Honu Bakery's Young Team: The Heart and Future of Our Business

At Honu Bakery, our employees are the backbone of everything we do, and it's particularly inspiring to see so many young, dedicated individuals taking on critical roles at such an early age. As of October 6, 2024, out of the 43 employees who keep our bakery running smoothly, 20 of them are cashiers. What’s even more remarkable is that 14 of those cashiers are under 21, most of whom are either still in college or recently graduated from high school. Some of our more experienced cashiers started working with us during high school and have stayed with Honu through college and even while juggling primary jobs currently. It’s a testament to their dedication and work ethic, and we are incredibly proud to have them as part of our team.

In my experience living on the mainland for many years, it’s less common to see young people balancing work and school, let alone managing two or three jobs at such an age. But in Hawaii, with the high cost of living and inflation, many young people are compelled to enter the workforce earlier than others in different parts of the country. Witnessing this firsthand when I moved here has given me a deep respect for our young employees.

Having spent over 10 years in the consulting industry, I know how challenging it can be to serve clients and customers. While most of our customers are kind and respectful, there are times when our young cashiers face rude and disrespectful behavior. It’s incredibly difficult for these young people to experience such negativity, but what amazes me is their resilience. They don’t cry or complain—they simply acknowledge that not everyone is kind and that the world isn’t perfect. Their maturity and ability to handle these situations with grace inspire me every day.

This resilience and dedication fuel my commitment as the owner and CEO of Honu Bakery. My goal is not just to create an environment where they work 6-hour shifts and go home. I want to provide them with opportunities to learn and grow. Whether it's through entrepreneurship, finance, or business education, I hope to equip them with skills that will serve them throughout their careers—whether they stay at Honu or move on to other ventures.

As Honu continues to grow, one of our main focuses is establishing a clear and organized hierarchy within the team. We are working to promote more experienced employees into leadership roles, such as shift leaders and managers, with defined responsibilities to mentor and support the newer cashiers. The goal is not only to educate them to provide excellent customer service but also to keep these young people off the streets, give them a sense of purpose, and help them set lifelong goals.

We also understand the importance of fostering a strong team culture. That's why we try our best to organize regular outings, like attending night markets or hosting events like the recent Game Night we held after closing the store on Saturday. These moments of bonding and relaxation are just as important as the work itself, helping to create a supportive and positive environment for everyone.

I’ll be the first to acknowledge: if someone says your business can't function without you, it's not a compliment. It suggests that you haven’t properly trained or delegated responsibilities to your team to operate independently. That’s why I’m so committed to the growth and development of our Gen Z employees. I see so much potential in them, and I have high hopes that they will carry on the legacy of Honu Bakery for many years to come.

I’m deeply grateful for all of our employees—they are, without a doubt, the greatest blessing I’ve been given since taking over the bakery. I’m also excited to see how much each of them will grow and mature in the years ahead. The future of Honu Bakery is in good hands, and I couldn’t be more proud.

Mahalo,

Jin Park

Owner, CEO of Honu Bakery

Check out our most recent Honu Game Night we hosted on Instagram and Tiktok!