LOCAL SPOT: Maui Children's Bookstore - now carrying Ivy & Co.!

Maui Children's Bookstore owner Amanda and I. 

There is great satisfaction when you meet someone who's vision aligns with yours. Today I had a meeting with Amanda, owner of Maui Children's Bookstore (MCB). Immediately I could tell that Amanda has the gift of friendliness and encouragement, and is a true artist, which is evident in her translation of her shop space, inventory selection, and fashion sense. (She hung my bunting way better than I did).  It was unbelievably gratifying to be in the space and talk with her! Here are a few reasons why:

1. She owns a bookstore! 
Those are rare these days, and I know that's why the masses are rallying around Amanda and her shop. Literacy is so important to development, and it's essential that kids never lose the chance to turn the pages of their favorite books. She shares a storefront with the well-established Maui Thing, and it's been so neat to see that partnership develop. MCB carries a handpicked selection of new books including children’s literary classics and contemporary stories for babies to tweens. I noticed some great renditions of Alice in Wonderland and Pride & Prejudice!

"We aim to spark wonder and deep appreciation for the beauty of books, story and language."

Photo courtesy of Maui Children's Bookstore.

Ivy & Koa checking out all the fun toys. 

2. She is family-oriented, which I've noticed is central to the mission with MCB. After all, this is a CHILDREN'S bookstore. Check out her latest blog post to see all members of her family working to get MCB up and running. Prior to securing the location within Maui Thing, Amanda facilitated pop-up shops around the island, with an emphasis on story time and healthy snacks for the whole family. Her husband and son seem to always be helping out and actively participating in MCB's activities. They both popped in during our meeting. Later on Ivy showed up, so Amanda got to meet part of my family too. 

Aside from books, MCB carries children's clothing, baby products, eco-friendly educational toys, and art work.

3. She likes Ivy & Co.! 
She gave me one of the biggest compliments I've received in a long time: she loves my fabric choices and the way I put them together. You see, I've always been a performing artist. Since Ivy & Co. (sewing & furniture restoration) came about in 2011, it's been interesting to watch my creativity morph into something new. It's a little bit of an insecurity to put myself out there in this way (I'd be more comfortable dancing onstage in a flashy costume!), but now this aspect of artistry is being validated by these shop owners who are carrying Ivy & Co. 

If you can't tell, I'm elated about this working relationship with Maui Children's Bookstore. 

If you're on Maui, pop on by: 

Maui Children's Bookstore

7 N. Market St. 

Wailuku, HI 96793

(Shared space with Maui Thing)

Follow MCB on Facebook

Follow MCB on Instagram

www.mauichildrensbookstoreandcafe.com

"Through books, through play, through sweet classes and tea.  I want you to know that we're going to do our best to create an environment that begs to be filled with heart-synched moments like these."

-Amanda, from the blog post "At the heart of it all"

Don't forget to draw something on the chalkboard while you're there!

Aloha, Rebecca

Read more ...

Shop Review: Recarte Holt & Roe

There's a new shop in town: Recarte Holt & Roe just took over the corner spot on Main and Market Streets in thriving Old Wailuku town. It's like nothing I've seen here on Maui- they specialize in writing and art tools, as well as offering art classes to the community. 

Walking in, you feel like you've stepped back in time a bit, as you see easels, pens, ink and more.

There are a few rooms to mosey around, with new things to look at in every corner. 

Specialty ink, pencils and standard rulers.

Paintbrushes galore, composition books and even your basic crayons.

And great deals!

Easels, scissors, more pencils and a pencil sharpener.

Pick up a canvas for just $4.00

Don't forget the acrylic paint.

Pens are 50 cents each, or 30 cents an ounce!

Perfect so you can write in your $10 journal. 

Of course, Ivy wanted to pose with their oversize pencil. They have tons of cute products at the checkout station. 

They have a great reason for opening this store:

"In a world full of social media and electronic messaging, it's become more and more important to become creative to stand out amongst the crowd.  Nothing says that better than to take a moment and handwrite a note to someone to let them know how special that they are to you.  At Recarte Holt & Roe, we cater to your every need when it comes to fine writing... we founded Recarte Holt & Roe after the knowledge handed down to us by our Grandfathers and Mothers... a carefully crafted card of thanks or letter of recognition goes alot farther today than it did in decades past." 

(quote taken from their website)

Recarte Holt & Roe

1999 Main Street, Suite 1A

Wailuku, HI 96793

​

​Tel: (808) 419-6602

Fax: (808) 495-0158

http://www.rhrpenshop.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhrpenshop

Twitter: https://twitter.com/holtstevan

Hours:

Mon-Fri: 10:00am-5:30pm

Sat: 10:00am-4:00pm

Sun: 10:00am-2:00pm

Art Classes (mainly for kids) held Tuesday through Saturday.

Go check them out! The staff is incredibly nice and helpful and you're bound to find something special. 

Aloha, Rebecca

NOTE: This is not a sponsored or requested post. I believe in supporting local businesses and helping to spread the word so that they can become successful in our community. 

Read more ...