Hui O Wahine Spouses Club Annual Basket Auction

The Hui O Wahine is a Military Spouses Club, located on
Ft. Shafter on the Island of Oahu.

The Hui O Wahine will be hosting their

Annual MAKE IT, BAKE IT, FAKE IT Basket Auction

on

Wednesday 10th November

Doors open @ 10.30

at

The Hale Ikena on Ft. Shafter
http://www.huispirit.com/Luncheon_Event.html

Proceeds from Baskets from Outside Donors (Non Club Members) 
go towards Scholarships and Welfare.

Here is a little about the Club as posted on their website:

"Since the 1930s, the Hui O’ Wahine has extended pilialoha (friendship) through its membership of spouses, Soldiers, and civilian employees. We are an all-ranks club...nobody is too new, too young, or outranked here!  Now we open our club to men and women of all branches of the military.

As a community-centered club, we work together to raise funds that benefit our Soldiers and families through college scholarships and through grants to organizations that serve our local area.

As a people-centered club, we work together to increase the Spirit of Aloha and a sense of sisterhood amongst our membership and throughout our neighborhoods....."

Elizabeth, the First VP wrote this in the Hui Spirit Newsletter  for November:

"The Basket Auction is your chance to participate and help raise those funds whether by donating items to be auctioned and/or enjoying the festivities on auction day.  Get creative and donate a decorated table top tree or wreath for the auction.  Bake a cake, a loaf of bread or a dozen cookies for the auction. Combine all the necessities for mailing ‘care packages’ down range into a basket for the auction.  Arrange gardening gadgets and flower seeds in a terra cotta pot. Wrap up a mug, coffee beans and a Starbucks card. The ideas are limitless for items you can donate to the fundraiser.

Therefore, the items to bid upon will run the gamut as well.
Great cause, good deals, fun times!...." To read more of this article check out http://www.huispirit.com/uploads/November_2010.pdf

The Members of this Organization work extremely hard every year to give back to the Military and the surrounding Local Community. 

If you would like to donate to their Auction please use the link above to contact the Board Chair for this event.

With your Help this will be an Outstanding Event
Mahalo

Christmas is Fast Approaching

Did you know that it is only 64 Days until Christmas.  Scary thought.  Well If you are lucky enough to live on a Military Base or close by one, try checking out your local Spouses Club to see if they have Vendors who attend their functions.  You may be surprised to find that most of the vendors are Spouses of Active Duty or Spouses of Retired Military.  You can find the most unusual, unique, inexpensive, quality products to buy for your Christmas presents.  I am fortunate enough to be a vendor for two wonderful Spouse organizations here in Hawaii. 
The Hui O Wahine http://huispirit.com/  and
The Hui O Na Wahine http://www.schofieldspousesclub.com/  These two organizations have a plethora of fabulous vendors.  
Yesterday at the Spouses Group October Luncheon, you could have purchased all your presents without leaving the Nehelani Patio http://mwrarmyhawaii.com/nehelane  There were vendors selling Children's Educational Toys, Food and Beverage products, Jewelry, Handbags, Quilts, Ornaments and of course The OutPost.  My catalog is available at https://docs.google.com/leaf?
     I have added a page on my catalog, listing other Military Spouses or Ladies who own there own business. Here are a few.  You can get their complete info on Pg 26 of The OutPost Catalog:


Once in a Blue Moon, Ceramic Jewelry by Julie Essex Perry  Check out photo's of Julie's  Products at http://onceinabluemoon360.shutterfly.com/
Julie has beautiful Handmade Ceramic Jewelry, Ornaments and Fan Pulls in every design imaginable.  There are Palm Trees, Geckos, Pumpkins, Crosses, Flowers, Teacups, Animals and numerous other designs and colors.  There are also a variety of Seasonal and Patriotic pieces.  Any family member or friend that you buy a gift for, will adore and receive many compliments every time they wear it.  I sent pieces to my friends for their Birthdays and Christmas last year.  They are still raving about them.


Sonja Hagemann Designs http://sonjahagemanndesigns.blogspot.com/  Sonja paints her own fabric and them makes quality products from it.  She has Quilts, Angels, Pillows, Folk Art, and many other products. You can see the love and passion in every piece she has designed. I have a handmade Patriotic Angel from Sonja, that I display proudly in my Kitchen. It is so cute..

Designs By Cindy Johnson  http://designsbycindyjohnson.com/index.html  Cindy has Wreaths, Signs, Santa's. Ornaments, Tie Ons, Boxes that are all hand painted.  Can we say WOW...what talent.  I have the cutest handpainted Gecko and Cindy is painting me the cutest wee house that represents my home I am living in right now.  Her products make Wonderful Gifts.

Now what Lady does not love Baskets.  Longaberger  !!! Sherry Howard is and Independant Consultant, here in Hawaii http://ic.longaberger.com/esuite/home/sherryhoward  I love the Baskets I have, especially my little Patriotic Star Basket.. They also have an American Valor Line of Baskets.You should check out the website and maybe Host a Show. 

Candles have always been a Favorite Thing of mine.  Now you can get your house smelling with beautiful scents without lighting a flame of a candle.  Jodi Coyle is an Independent Consultant for Scentsy  https://jodicoyle.scentsy.us/Home  They have every scent imaginable.  I have the Liberty Warmer that reflects little stars on your wall when lighted. It is also in my kitchen. Love it, Love It, Love it. 

Now since we are on a Christmas Theme, what are you doing for Appitizers for your Holiday Receptions and Cocktail Parties.  Check out The Tastefully Simple Website http://www.tastefullysimple.com/default.aspx  Cam Cunnigham is the perfect consultant to host your Tastefully Simple Show.  You can purchase all the great products you need for your Christmas socials and gifts.  They have an abudance of tasty treats, that are quick to make and there are free recipes on their website..What a deal.  Love the Blue Aztec Chips with any of their Dip Mixes.  They have Drinks, Breads, Dips and Cake Mixes, Sauces, Herbs, just way too many to list.  Make your life easy this Holiday Season, Check out Tastefully Simple.

Now what do you need before and after your Holiday Parties.  A Cleaning Team.  Have your house cleaned before that special occasion or maybe after.  Maybe you need that extra help once every few weeks.  
N & L Cleaning Services, LLC might be the folks you are looking for...  

Hope this helps jump start your Holiday Shopping by giving you a few great gift Ideas.  Happy Shopping Folks..
If you have a business and are a Military Spouse and would like to be added to the catalog, drop me a line, it's FREE
Aloha

The OutPost Catalog for October

Well I have been busy trying to catch up on work, life, family and friends after being gone Ft. Leavenworth for a few weeks.  Still not quite there yet but at least I got the catalog up to date and published today.  You can follow the link below to view

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0Bx72bkPHgQ2CZDk1ZGZiN2YtMzBlOS00M2RkLWJkNDQtMTkzZmE2YjAzOTc0&hl=en&authkey=CLGz8_cK

I had a thought, I would like to add an Index to my catalog.  I would like to add a listing of Military Spouses Businesses.  Maybe you sell Avon, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Jewelry, the list goes on but you get the idea.  I am all about sharing and helping each other out, so if you have a business or a friend who has one and would like to get added next month, just send me an email at theoutposthawaii@gmail .com  with your details
It is FREE.

Aloha until next time

Spouse Buzz Live at Schofield Hawaii Nov 8th

Spouse Buzz Live is going to be at Schofield on the 8th November.  Register Today.. "Every year SpouseBUZZ LIVE brings hundreds of military spouses together to celebrate the women and men who serve on the homefront. Join us in 2010 for a day of celebration and share your experiences, make friends and win incredible prizes"  Check out full details and register at   http://www.spousebuzzlive.com/

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Richard Branson: Five Secrets to Business Success - Entrepreneur.com

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What Military Wives are Made Of by Married to the Military

What Military Wives Are Made Of

by Married to the Military on Friday, September 10, 2010 at 4:12am

 

It was just another harried Wednesday afternoon trip to the commissary (grocery store on military bases). My husband was off teaching young men to fly. My daughters were going about their daily activities knowing I would return to them at the appointed time, bearing, among other things, their favorite fruit snacks, frozen pizza, and all the little extras that never had to be written down on a grocery list. My grocery list, by the way, was in my 16-month-old daughter's mouth, and I was lamenting the fact that the next four aisles of needed items would wait while extracting the last of my list from my daughter's mouth, when I nearly ran over an old man.
 
This man clearly had no appreciation for the fact that I had 45 minutes left to finish the grocery shopping, pick up my 4-year old from tumbling class, and get to school, where my 12-year-old and her carpool mates would be waiting.
I knew men didn't belong in a commissary, and this old guy was no exception. He stood in front of the soap selection staring blankly, as if he'd never had to choose a bar of soap in his life. I was ready to bark an order at him when I realized there was a tear on his face.
 
Instantly, this grocery aisle roadblock transformed into a human..."Can I help you find something?" I asked. He hesitated, and then told me he was looking for soap.
 
"Any one in particular?" I continued.

"Well, I'm trying to find my wife's brand of soap." I started to loan him my cell phone to call her when he said, "She died a year ago, and I just want to smell her again."
 
Chills ran down my spine. I don't think the 22,000-pound Mother of all Bombs could have had the same impact. As tears welled up in my eyes, my half-eaten grocery list didn't seem so important. Neither did fruit snacks or frozen pizza.
 
I spent the remainder of my time in the commissary that day listening to a man tell the story of how important his wife was to him -- how she took care of their children while he served our country. A retired, decorated World War II pilot who flew missions to protect Americans still needed the protection of a woman who served him at home.
 
My life was forever changed that day. Every time my husband works too late or leaves before the crack of dawn, I try to remember the sense of importance I felt that day in the commissary.

Some times the monotony of laundry, housecleaning, grocery shopping, and taxi driving leaves military wives feeling empty -- the kind of emptiness that is rarely fulfilled when our husbands come home and don't want to or can't talk about work.

 We need to be reminded, at times; of the important role we fill for our family and for our country. Over the years, I've talked a lot about military spouses...how special they are and the price they pay for freedom too. The funny thing is; most military spouses don't consider themselves different from other spouses. They do what they have to do, bound together not by blood or merely friendship, but with a shared spirit whose origin is in the very essence of what love truly is. Is there truly a difference? I think there is. You have to decide for yourself...
 
Other spouses get married and look forward to building equity in a home and putting down family roots. Military spouses get married and know they'll live in base housing or rent, and their roots must be short so they can be transplanted frequently.
 
Other spouses decorate a home with flair and personality that will last a lifetime. Military spouses decorate a home with flare tempered with the knowledge that no two base houses have the same size windows or same size rooms.
  
Curtains have to be flexible and multiple sets are a plus. Furniture must fit like puzzle pieces.
  
Other spouses have living rooms that are immaculate and seldom used. Military spouses have immaculate living room/dining room combos. The coffee table got a scratch or two moving from Germany, but it still looks pretty good.
 
Other spouses say goodbye to their spouse for a business trip and know they won't see them for a week. They are lonely, but can survive. Military spouses say good-bye to their deploying spouse and know they won't see them for months, or a year, or longer. They are lonely, but will survive.
 
Other spouses, when a washer hose blows off, call Maytag and then write a check out for having the hose reconnected. Military spouses have to cut the water off and fix it themselves.
 
Other spouses get used to saying "hello" to friends they see all the time. Military spouses get used to saying "goodbye" to friends made the last two years.
 
Other spouses worry about whether their child will be class president next year. Military spouses worry about whether their child will be accepted in yet another school next year and whether that school will be the worst in the city...again.
  
Other spouses can count on spouse participation in special events...birthdays, anniversaries, concerts, football games, graduation, and even the birth of a child. Military spouses only count on each other; because they realize that the flag has to come first if freedom is to survive. It has to be that way.
 
Other spouses put up yellow ribbons when the troops are imperiled across the globe and take them down when the troops come home. Military spouses wear yellow ribbons around their hearts and they never go away.
 
Other spouses worry about being late for mom's Thanksgiving dinner. Military spouses worry about getting back from Japan in time for dad's funeral.
 
The television program showing an elderly lady putting a card down in front of a long, black wall that has names on it touches other spouses. The card simply says, "Happy Birthday, Sweetheart. You would have been sixty today." A military spouse is the lady with the card, and the wall is the Vietnam Memorial.
 
I would NEVER say military spouses are better than other spouses. But I will say there is a difference. I will say, without hesitation, that military spouses pay just as high a price for freedom as do their active duty husbands and wives.
 
Perhaps the price they pay is even higher. Dying in service to our country isn't near as hard as loving someone who has died in service to our country, and having to live without them.
  
God bless our military spouses for all they freely give.

Shopping in the Heartland of America

What do I love more than shopping ?  Shopping at a small gift store, either owned and operated by Women or Military Spouses.
     I have spent the last few days driving around the countryside in Leavenworth, Kansas.  Admiring the sights and loving life.  I have been here on several occasion but I never have the time to truly relax and enjoy, as I am always busy working.  Last week was work, this week is me time.
     Yesterday I arrived at June's Cottage and Cafe http://www.junescottage.com/ .  It is a Historic home overflowing with antiques, unique gifts and collectibles.   There is so much to look at, you have to literally walk around at least three times to take it all in.  June also has a Cafe, that looks so welcoming that you want to sit down and have a cup of tea.  I, unfortunately had already had lunch but there is always tomorrow.  The staff in the cottage are so friendly and helpful that you feel like you are visiting friends.
   My next stop, on the recommendation of June's Cottage, was to Picket Fences and Petals http://www.picketfencesandpetals.com .  Another awesome gift store founded by Deanne Montgomery with a slightly different theme than June's Cottage.  Here you will find a large selection of Vera Bradley http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/shop_catalogs.jsp  and Brighton products http://www.brighton.com  as well as baby products, candles, jewelry, lotions and much more.  Both stores were decorated with a Fall/Halloween theme.  You have to take your time and browse in order to appreciate all there is to offer.  It does not surprise me that both stores have a huge clientele.  To decorate these stores takes finesse and I believe a gift of vision.  Looking through June's Cottage and Picket Fences and Petals is comparable to walking around a museum and enjoying fine art, both stores were breathtaking.
     Today I arrived on the door step of the Ruby Slippers Shoppe, " a non profit, volunteer,  community gift shop, organized and run by military spouses who are members of the Ft. Leavenworth Spouses' Club"  http://ftleavenworthspousesclub.com/ruby_slippers_shoppe  It is a quaint Historic building nestled on the backside of Post at the corner of Organ and Warehouse Rd.  There was a candle burning in the window and when I opened the door, the room was filled with the beautiful scent of Fall.   Magical !!!  like the others, this charming little shop had it's own personality.  It had Americana, crafts, jewelry, pictures, cards, signs and so much more.  For such a small space, it is remarkable the amount of merchandise that they have displayed.
To me displays are the key to sales.  When a customer can visualize an item in there own home or see a grouping of products that reminds them of a friend, then you have hit a home run and are on your way to a sale.
  Not quite sure yet how I am getting all my great finds home since I am flying but with a will there is a way.
So the next time your out shopping , stop in to your local home town gift store or Spouse store if you are lucky enough to have one on your Post, and go searching for those little treasures that make you smile.  Remember Christmas is slowly approaching and will be here before you know it.   Shop til you Drop...

Meaning of a Flag Draped Coffin by Debra Hays

Learn Something Everyday

by Debra Hays

 

Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin

All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that America is an arrogant nation
should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings to
establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's
history.
Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in and even more proud of those who serve to
protect our 'GOD GIVEN' rights and freedoms.

I hope you take the time to read this ... To understand what the flag draped coffin really
means ... Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many
widows and widowers.

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the
year 1776?

Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United
States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13
colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a
portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him
we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our
Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country,
right or wrong.'

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance
to the flag of the United States Of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation
under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they
protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or
without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we
might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their
love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great
has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and
daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and
glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the
Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of
their nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever
reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and
Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning.

In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to, the
symbol of ' Liberty and Freedom.'

Share

Scammers hit 3rd ID's top brass | savannahnow.com

Scammers hit 3rd ID's top brass | savannahnow.com

A Horrible Reminder that Military Families Must be Careful - SpouseBUZZ

A Horrible Reminder that Military Families Must be Careful - SpouseBUZZ

Service to Others

It was another great day to be an Army Spouse. The Hui O Wahine had their first luncheon of the season with special guest, Miss Hawaii 2010, Jalee Fuselier.

Miss Hawaii and me

She adorned the podium with a gorgeous Hawaiian dress and of course, her crown. Jalee shared that she had researched the Hui O Wahine and new what  our Club represented. She thanked all the ladies present for their commitment to the Hui Club and what they give back to their community through volunteering. Jalee informed us that the four points on her crown represented, SERVICE, SCHOLARSHIP, STYLE and SUCCESS and a large part of being Miss Hawaii was about service to others.

Miss Hawaii shared that she has drawn her inspiration for volunteering from her sister.
Jalee's sister, who is 7 years older, has cerebral palsy. Her parents were told that she would probably never walk and that she could be deaf.
Today, Jalee's sister walks with the use of crutches and volunteers on a daily basis at a preschool. Miss Hawaii said about her sister "she is not just living, she is thriving." "Her gift is service to others". Jalee told us "we all have abilities and talents to give back to others and we should use our gift".
Miss Hawaii is no stranger to giving back or volunteering. She founded a non profit, Ready for the Real World. "..it began in 2005 when Jalee Fuselier started a reading and mentoring program for at risk youth in her hometown on the Northshore of Oahu. Since then, she has worked with hundreds of young people getting them involved in serving their communities." you can read the full story at http://www.readyforscholarships.com/ there is also a link on the website to their facebook page.
Miss Hawaii finished her appearance with the Hui by singing 'Feeling Good'. I have only heard Michael Buble' sing this song but she hit it out of the ballpark with her beautiful voice.

Annelle Amaral who is the Native Hawaiian Liaison for the Garrison gave the blessing in Hawaiian before we ate lunch and then briefly educated us on Hawaiian history and her role in bridging the gap between Native Hawaiians and the military.

After we had lunch and listened to our guest speakers, it was time to do the drawing. There were many wonderful opportunity gifts available and as always one group of ladies were extremely lucky and today it was the ladies at Allison Gipson table. Every lady at the table won at least one gift. Allison received The OutPost gift.

Allison and son Adam

The OutPost Opportunity winner

The ladies finished off the afternoon the same way it began..Shopping with the vendors.

Pam after shopping from the OutPost and Sabina

I am definitely blessed and my life is enriched by spending quality time with a wonderful array of Military Spouses who I get to call friends.  It is a Sisterhood like no other. 

 Lunch with Friends

So I will bid you Aloha until next time and as Miss Hawaii said " we all have abilities and talents",

Find yours and give back in some way.

Inspire and be Inspired.  

Military Spouses and Business

Wow, what a night.  The Hui O Na Wahine spouses group had their Super sign up last night and boy was it busy.  There must have been over 300+ people come through the doors to sign up for membership, activities, eat and of course shop. There was a wide array of vendors and information booths but it always amazes me the talent that our military spouses possess.
     There are a pool of spouses who are Independent Consultants for Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Tupperware and the list goes on, but it is the spouses who have taken their unique talents and turned them into a business that has me in awe.  These spouses make Ceramic Jewelry, Hand Blown Glass, Handbags, Clothes, Candles and Signs.  You can also find Painters, Photographers, Bakers and Quilters all selling one of a kind items at a reasonable price.  It reminds me of the great Bazaars that are held on military installations in Germany every year.     I on the other hand took a different route, I don't create my products because I can't stay focused long enough to finish a project that I start.  I have two partial finished quilts lying collecting dust in my closet, embossing tools and card stock keeping them company, yarn, fabric and patterns that are taking up valuable space but I can't seem to throw away, all because at some point over the years, I got a bee in the my bonnet and came up with great ideas but I had no follow through.
     I am not an Independent consultant for a large corporation but an individual who buys selected pieces from large wholesale companies, puts a line together and sells retail on a smaller scale than a department store.   I have found something I truly enjoy doing and I am having fun doing it and last night was no exception.  I had a great time, met an abundance of fabulous women, introduced them to my company, products and of course me. Talked, laughed, ate, caught up with old friends and met a group of new folks who I know I will see again,  Therefor, if you are a new spouse just arriving at a duty station and don't know a soul, seek out your nearest spouses club and give it a whirl ,chances are you will meet your next dear friend at one of their monthly events or you may decide to turn one of your hidden talents into a thriving business.
At the end of the day it doesn't really matter what type of business we posses, whether we are unique in what we are creating, Independent Consultants or a one of a kind business entrepreneur,  but the fact we are all striving for the same thing, to live The American Dream.....

Military Spouses Enjoying work

Elizabeth winner of
The OutPost's Opportunity Gift Donation

Jackie hard at work

Business Mishaps

Blogging is all very new to me.  I have spent the last few days adding links and blog lists to my site.  It has taken a few glasses of wine to link my facebook to my blog but I managed to figure it out.  I probably could have gotten a friend's teenager to do it all for me in a few short clicks of a mouse since today's youth are so technical savvy but I guess that would defeat the purpose of teaching an old dog new tricks.  I am sure there is a tutorial on how to start a blog or a dummies guide book to blogging but since I have probably spent hundreds of hours watching tutorials on everything from a to z on starting a business and I am not the most patient of people, I just jumped in two feet first.  I learn quicker from hands on than visual anyway.  When I bought the Intuit Quickbooks Accounting Premier program last year, I could not wait to get home fire up the computer and dive right in.  The program is fantastic and yes it has plenty of tutorials to walk you through but I just could not wait. I had the whole ants in my pants thing going on.  I did not have a lick of inventory, no purchase orders, not even the business bank account set up but  I went ahead and added a boat load of products that I was interested in selling into the inventory database.  Not the smartest of moves on my part, and a lesson learned.  I now have a laundry list of items that I probably will never sell, that at some point, I will have to clear out of my inventory.  If only I had followed the instructions and not been so over zealous to get started.  I must be a glutton for punishment or just down right stupid because I done the same thing last week when I bought the Intuit Quickbooks Point of Sale bundle but I will leave that mishap of a story for next time.  Maybe I should write a blog on "what not to do when starting a business" or have a blog called "Jack, jacks it up again."  Well the sounding of taps played over an hour ago on post and I have lots to do tomorrow, so Aloha until next time.

Welcome

Welcome to the OutPost Blog. I am a military spouse living in Hawaii and decided last year to try something new.  I did not want to go back to school or work for someone else and since it has always been a dream of mine to own my own business in the retail world or a coffee house, I finally took the plunge and embarked on my new adventure.  It has been many years in the making and I have spent countless hours researching vendors, product lines and dreaming. Maybe it took so long to come to fruition because I was terrified, " what if I fail, what if no one buys my products" but as a dear friend always says "it was time to put on my big girl panties" and take the risk.  I have been in business now for a year and I have been slowly building clients and adding new products to my line.  I was lucky that I had a few venues to launch my business.  I started by becoming a vendor for the local spouses clubs, The Hui O'Wahine,(www.huispirit.com )and The Hui O Na Wahine, (www.schofieldspousesclub.com) at their monthly Luncheons.  This has given me visibility in the community without opening a storefront. Since we are military and can be moved at any moment, a storefront for now was out of the question because of the contracts and lease requirements, although that is the ultimate goal when my spouse retires.  I have produced a small catalog, opened a Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Honolulu-HI/The-OutPost/171344557889) and now a Blog.  Believe me I am not in it to become a millionaire, rather I wanted to launch a business that provided gifts and collectibles at a reasonable price that everyone could afford.  I have been truly blessed with the support of my spouse, family and friends but the biggest THANK YOU goes to my customers, without their buying power and recommendations to their friends, I would not be successful.  So here goes, looking forward to another year of doing business in Honolulu, HI and having fun doing it.
Aloha