University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa fashion design and merchandising alumna Riana Kawamura returned to her alma mater to host a highly anticipated pop-up for her business, Da Palaka Girl.
The small business, which she co-owns with her mother, Evangeline Kawamura, is known for their palaka-print tops and accessories.
“I noticed a gap in the market—most palaka clothing was designed for older women,” said Riana Kawamura. “I wanted to create more modern, cute styles for younger women.”
Riana Kawamura’s classes at UH Mānoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience piqued her interest in the field of merchandising and taught her valuable skills that have come in handy as a business owner.
“I learned how to build a brand and connect with customers,” said Riana Kawamura. “Since our demographic is my age, I know what they want, which really helps with marketing and design decisions.”
Sewing success
What started out as a sewing hobby for Evangeline Kawamura and an interest in merchandising for Riana Kawamura has blossomed into a local phenomenon.
The Kawamuras are no stranger to success, with every previous pop-up selling out, and online drops that sell out in minutes. Just reaching the one-year mark, their Da Palaka Girl small business has had an overwhelmingly positive response.
“I love that it’s locally made, and the owner is an alumni, so I’m happy to support her,” said business marketing major Cherisse Henley. “The clothes are just so cute.”
Their Mānoa pop-up was met with a warm reception by the UH Mānoa community, as a long line full of hundreds of excited customers stretched around the heart of the campus.
“I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time,” said Chloe Trover, an international business and marketing major at UH Mānoa.
Social media marketing spurs excitement
After experimenting with palaka and posting a few of their pieces on TikTok, demand grew quickly. Based on her experience, Riana Kawamura urges others to be bold.
“If you have an idea, just go for it—even if it’s not perfect. If you’re hesitant or hold back, you might limit your potential,” said Riana Kawamura. “Social media is your biggest tool, so don’t be afraid to use it. Once you commit, go all in.”
