Kendra Wong is the creative force behind Ken’s Korner, a unique mom-and-son test kitchen located in Kailua, Oahu. The business was founded in 2020 during the pandemic, almost by chance. Kendra, a lifelong crack seed enthusiast, was experimenting in her kitchen, when her son recorded and shared her creations on social media. To Kendra’s surprise, the response was immediate and overwhelming, with her son’s friends eagerly placing orders. Inspired by this unexpected demand, Kendra’s son designed their logo, created an Instagram page, and even launched their business the very next day.

Starting with no formal business plan, Kendra and her son began by running to local stores to gather supplies for their early orders. The business grew organically, with Kendra refining her products. As orders increased, her other son stepped in to build their website, marking a pivotal moment in their journey. Around this time, Kendra realized that to sustain and grow Ken’s Korner, she needed to educate herself on running a business. She connected with the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership and enrolled in their YWahine In Business Incubator course, as well as other courses on Shopify and Canva.

With the knowledge and skills gained from these programs, Kendra was able to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, from legalities to marketing. Today, Ken’s Korner specializes in producing Aunty Kendra’s crackseed li hing-lemon peel-prune mui gummies and signature li hing sauce. The business has grown into a thriving operation, primarily selling through their online store and at various markets around Oahu. Lokahi Market in Kailua, where Kendra got her start, remains a regular venue for Ken’s Korner, along with other community-focused events like the Kakaako Night Market, Keiki Street Festival, and Kailua Fall Festival. In addition to her local presence, Kendra has also expanded her reach beyond Hawaii through a collaboration with Garden Creamery, an ice cream shop in San Francisco owned by someone originally from Hawaii.

Garden Creamery regularly orders Kendra’s signature li hing sauce in bulk, using it to create unique ice cream flavors that have become a hit with their customers. Kendra sends gallons of sauce to San Francisco nearly every month to meet the demand. Back in Hawaii, Kendra has connected with Central Pacific Bank, where she opened her business account in 2020, and has participated in their Tidepools pop-up events, providing a platform to reach a broader audience. Most recently, Kendra was sponsored by Central Pacific Bank to participate in the University of Hawaii Alumni Makers Market, further expanding her presence in the local community.

Kendra continues to run the business with passion and creativity, continually expanding and refining her offerings while staying deeply connected to the community that supports her.

Since receiving support from the MBDA, Ken’s Korner has seen steady growth. Kendra currently runs the business without employees, receiving help from family and friends, but she is on the cusp of needing to hire employees by early next year. Her participation in the Level Up! Pitch Competition provided her with valuable experience in presenting her business to potential investors and partners. Although she did not win her category, the exposure and feedback she received were instrumental in refining her business strategy and expanding with a new venture, Ken’s Korner Kandy Kart, where guests can pick and make their own take-home candy favors featuring assorted gummies and toppings.

Kendra received comprehensive support that addressed her business’s specific needs. The YWahine In Business Incubator was an ideal fit for Kendra, who wanted to expand her market and increase sales. The seven-week course provided a nurturing environment where she could develop her entrepreneurial skills and strategies. The program’s structure, designed to support women in business, offered a blend of education, mentorship, and peer networking, creating a solid foundation for her business growth. The incubator covered essential topics such as concept validation, business model development, financial basics, beginner QuickBooks, funding opportunities, marketing basics, social media best practices, business plan development, and networking opportunities. This curriculum ensured that Kendra gained a holistic understanding of business management.

One of the key benefits of the incubator was access to personalized business counseling sessions with Noela, Lead Business Counselor and Instructor, who played a pivotal role in Kendra’s journey. Noela helped Kendra focus on what would make her business sustainable and set her apart from the many other similar businesses. Through these sessions, Kendra realized that her secret sauce—literally and figuratively—was her signature li hing sauce. With Noela’s guidance, Kendra began to focus on this unique offering, which became a central element of her business strategy.

Kendra made connections through the incubator, including with Valerie Kubota, MBDA YWahine In Business Senior Manager. Valerie became one of Kendra’s biggest cheerleaders, providing encouragement and additional resources.

Participating in the Level Up! Pitch Competition gave Kendra valuable experience in presenting her business to potential investors and partners. Although she did not win her category, the exposure and feedback she received were instrumental in refining her business strategy and expanding with a new venture, Ken’s Korner Kandy Kart, where guests can pick and make their own take-home candy favors featuring assorted gummies and toppings.

Additionally, Kendra completed the Build Your Product-Based Website and e-commerce classes. These services equipped her with the skills and knowledge to develop an effective online presence, manage sales efficiently, and navigate the complexities of running a business. The comprehensive support from YWCA Oʻahu and its affiliated programs has been instrumental in Kendra’s success, helping her turn Ken’s Korner into a thriving business with a strong foundation for future growth.