Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Daniel Castellano. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Daniel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

One of the most unexpected challenges I faced was the high cost of shipping to Hawaii. Starting a business is tough anywhere, but the logistics of running one on an island add a whole new layer of complexity. For instance, I once needed six grow lights that cost $50 each, totaling $300. At first, the manufacturer didn’t even ship to Hawaii. I called them and explained that I couldn’t find these lights anywhere on the island. They agreed to make an exception, but the shipping alone was an additional $250, nearly the same cost as the products themselves.

Luckily, these weren’t expenses that I would need to order from the mainland too often. I decided that this is just part of what businesses go through, and I was okay with eating the shipping costs upfront. After all, I knew it would all work itself out in the end. This perspective helped me stay positive and focused on the bigger picture, knowing that these initial challenges were just stepping stones to greater success.

Daniel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For those who may not be familiar with me, I’m Danny, and I recently moved to Hawaii from Southern California with my husband and our two dogs. Making the decision to move to Hawaii was a significant and exciting step for us. My fiancé at the time, now my husband, received a fantastic job offer in Oahu, and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity. So, we packed up our lives and made the big move to Oahu. The transition was expensive and very challenging, but the prospect of starting a new chapter in such a beautiful place made it all worthwhile.

When I arrived to honolulu, I ventured into the microgreen farming business, a passion I’ve always had but never had the chance to pursue fully. Microgreens are young vegetable greens that are packed with nutrients and flavor, and they add a fresh touch to any dish. I provide a variety of microgreens that cater to individual customers, local restaurants, and grocery stores looking to enhance their isles with fresh, locally-grown produce.

What sets my business apart is my dedication to sustainability and local production. By growing microgreens locally, I reduce the carbon footprint associated with shipping produce from the mainland, and I support the local economy. I am most proud of the positive feedback from my clients who appreciate the freshness and quality of my products.

For potential clients and followers, I want you to know that my work is driven by a passion for healthy living and sustainability. I am committed to providing the best possible products while overcoming the unique challenges of operating a business on an island. Your support helps me continue this journey and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable community.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

I have a marketing degree and I’ve been putting my marketing skills to the test since moving to Hawaii! I made business cards, launched a website, and even reached out to local news outlets. They recently replied, and I’m excited about building that relationship! It’s been a journey, but I’m determined to make it work here. My next goal in successful marketing is word of mouth. I believe that building a strong local presence and connecting with the community will be key to my success.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I used to be an actor in Los Angeles, and the best takeaway from that experience was learning that rejection happens. There is no way around it. The more you get rejected, the faster you learn to get over it. I’ve come to the point where rejections don’t scare me anymore. You have to put yourself out there to make it in any industry. This resilience has been crucial in my journey, especially with the challenges of moving to Hawaii and running a business here. It’s all about persistence and keeping a positive mindset.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Gemini.Daddy