[ HAWAII AT WORK ]
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
Internet cafe is a Like many people, my husband, James, and I always wanted to start our own business, be our own bosses.
catalyst for change
Owner Val Kaku finds more
of a purpose than she expectedWe looked around to see what was needed in the community, and noticed that Internet cafes were virtually an unknown business in Hawaii, although they were flourishing on the mainland. The University of Hawaii area seemed to be an obvious choice with the student population nearby, so we opened Coffee Cove Online at Puck's Alley in 1997.
We have six PC terminals, laser printing and fax services available, and offer an extensive menu at college-student prices. However, our clientele ranges from elementary school students to senior citizens.
My husband and I are working owners and are hands-on with everything from doing all the bookkeeping, ordering inventory and repairing computer to preparing the drinks and sandwiches -- and everything else in-between. We also have had to become amateur therapists, much like bartenders do, for some customers who have needed someone to talk to after a break-up, getting fired or doing poorly in school.
On the flipside, we have also introduced people to the wonders of the Internet and opened up a whole new world for them, and have even had extreme experiences where we have actually helped people kick drug habits and start new lives. Little did we know that opening our little Internet cafe would impact lives in such a deep way.
The biggest challenge we have seen in recent times has been competition.
Starbucks opened on the UH campus, and more Internet cafes have opened nearby. What sets us apart from the rest is that James and I are so involved in the day-to-day operations and work well with each other, so we are flexible and can make necessary changes as we see problems coming up. One of the main changes has been adjusting our pricing to keep our rates competitive.
After the end of each exhausting day, I can look back and see the blessings we have had.
We have survived where others have not. But my biggest reward are the smaller things, seeing people come in irritated, and leaving with a big smile -- and seeing them coming back, of course.
Hawaii At Work features tells what people do for a living in their own words. Send submissions to: business@starbulletin.com
