Bethia Taylor was going to school to become a nurse. The plan was simple: At the end of her education, she would find a job and generate a steady income.
Something about that plan didn’t quite feel right.
“I’ve tried these other jobs and it doesn’t really click with me,” Bethia said.
What was missing? Creativity.
“Once I jump into something that I can get creative with, and that is stable financially, it’s just the perfect fit for me.”
At 16 years old, Bethia started her business, Pua Hawaiʻi, as an Instagram shop where she sold jewelry trinkets and accessories.
Today, she runs her business full-time and sells handmade jewelry, accessories, and often includes floral designs in her products.
“Pua” is the Hawaiian word for flower. It is no surprise she started this project. Bethia’s birthday is National Flower Day.
Here is Bethia’s story
Bethia’s upbringing was unlike that of most kids.
From an early age, she was homeschooled by her parents. Rather than feeling like she missed out, Bethia believes being homeschooled gave her the best opportunity to explore the world, her community, and her creativity.
Her parents would teach her the "normal” school things, but when that was finished, they would go to the park, a beach, or a historic site. She left the house and learned things up-close.
“It was the best experience ever,” she said. While field trips are an occasional treat for school kids, Bethia’s childhood was filled with “field trips.”
She always had hobbies and creative pursuits. She was exposed to entrepreneurship through her parents; together, her parents ran a wedding business.
Her dad was the minister and her mom was the photographer. It was a family effort that served local families taking the sacred step of marriage.
Then COVID-19 hit.
A quick side note
If you are following the stories of these entrepreneurs, you will see that COVID has become a central theme across stories. It is a generation-defining event.
The question is this: In light of that, what do we choose to do?
These young entrepreneurs used it to capitalize on their ideas—to try something new. They used it to shift the vision of their lives.
Ok, back to the story.
Bethia’s parents were unemployed and struggling because the pandemic completely shut down the wedding industry. Her dad was applying to McDonald’s and Popeyes, to no avail. She felt she needed to do something.
She told me what went through her mind:
“Alright, little sis is gonna step up!”
She already ran Pua Hawaiʻi as a side hustle, but she decided to do more.
She stopped pursuing her nursing track and chose to go full-time into her business.
Pua Hawai‘i
Everything Bethia makes and sells is handmade. Her products include bracelets, necklaces, rings, other accessories and floral features.
She has an online store where customers from around the world can order her products.
I asked her where she does her work. Does she have a “home studio” or office?
Eventually, she hopes, but as of now she carries with her a box of all her supplies. Whether she’s at home or the beach, she can make her products.
I guess you could say right now she has a very “mobile” business.
THE WHY
Why does she do it?
When I asked this question, Bethia shared an anecdote that she thinks about often.
At every fair or pop-up she goes to, people will come to her table and try on her jewelry.
“When they put it on, their faces just light up,” she said.
She loves seeing those faces. She loves feeling like she is making someone feel better about themself.
She loves those moments.
Here’s a look at one of her vendor tables.
2 Takeaways from my conversation with Bethia
1. Struggle —> Action
As I listened to Bethia talk about the impact of the pandemic, I could feel that it was a topic she holds close to her heart. When her family was working hard to overcome the challenges faced by COVID she decided to contribute.
She decided to “step up” for her family. The result was action that continues even beyond the pandemic.
2. A good skill is to recognize what is NOT the right path
Bethia described her experience on the pre-nursing academic track. She recognized that there was a dissonance between what she was doing and her inner creativity.
It seems simple, but Bethia used that to inform how she lives her life.
And she is all the better for it!
 | A guest post by
|