Great Ideas 2021 Winners
First Place
Lumi
Team members: Tsz Ying (Taffie) Kwok, Alison Orton, Ezra Magno
Lumi is a home decor company that designs and sells custom 3D-printed products inspired by modern Christian art. Their creations—such as personalized night lights, decorative light cubes, and temple models—aim to bring spiritual light and comfort into everyday life. Founded by a certified AutoCAD designer, Lumi began with a mission to serve isolated church members during COVID and has since grown into a purpose-driven brand. With over $11,000 in early revenue, Lumi continues to combine faith, creativity, and innovation.
Second Place
Lemon Home Cleaning LLC
Team members: Lyric Clarke, Bricelyn Clarke
Lemon Home Cleaning is a licensed and insured home and vacation rental cleaning business based in Oʻahu, Hawaii. Serving the North Shore and Windward areas, the company stands out through its commitment to sustainability—using only plant-based, recyclable products. By bringing professionalism and strong values like character and attention to detail into the cleaning industry, Lemon Home Cleaning is redefining blue-collar work. Their strong online presence and five-star reviews help build trust and visibility in the community.
Third Place
Rebirth Rings
Team member: Daniel Malzl
Rebirth Rings transforms broken skateboards into handcrafted rings, symbolizing renewal and the power of positive change. Founded by skateboarder Daniel Maltzel, the brand repurposes discarded boards—donated by the local skate community—into meaningful jewelry. Each ring reflects the idea that even what seems broken can become something beautiful. With a strong profit margin and a sustainable mission, Rebirth Rings blends creativity, community, and purpose.
First Place
Ghosted
Team member: Raleigh Matthews
Ghosted Sandal is a unique footwear brand co-founded by Raleigh Matthews and his father, combining creativity and craftsmanship. Inspired by the comfort of home, the sandals mimic the feel of carpet underfoot, offering a one-of-a-kind experience. Priced at $65, they compete with brands like Olukai and Rainbow but stand out for their easy-to-clean design and unmatched comfort. The target market is young adults aged 18–30 in the U.S. looking for stylish, cozy, and practical footwear.
Second Place
Wahine Made Co
Team members: Marianne Uson, Milan Cabrera, Karizza Llanera
Wahine Made Co. is a women-owned e-commerce brand that empowers women through thoughtfully designed accessories. Each tote bag features affirmations inside, reminding every Wahine (woman) of her strength, ambition, and capability. Made with cruelty-free materials, the products suit all lifestyles—from moms to students to professionals. With a strong digital marketing strategy and growing sales, Wahine Made Co. is on a mission to inspire and support women worldwide.
Third Place
Makaku Pottery
Team member: Dallin Reber
Makaku Pottery offers a unique, beginner-friendly pottery experience where anyone can create their own ceramic artwork on a potter’s wheel in just 90 minutes—no prior experience needed. Founder Dallin Rubber brings over a decade of pottery expertise and a refined teaching method that makes the process fun and intuitive. Unlike traditional studios, Makaku bridges the gap between casual creativity and serious craftsmanship. The goal is to bring this hands-on, joyful art experience from Utah to the island of Oʻahu.
First Place
Project Black Girl
Team members: Zachary Draper, Stephanie Draper, Bri Ray
Project Black Girl supports transracial adoptive families by providing culturally relevant resources for both parents and children. Through professional e-courses on hair care, skin care, and education, as well as curated subscription boxes, the platform helps parents better nurture their child’s identity. The website also hosts a podcast featuring experts discussing transracial adoption challenges. With a mission rooted in lived experience, the team aims to serve over 1,000 families in 2024.
Second Place
Environmental Traction
Team member: Braxton Nye
Environmental Traction offers an eco-friendly alternative to road salt using magnesium chloride-coated wood chips. Traditional salt causes $5 billion in annual damage to roads, vehicles, and ecosystems, contaminating water and harming agriculture. This new product is 100% biodegradable, non-corrosive, and already used successfully in over 300 communities. It melts ice effectively without environmental trade-offs, protecting both infrastructure and nature.
Third Place
Aurora Novus Boards
Team members: Thomas Nebeker, Jared Horton
This eco-conscious surfboard company addresses two major problems: excess unused or broken surfboards on Hawaii’s North Shore and the shortage of local board shapers and materials. They collect old boards, strip them down, reuse the foam and fin boxes, and only purchase new resin, cutting material costs from $500 to around $100 per board. While boards are being glassed, they offer quick and affordable repair services, maximizing revenue with minimal resources. Their mission is to protect the environment, support the local surf community, and expand globally.