We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kai Apo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kai below.
Kai, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job?
Patience and compassion.
My first job was in hospitality at a retirement residence in Hawaii, where residents enjoyed a fine dining experience at every meal. I worked there for five years–throughout all four years of high school and into my first year of college. I served over 100 residents during each shift. Over time, I quickly memorized everything from each persons favorite drink orders, first and last names, and even their special quirks. I honestly had more elderly friends than I did friends at school!
As the years went by, I watched the effects of aging and dementia take hold. It was hard, but also incredibly moving. They shared childhood stories, gave me advice about life, and celebrated my milestones like they were their own. That job taught me to slow down–to really listen, to anticipate needs, and to offer reassurance with a smile. If someone made a mess at the buffet, I’d quietly clean up afterward so they wouldn’t feel rushed. Escorting someone to their table meant taking 50 small steps instead of 10, or following beside them, (never in front of) so that they never felt like their slow pace was a burden. When frustration or mood swings bubbled up, I reminded myself to stay calm, patient, and compassionate despite it all. As a teenager, it was the ultimate test, but I’m grateful to have learned these lessons early in my life and hope to pass this on to folx that I meet.
Those years shaped so much of who I am as a business owner. My work ethic–and honestly, my personal motto–are built around compassion and empathy. I’ve learned that people remember how you make them feel, and that slowing down to make sure others feel seen and heard is never wasted effort. That mindset is at the heart of how I show up for my customers, and my community every single day.
Kai, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
What began as a small side project to satisfy the toy craving of my five kitties, has grown into a business fueled by creativity, passion, and a love for crafting products that bring joy to other kitties around the globe. I design all our own fabrics for our cat toys and draw every sticker and tote bag design. Each toy is cut, sewn, stuffed, and finished in-house at HaiKitti. I’m involved in every step to make sure every toy, sticker, art print, pet bed, and tote bag reflects the care and quality people deserve.
What sets HaiKitti apart is that all our cat toys are handmade right here in sunny California. We also prioritize sourcing materials from U.S.-based businesses and small, family-run shops, so every purchase supports more than just me. As a small business owner, I jump at every single opportunity to keep my sourcing and labor local to California or within the U.S.
What I’m most proud of is the community that’s grown around my brand. Hearing that a cat has a “favorite toy” or seeing repeat orders reminds me that the heart and effort I put into my work truly matter. Interacting with customers at markets is always a highlight. That personal connection and relationship-building keep me motivated to design products that align with their value–whether that’s sustainability, fair labor, or supporting small businesses. My customers could easily save a few dollars shopping online or at big-box retailers, so their choice to return and support HaiKitti means the world to me.
For anyone new to HaiKitti, I want you to know it’s about more than toy–it’s about creating something thoughtful, well-made, and full of love. My goal is to keep building a business that feels personal and authentic while delivering products that you and your pets genuinely love.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I’ve had to unlearn a lot of self-doubt. In my first year of business–selling mostly online and later at markets and pet shows across California–I constantly compared myself to businesses that were already 10 years into their journey. Their branding was polished, their messaging was clear, and their presence felt effortless. Meanwhile, I felt like I was scrambling to figure things out.
I started to believe I couldn’t compete. Why take the first step when I already felt so far behind?
What changed everything for me was hearing other small business owners share their stories online. I realized that most of them didn’t start with perfect branding or immediate success–they grew slowly and learned along the way. That’s when I started to trust myself and embrace the idea of slow, organic growth. It’s been freeing to let go of the pressure to “catch up” and instead build something sustainable and uniquely mine.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Savings. Anticlimactic, I know. There was no crowdfunding, no flashy social media campaign–just cold, hard cash I’d saved up. It wasn’t the most exciting start, but it gave me the freedom to build my business at my own pace without the pressure of debt or outside expectations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://haikitti.com
- Instagram: shophaikitti
- Other: https://haikitti.faire.com
