“A Bakery and Boutique for Man's (and Woman's) Best Friend”

Jen Kunishima, Owner
Hawaii Doggie Bakery & Gift Shop

Kalua Chicken and Poi Munchies. Ipo's Sweet Potato Sweethearts. Peanut Butter Crunchies.

Sounds like a great menu. But these tempting, mouth-watering specialties are not for you. They’re for your favorite pooch.

“In 1998, I had a dream to open up Hawaii's first upscale bakery and boutique for pets,” says Jen Kunishima, owner of Hawaii Doggie Bakery & Gift Shop. “I believed that Hawaii needed a bakery for dogs and there was a niche market for a pet boutique here. So I embarked on creating the first bakery for dogs.”

Jen and her sister Trudi Mahelona began creating healthy Hawaiian dog treats based on a Hawaiian diet which includes fresh local ingredients such as kalo (taro), poi, 'uala (sweet potato), 'ulu (breadfruit), fish, pineapple, apple bananas, and macadamia nuts.

“In order to make this a first-class boutique/bakery I knew I needed the backing of a good financial institution that believed in local small business,” says Jen. “I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet Blenn Fujimoto and Susan Utsugi so early on in my company's growth. They both were visionaries and believed in promoting local business and were enthusiastic and very helpful in my venture. They were very much a part of my company's rapid growth and success. I see Susan and Blenn as business "partners" with me in the sense that they are so supportive and open-minded with business owners such as myself.”

Over the years, Hawaii Doggie Bakery & Gift Shop has won the hearts of people and pets throughout the world. Recently, Jen started another niche boutique called Cottage by the Sea that specializes in clothing, jewelry and gift items for people (not dogs!).

“This venture has been exciting and very successful too, and Central Pacific Bank has been there for me through this additional niche retail expansion,” says Jen. “Susan and I see each other regularly and I am always so grateful to have her expertise and to have an ear to bounce ideas off of. I am proud to be part of Central Pacific Bank's family of businesses and people. As we continue to grow, I always look to Susan, Blenn and Central Pacific Bank for guidance, support and as a resource for business growth. Finally, it always brings a smile to my face that our bank has the BEST mascot of all ... a dog!”

To learn more about Hawaii Doggie Bakery & Gift Shop, visit
http://www.hawaiidoggiebakery.com

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