Jazlen Lucas is among this year's honorees of Pacific Business News’ annual Inno Under 25 awards. To see the other winners, click here.
Jazlen Lucas
Age: 19
Currently a student at Honolulu Community College, Jazlen Lucas plans to transfer to the University of Hawaii at Manoa to earn a degree in business entrepreneurship. And even though she’s not a business student yet, she already owns her own business: Puhano Hawaii, which features island-inspired stickers, totes, tumblers and other products. Puhano conducts e-commerce and participates in pop-up markets.
“I’ve always observed my friends and family who moved away from Hawaii say that they miss the feeling of ‘home’ in Hawaii. So once I graduated [high school], I created my business with a goal of creating various lifestyle products that brought the feeling of home,” Lucas said.
Lucas is also an active part of campus life at HCC, particularly in organizations that aim to perpetuate Native Hawaiian culture. She works as a program assistant and peer mentor at the campus’ Native Hawaiian Center for an initiative that focuses on improving Native Hawaiian success, and she’s also vice president of the school’s Hawaiian club.
In addition to running her own business and her student activities, Lucas also is already earning real-world experience. She formerly held an internship at Mana Up, and currently, she’s an outreach and social media intern at Hoaaina, a nonprofit focused on sustainability and education.
What accomplishment are you most proud of to date?
One accomplishment that I’m most proud of to date is being able to be the very first intern chosen to work at Hoaaina, alongside community leaders and founders Kamaka Dias, Elijah Sky, Koko’ng Delos, and Malama Minn. I’m beyond grateful because as my mentors, they’re constantly motivating me to grow my potential. This internship reminds me that I’m capable of accomplishing big dreams and to have them as my mentors really means a lot to me. I’m constantly learning what it’s like to be a leader from the people that I look up to.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
My favorite part of what I do is that everything I pour my energy into feels good and reciprocal, and I love being able to feel fulfillment and a sense of purpose with every project I’m involved in. I feel happy with where I am in my life right now and I’m happy with the people that support me. Without my support systems, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I also love sharing those goals and accomplishments with them.
How do you envision the future — what is next for you, and what is your ultimate career goal?
I envision my future being a lifelong learner. I see myself always learning and developing lots of valuable skills and knowledge and wisdom that will help me to grow into the best and authentic version of myself in every aspect of my life. What is next for me is growing my business, connections and pursuing my degree. My ultimate career goal is to have financial freedom and become my own boss, and be able to create a beautiful family and to give back to my family.
The “brain drain” has long been an issue for Hawaii. What do you think the state needs to retain its younger workforce?
For our younger workforce, the state needs to implement more creative opportunities here. Change the narrative. … There needs to be more programs that give [young people] outside exposure like exchange programs and jobs that will challenge them to grow. We also need more competitive wages that are more sustainable for them to live here in Hawaii.
