Dustin Caravalho

Name Dustin Caravalho

social media @makeupbyd808_

Age 39

Town/Moku Hilo

Island Hawaiʻi Island

Leadership Category Professional Development

Nominated by Kalena Parish; Cheryl Nalani Campbell; Randie-Leith K. Lunn

Share with us a little about yourself and what you do.

A former resident of Hawai’i island now residing on O’ahu I have navigated my way through the beauty industry for nearly 20yrs. I took a deep passion for helping my kaiaulu thru giving back with my craft. Uplifting others through their toughest struggles by defining their inner beauty and mentoring our future professionals in the beauty Industry volunteering my time with students and on the streets giving haircuts to the less fortunate. I’m a pageant coach and director for the Miss Hawai’i organization where I volunteer my time helping to “prepare great women for the world and the world for great women”. As a native Hawaiian small business owner of a full service salon, my mission is to continue as a mentor for independent stylist, future business owners and our Keiki, the future leaders of tomorrow.

Why is the work that you do important to you? The community?

It's important to me because we can create a positive and healthy outlook with our services. In my experience collaboration over competition allows us to share our knowledge with others, creating a positive environment that not only shares our talents but helps our community rise in all aspects. As a mentor, it’s important I ensure that there's always a positive environment for people to thrive.

Share with us the qualities of leadership you admire and how you express those in your life.

I admire someone that gives unselfishly regardless of one’s own situation. Someone that supports others achieve their goals and willing to share their knowledge and resources at no cost. When I first opened my shop on Oahu, I went a year without turning a true profit, barely making rent. I was blessed to help each stylist start their business and support their dreams by allowing them to build their business along side of mine. Since then, 3 out of the 5 have opened their own salons. I truly believe, that these qualities are expressed through my life with every opportunity that Ive and and continue to do making a difference in someone’s life.

Who has inspired you to do the work that you are doing?

My grandmother Gwen Yamamoto lived by a church hymn “Because I have been given much I too must give” Her selfless actions and love for others gave me the motivation to carry on her work.

What is one word that describes something you are excited about for the lāhui?

Holomua

What is one word that describes a pressing issue that is facing our lāhui?

Kaulike