This Side Hustle Spotlight Q&A features Rachael Leina'ala Soares and Heather Aiu, co-founders of ALOHA Collection, which carries “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 ours side hustleHeather was inside real estate looking for an opportunity to start her own business and Rachael was an international stewardess with a suitcase full of ideas.

When did you start your side hustle and where did you find the inspiration for it?
The initial spark came in 2014 from real world problems: Rachael's wet bikini and Heather's sweaty yoga gear. We envisioned creating multi-functional travel bags to protect items from spills, leaks, splashes and more. Today, our splash bags are the perfect solution for life's everyday adventures.

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What were some of the first steps you took to get your hustle off the ground?
We've introduced the ALOHA collection with a single prototype bag and $2,000 each. When we started our Kickstarter campaign, it wasn't just about funding our first production – it proved there was genuine interest in our product. We used those funds to attend our first trade show, where people loved the bags. We secured pre-orders immediately, which was essential in securing a manufacturer and launching our product line.

^{Image Credit: Courtesy of ALOHA Collection}

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while building your side hustle and how did you navigate them?
Securing materials and finding reliable manufacturers was really challenging in the beginning. Our motto became: “If someone says no, figure out how to find a yes.” With anyone backlog our goal was to keep moving forward!

How long did it take you to see consistent monthly income? How much did the side hustle earn?
For the first two years, we put every dollar back into the business. From our first year to our second year, we were able to triple our revenue. After we saw consistent growthwe quit our day jobs halfway through 2016.

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What does growth and revenue look like for ALOHA now?
We have a large market share in Hawaii and have initiated initiatives to expand into the continental U.S. Our retail footprint is growing rapidly, with five existing locations (Waikiki, Encinitas, Lido, Whalers Village, Malibu), Disney Springs and the soon-to-open Ala Moana maintain and plan for 20 locations within the next three years. This success is fueled by a commitment to company culture, attracting and while maintaining top talent and a unique approach to goal setting. Since 2014, the ALOHA Collection has expanded to over 2,000 retailers in the US and 25 countries, achieving incredible revenue milestones: $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 the ALOHA Collection is the multifaceted impact we create. It's the feeling of knowing we're making a real difference — providing opportunities for our team to grow and develop, and empowering customers to live active and adventurous lifestyles. that sense of purpose and connection to something bigger than us, alongside FREEDOM living and working on our own terms is the best feeling in the world. From day one, we set out to share ALOHA with the world and build an international 'ohana, a global family united by a love of travel and adventure.

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What is your advice to others hoping to start successful side hustles or businesses of their own?
Don't forget that building a successful business it's a marathon, not a sprint. Explore different paths, trust your gut and don't expect everything to be perfect – just jump in and learn as you go. It's a constant learning curve, but that's part of the fun! Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and improve your approach, all while staying true to your core vision. Build a strong support system – find mentors or counselors who can guide you through the process.

This article is part of our continuity Women Entrepreneurs® series highlighting the stories, challenges and triumphs of running a business as a woman.