This Side Hustle Spotlight interview features Rachael Leina’ala Soares and Heather Aiu, co-founders ALOHA Collectionwhich offers “versatile bags and pouches designed for everyday use.” Answers have been edited for length and clarity.
What was your day job (or other sources of income) when you started your side hustle?
When we were roommates starting our side hustle, Heather was working in real estate and trying to start her own business, and Rachael was an international flight attendant with a suitcase filled with ideas.
When did you begin doing this and where did you get the inspiration?
The initial spark got here in 2014 from real-world issues: Rachael’s wet bikini and Heather’s sweaty yoga outfit. We imagined creating multi-functional travel bags to guard your belongings from spills, leaks, splashes, and more. Today, our splash-proof bags are the perfect solution for on a regular basis adventures.
What were the first steps you took to start out your side hustle?
We funded the ALOHA collection with one prototype bag and $2,000 per bag. When we launched our Kickstarter campaign, it wasn’t just about funding the first production run—it confirmed that there was real interest in our product. We used those funds to attend our first trade shows, where people loved the bags. We secured pre-orders straight away, which was key to getting a manufacturer and launching our product line.
Image Source: Courtesy of ALOHA Collection
What were the biggest challenges you faced while building your side hustle and how did you overcome them?
Sourcing materials and finding reliable manufacturers was really hard at first. Our motto became, “If someone says no, find a way to find yes.” With every failure, our goal was to only keep going!
How long did it take you to see a regular monthly income? How much did you earn from this side hustle?
We invested every dollar into the business for the first two years. We tripled our revenue from yr one to yr two. Once we saw regular growth, we quit our day jobs in mid-2016.
How is ALOHA’s growth and revenue looking now?
We have a significant market share in Hawaii and have initiated initiatives to expand into the continental United States. Our retail network is growing rapidly, with five existing locations (Waikiki, Encinitas, Lido, Whalers Village, Malibu), Disney Springs and soon-to-open Ala Moana stores, and plans for 20 locations in the next three years. This success is fueled by our commitment to our company culture, attracting and retaining top talent, and our unique approach to goal setting. Since 2014, ALOHA Collection has expanded to over 2,000 retailers across the U.S. and 25 countries, achieving extraordinary revenue milestones of $62,913 in 2014, $204,067 in 2015, and $583,874 in 2016.
What do you enjoy most about running this business?
The most rewarding aspect of running ALOHA Collection is the multifaceted impact we make. It’s the feeling of knowing we’re making a difference—providing opportunities for our team to grow and develop, and empowering our clients to live an lively, adventurous lifestyle. That sense of purpose and connection to something greater than ourselves, and the freedom to live and work on our terms, is the best feeling in the world. From day one, we got down to share ALOHA with the world and build an international ʻohana, a global family united by our love of travel and adventure.
What advice would you give to others who would love to start out their very own profitable business or do something else?
Remember, building a successful business is a marathon, not a sprint. Explore different paths, trust your intuition, and don’t wait for all the things to be perfect—just jump in and learn as you go. It’s a constant learning curve, but that’s a part of the fun! Treat challenges as opportunities to learn and refine your approach while staying true to your core vision. Build a strong support system—find mentors or advisors who can guide you thru this process.
This article is a part of our Women Entrepreneur® series, where we share the stories, challenges, and successes of girls running businesses.