(Photo courtesy of PonoPrints Art)
The late afternoon sunlight filters through the windows of a cozy home on Kadena Air Base, illuminating the workspace of Chan and Scott King. Chan, the vibrant co-founder of PonoPrints Art, sits across the table, exuding the calm confidence of someone who has successfully merged creativity and business acumen. Her husband and co-creator, Scott, known for his digital talents, joins us briefly to share insights into their journey.
When I asked about the beginnings of PonoPrints Art, Chan leaned back, a smile spreading across her face. “It all started with our love for travel and the beauty of Okinawa,” she began. Inspired by the island’s turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and captivating culture, the couple set out to encapsulate these experiences into framed travel posters. “What began as a personal project to bring the island’s beauty into our home quickly became something much bigger.”
The Roots of PonoPrints Art
Chan explained the significance of the name Pono. “It’s a Hawaiian word meaning righteous,” she said. “For us, it represents integrity, harmony, and intentionality—values we strive to reflect in everything we create.”
These values are evident in their work, which captures iconic Okinawan landscapes and moments, from snorkeling adventures with whale sharks to mesmerizing lighthouse views.
Scott, who handles the digital artistry, shared, “Each piece is more than just décor. It’s a story—a memory of an adventure or a serene moment on the island.”
Since launching in March, PonoPrints Art has grown steadily, with their framed posters becoming sought-after keepsakes for military families, tourists, and locals. “We’ve been amazed by the support,” Chan said, her voice tinged with gratitude. “From our kids helping at vendor fairs to the encouragement of other spouse-owned businesses in the Shop Oki Local Directory, it’s been a true community effort.”
(Photo courtesy of PonoPrints Art)
Overcoming Challenges and Building a Brand
Starting and scaling a business hasn’t been without its challenges. Chan recounted the initial struggle of finding a local print shop that could meet their specifications. “The language barrier and differences in print sizing were tough at first,” she admitted. “But we persevered.”
Scaling the business presented another hurdle. “Getting our products in front of the right customers is an ongoing effort,” she said. “But we’ve learned to adapt, whether through partnerships with local venues like the Marine Corps Gift Shop or participation in vendor fairs.”
Their customer-first approach sets PonoPrints Art apart. “We want every customer to be 100% happy,” Chan said. “If not, we offer a full refund—no questions asked.” It’s this commitment to quality and service that has earned them loyal customers who often return to purchase prints as gifts for loved ones or as mementos of their time on Okinawa.
(Photo courtesy of PonoPrints Art)
Giving Back and Looking Ahead
PonoPrints Art isn’t just about selling beautiful posters; it’s also about making a difference. As vendors at the Marine Corps Gift Shop, a portion of their proceeds supports local charities. They’ve also donated prints to community events, further cementing their role as active contributors to the local community. Looking to the future, Chan shared plans to expand their offerings. “We’re working on new poster designs and exploring different frame variations and sizes,” she said. “It’s all about evolving and staying inspired.”
(Photo courtesy of PonoPrints Art)
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For anyone dreaming of starting their own business, Chan’s advice is simple but powerful: “Research. Take the first step. Keep going.” She elaborated, “You’ll face rejection, and you’ll make mistakes, but perseverance is key. Listen to your customers’ feedback—it’s a gift—and never stop learning and testing.”
Closing Thoughts
As our conversation drew to a close, I asked Chan about the heart of PonoPrints Art. She reflected, “It’s about more than just art. It’s about connection—connecting people to the beauty of Okinawa and to each other through shared experiences.”
You can find PonoPrints Art’s framed travel posters at the Marine Corps Gift Shop, various vendor fairs, and online at https://ponoprints-art.square.site Their next vendor fair will be at the Crow’s Nest on Camp Shields on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
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(Photo courtesy of PonoPrints Art)
About the Blogger:
Venerando Cortez specializes in spotlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs, capturing their stories with warmth and professionalism. As a coach and mentor, he also helps others achieve their goals in fitness, business, and personal growth.
