Small Businesses Don’t Start Perfect — They Start Brave

Small Businesses Don’t Start Perfect — They Start Brave

In this episode of All Things Change, Jenny and Olani sit down with two ʻĀinapreneurs and Changemakers CDFI Loan Fund recipients: Zachere Camara-Andrade of Blazin' Snow and Rebecca Corby of The Veli Pāhoa. Their stories take us behind the storefronts and into the real-life grit, heart, and community commitment it takes to build a small business in Hawaiʻi. From shave ice and family joy to plant-based food rooted in health, sustainability, and local sourcing, this conversation is a reminder that supporting small business means supporting neighbors, families, local farmers, and the future of our island home. As Zachere shares, supporting local means “supporting your neighbor,” and Rebecca reminds us that local businesses are personally invested in the communities they serve.  This episode is for every entrepreneur who has ever felt alone, underfunded, overwhelmed, or unsure of the next step — and for anyone who believes Hawaiʻi’s economy should be rooted in people, place, and possibility.

Reimagining Relationships with Nature and Community

This conversation explores the profound insights from the book 'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer, emphasizing indigenous knowledge, relationship with nature, language, and systems change. Participants reflect on how traditional ecological knowledge can inform modern practices and foster reciprocal relationships with the land and community.

Beyond The Numbers

In this episode of All Things Change, Olani Lilly sits down with Lei Riedel, Executive Director of Pakini Loan Fund, to talk story about the growing need for capital in Native Hawaiian communities and the work it takes to make lending more accessible, more supportive, and more grounded in culture. Lei shares how Pakini Loan Fund is helping Native Hawaiian-owned small businesses navigate barriers like low credit history, limited access to resources, and the fear that often comes with approaching financial institutions. The conversation explores what makes Native CDFIs different, including the importance of character-based lending, culturally relevant financial education, and relationship-centered support. Lei also opens up about Pakini’s vision for growth, the real demand they are seeing in the community, and why building confidence is just as important as providing capital. This episode is an honest, insightful look at what community-rooted economic development can look like in practice.

Rethinking Philanthropy

Philanthropy can be more than a transaction—it can be a relationship that strengthens community. Join us as we talk story with Kuʻuleinani Maunupau and explore the origin and mission of Native Hawaiian Philanthropy, spotlight current initiatives, and share what healthy, respectful funding partnerships should actually look like. From decolonizing wealth to protecting Indigenous rights, this conversation invites funders and community leaders alike to rethink what “giving” should mean in Hawaiʻi.

Building Economies with Heart

In this episode, Jenny and Olani discuss the book 'Indigenous Economics: Sustaining Peoples and Their Lands' by Ronald Trosper. They explore the differences between Indigenous and Western economic models, emphasizing the importance of relationships, sustainability, and community well-being. The conversation highlights the need for reciprocity and stewardship in economic practices, as well as the potential for innovative solutions rooted in Indigenous wisdom. They also discuss the impact of COVID-19 on local food systems and the importance of supporting local economies. The discussion also emphasizes the need for economies that prioritize community, sustainability, and relationships over mere profit. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to integrate these principles into their own lives and businesses.