Our Story

Picture this...
After seven years in a challenging and enriching corporate job, I found myself at a crossroads. My partner, Makena, and I had made a life-uprooting move to Hawaii, and suddenly, my role could not be supported remotely. It was a defining moment, one that sparked something deep within me.

As fate would have it, before parting with the company, I received a bonus—the first big one in those seven years. Rather than letting it fade into the background of paying off the big move’s giant bill, I instead made a bold decision. I took that bonus and invested it in something I could only have dreamed of owning before: a CNC Laser Printer.

With that leap of faith, I embarked on a journey to turn my passion into a livelihood. I had always yearned for a career that allowed me to be both creative and financially stable, supporting not just myself, but my family too. It was only shortly after I started to job hunt and figure out my next career move that I learned about Ikigai.

It’s a concept where passion meets purpose, where what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for intersect. It's the sweet spot where fulfillment and success converge, guiding you towards your ultimate career satisfaction. This rocked my “hard-wired millennial mindset,” and it’s why “never say never” became more relatable than ever. I could actually do this!

And so, armed with determination and a laser machine, I launched my own “cutting-edge” business. From that moment on, there was no turning back. Every cut, every engraving became not just a product, but a testament to my courage and the power of chasing dreams.

As the business grew, so did the need for more hands, and it wasn’t long before Makena stepped in to take things to the next level. With her incredible business development and management skills, she’s been instrumental—cultivating business relationships for long-term growth, building our online presence, even down to packaging products & selling at our booth, growing our business one customer at a time. Her dedication, vision, and drive have been nothing short of transformative. It's an honor and a privilege to work alongside her.

Engroove Shop’s journey has been remarkable. We've become a fixture at craft fairs and marketplaces across the vibrant island of Oahu, serving a diverse community we’re grateful to be a part of. Your unwavering support, whether online or in person at our booths, fills our hearts with gratitude. Mahalo nui loa for your continued support. Every transaction, share, and smile exchanged fuels our passion and keeps us doing the happy dance.

Together, we encourage you to find your Ikigai and unlock the path to a fulfilling, purpose-driven dream job.