Although Oahu-based artist Kris Goto launched her business just a few years ago, she’s been creating art as long as she can remember.
“All throughout my childhood and into adolescence, art was and still is, a very crucial part of my identity,” Goto said.
She turned that passion into a business in 2017, when she said she felt ready to give her art “an opportunity to thrive.”
And thrive it has.
Even if the name Kris Goto doesn’t sound familiar, chances are you’ve seen her whimsical, Hawaii-inspired artwork. Goto is the creator behind a number of highly visible works, including custom illustrations featured throughout the interior of Target at Ala Moana Center — a project she was commissioned on the same year she launched her business. Other major projects have included a mural inside Starbucks Reserve in Waikiki, and one at the YWCA in Honolulu — which she provided to the nonprofit by donation. Her work has also been exhibited at various galleries and events, and she’s been a frequent contributor to arts festival Pow! Wow! Hawaii, now called Hawaii Walls.
In addition to large-scale commissioned work, the Kris Goto brand also includes a growing retail line of products — such as tote bags, cards and pareos — adorned with her original artwork, as well as canvas and paper giclee prints. Her retail items are available via e-commerce on her website, as well as at shops and galleries throughout Hawaii and Japan.
As a member of Mana Up’s Cohort 9, Goto said her goal is “to solidify the foundation” of her business.
“I hope to do this through gaining better understanding and efficiency in merchandising and product development that best represents my brand,” Goto said.
“I want to build my creative platform through my e-commerce and expand retail partners. I want to be further recognized as the creative destination to those who seek authentic art inspired by the melding of cultures in Hawaii — something very unique and special to us all.”
PBN is partnering with Mana Up to announce the 10 newest entrepreneurs joining Cohort 9 of its product business accelerator program, with profiles on each company slated to roll out one at a time through June 4. Stay tuned to pacificbusinessnews.com, and check out the June 7 print edition for the full roundup.
