We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Julie Chu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Julie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

Oysters Hawai’i is Hawai’i first and only mobile oyster catering company. It is a local, family owned, minority owned, and female owned business. The owners are Allie Chu, Hopena Pokipala, and Julie Chu. The idea started when Allie was living in New York City pursuing her modeling and acting career. As a side hustle, she learned how to open oysters and was a part time oyster shucker on the weekends. When her boyfriend, Hopena, came to visit her from Hawai’i, he had a great idea to bring the idea back to the islands. They thought this would be a great idea because there were no other competitors in the state. After researching hundreds of leather makers and blacksmiths who could create the aprons and buckets, Hopena found the perfect gear that has become the signature image for Oysters Hawai’i. Allie and Hopena put their heads together and launched Oysters Hawai’i in February 2020. One week later, the global pandemic hit and their business was quickly halted. Two years later, they decided to shuck oysters as a wedding present for their friends. Zeke and Jenna Lau were their first wedding and are very well known in Hawai’i. Oysters Hawai’i was a hit at their wedding and in March 2022 they relaunched Oysters Hawai’i. Allie and Hopena brought onboard Allie’s sister, Julie, as a co owner. Julie created an instagram account and a website for the business. Ever since that one wedding occurred, many emails and phone calls started to come in. Julie, Allie, and Hopena started working together at any events that were booked. Their instagram account started with no followers and quickly went viral with their Instagram Reels. They now have 20.5K followers after a year in business. There was one instagram video that went viral with 2.5 Million views and the Senior Executive Chef at Allegiant Stadium saw the idea and reached out to the owners. They found out that he was also from Hawai’i and wanted to see the possibility of getting freshly shucked oysters in the VIP Suites at Allegiant Stadium for the Raider games. One of the requirements was to have a minority and female business certification. The team quickly researched and went through a thorough process to achieve these credentials. After a few months, their applications were approved and they were able to work in Las Vegas. Oysters Hawai’i has grown organically fast and the team is very thankful for all the support. They now are able to service O’ahu, Maui, Kaua’i, Big Island and Las Vegas. They hope to expand in Los Angeles in the next year and continue to provide a good shucking time for any special occasion!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Oysters Hawai’i is Hawai’i first and only mobile oyster catering company. We service private parties, weddings, corporate events, golf tournaments, and more! Oysters Hawai’i provides a one-of-a-kind experience of oyster shucking for any occasion. We source high quality oysters and offer an array of condiments made with premium local ingredients. Our oyster chefs are extensively trained to provide a sophisticated shucking experience you will never forget.

We provide our clients an all you can eat two (2) hour oyster experience with high quality oysters and a choice of our homemade sauces: champagne mignonette, cocktail sauce, smoked ponzu, and Hawaiian chili pepper water.

Mālama ʻāina is a core value of Oysters Hawaiʻi and prioritizes giving back to the community and taking care of the land and its resources. The business donates its used oyster shells to Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi farm to be repurposed as fertilizer and chicken feed.

Some highlights have been shucking for the owners of ZOOM for their international conference, Bretman Rockʻs birthday party, and the VIP Suites at Allegiant Stadium for the Raiders. Clients can reach us directly for bookings through our website www.oystershawaii.com

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Instagram has been the best source for finding clients. We have paid zero dollars for advertising. We use Instagram as our free advertisement. Our most successful way to find clients is by posting Instagram Reels featuring what our business is and what it will look like at the client’s event. We always provide a good shucking time!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Oysters Hawai’i is not only a unique business and the only one in Hawai’i but we are also believe in sustainability. We donated our used shells to Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi farm to be repurposed as fertilizer and chicken feed. This is our way of giving back to the Earth and our home. The company also strives to increase accessibility of oysters to the people of Hawaiʻi, as well as restoring the once prominent oyster beds throughout the state.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.oystershawaii.com
• Instagram: @oystershawaii or www.instagram.com/oystershawaii
• Facebook: @oystershawaii or www.facebook.com/oystershawaii
• Yelp: @oystershawaii