the middle of the Covid pandemic, on the Big Island. It was a daunting project, to say the least. We were able to assemble an amazing team and despite the odds, we got it done. I spent about six months of my first year in business working on this project, and the success of the project directly influenced the success we have had since.
What is your favorite part of what you do? I love my job and I love the solar industry. Building a team that leaves a positive impact on the communities and families that we work with has to be my favorite part. The positive feedback from our customers is all the reinforcement we need to know we are on the right path.
What advice would you have for other young entrepreneurs? My advice for other young entrepreneurs would be to never sell yourself short. More often than not, the person who is in the way of reaching your full potential is yourself.
Raina Wong and Rhema Wong
Co-owners, R Planet
Age: 22
Twin sisters Raina and Rhema Wong created zero-waste retail brand, R Planet, in 2019, when they were still in high school as a way to make sustainable, ethically sourced products easily accessible. R Planet features curated home goods and lifestyle items, as well as handmade products including lip balm, lotion bars, laundry detergent powder and more.
How did you start your business? We started our business in high school as 18-year-olds eager to make a difference in our community. When we learned about plastic-free alternative products and started incorporating them into our lives, we felt a responsibility to share this with as many people as possible. … We made it our goal to make sustainable living accessible and convenient for our community.
What accomplishment are you most proud of to date? In 2021, we got the opportunity to do a holiday pop-up at Ala Moana Center and experience having our very own store for a few months. It was so amazing to be able to design, decorate, and put together our own concept and bring our vision to life through our store. In addition, we were able to meet so many people and introduce the idea of sustainable living throughout the community.
What is your favorite part of what you do? Being able to connect with individuals in the community through our business and our products is definitely the best part — and what keeps us going! We love hearing about each sustainable swap people have made, how they use our products, and how the products have impacted their lives overall. Our community and the people are why we do what we do.
What advice would you have for other young entrepreneurs? Our advice for young entrepreneurs would be to take risks and try new things! You never know what could happen, who you could meet, what you will learn, and most importantly, how much you can grow from turning your ideas into an actual concept or business.
