We were lucky to catch up with Summer Butindaro recently and have shared our conversation below.
Summer , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
Growing up, I was surrounded by an environment where the impossible seemed just a step away. Growing up my parents taught me a powerful lesson: with belief and effort, anything is possible. This wasn’t just a saying in our house; it was a way of life, rooted in a deep Faith that they generously passed on to me.
I still remember my dad, a man whose passion knew no borders, tirelessly working or creating sports programs in Hawaii, launching food initiatives in the Philippines, and helping rebuild communities ravaged by typhoons in Southeast Asia. His dedication wasn’t just about his own success; it was about creating opportunities and serving others. His actions spoke to me, imparting a sense of hope and possibility in even the toughest situations. It was a living lesson that success as an entrepreneur isn’t just about what you achieve, but how you impact others along the way.
This belief was etched into my heart and mind from a young age. When people asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I’d playfully respond, “At what age?” because I knew my journey would be a mosaic of different dreams.
One of my earliest memories of turning ‘impossible’ into ‘it’s possible’ was in the 3rd grade. I had an opportunity to play soccer on a different island, but there was a catch – we needed to raise funds. That’s when my entrepreneurial spirit first flickered to life. My parents and I brainstormed, and before I knew it, I was making homemade “ice cakes” – essentially stickless popsicles. My dad and I would pack these treats in a cooler and sell them at soccer fields. Every 50-cent ice cake was a step closer to my goal. It wasn’t just about selling frozen juice; it was about learning to create opportunities, to not let the cost of dreams be a barrier.
In retrospect, I probably didn’t raise all the money on my own – my parents were always there, subtly ensuring I could chase my dreams. That journey from selling ice cakes at local soccer fields to playing in Australia was more than just a physical journey; it was the embodiment of a belief ingrained in me since childhood – that anything is possible.
For all the young entrepreneurs reading this, remember, your journey is not just defined by where you are going, but by the beliefs and values you carry with you, and the people you encourage and help along the way. Like my parents taught me, embrace every opportunity, and always believe that anything is possible.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi, I’m Summer Butindaro, a devoted wife and mother to three incredible kids. My passion for travel and helping those in need is a big part of who I am, but what truly drives me is offering practical support to others during their tough times. Additionally, I run an online business in the health and wellness sector, focusing on direct sales. Being a mom and managing a business from home is a dream come true for me. It allows me to be there for my kids’ precious moments while contributing to the well-being of others. In the health and wellness industry, I’ve found a perfect alignment with my role as a mom – we’re always seeking the best for our children, and improving home water quality is a crucial part of that. Considering our bodies are predominantly water, ensuring a high-quality water source is essential.
Since I started my business in 2022, I’ve personally benefited from using ionized water, seeing remarkable improvements in my long-standing issues with eczema and menstrual pain. I understand that my products might not appeal to everyone – many are accustomed to quick fixes instead of addressing underlying health causes. But I’ve learned that it’s okay not to cater to everyone. My business is about offering lasting health benefits to those who are open to changing their perspective on health.
Moreover, I’m thrilled to extend my passion by helping other moms start their own online businesses in the health and wellness field. I offer a tailored six-week program that integrates seamlessly with the demands of motherhood, empowering moms to work flexibly and be part of a supportive community.
Our company’s sense of community is invaluable. It goes beyond financial gain, creating a network of support for women embarking on their entrepreneurial journey. I’m immensely proud of the impact we’re making and want to assure potential clients and entrepreneurs that with commitment and the right support, they too can find success and fulfillment in this industry amidst the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
As full-time missionaries, my husband and I dedicated ourselves to serving communities in Hawaii, the Philippines and Thailand. Our days were filled with outreach programs, community building, and sharing hope in challenging environments. It was a life of constant movement and deep commitment to the people we served. However, the arrival of our three children, born within a span of four years, marked a turning point. With a bustling, growing family, we realized the need to reassess our priorities and focus closer to home (Hawaii).
In Hawaii, where we settled, the issue of affordable housing has become increasingly dire. We couldn’t ignore this pressing need in our own backyard. Transitioning from international missions to local activism, we committed two years to assist in helping expand a non-profit affordable housing company that had 128 affordable housing units in Kailua Kona. But the shift was anything but smooth. The daily grind of balancing motherhood with a full-time management role was a juggling act I hadn’t anticipated. My days were split between policy meetings, tenant disputes, hiring employees, community engagements, and the ever-present thoughts of my children’s needs. Our efforts, though earnest, often hit roadblocks in the form of strict regulations and complex federal standards, hindering the significant impact we had hoped to achieve.
In the midst of this, I witnessed the struggles of numerous families caught in a financial bind. They earned marginally too much to qualify for affordable housing, yet were far from able to afford the escalating living costs in Hawaii, especially after the economic shifts post-2020. These were hardworking individuals, often clocking in over 40 hours a week, still unable to keep up with rent, ineligible for assistance, and contemplating second or third jobs just to make ends meet.
This harsh reality brought me to a critical crossroads: continue pushing in my current role at the cost of my mental well-being and time with my children, or step back to reassess and face potential housing challenges for my own family. It was a moment of deep introspection and soul-searching, questioning where my true calling lay amidst these challenges.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
When it comes to keeping your team’s morale up, I’ve learned a few things from running programs, managing events, and leading teams. The first key is having a clear vision and purpose. It’s important to share your goals regularly. This helps keep daily challenges in perspective and motivates everyone to face hurdles together.
Understanding each team member’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial. I find it works best when people work in areas they’re good at. This approach not only improves efficiency but also increases engagement. When team members are passionate and aligned with the team’s vision, they often contribute more than expected.
Effective communication is essential. It’s important to actively create opportunities for both business-related and personal discussions. This helps everyone feel heard and valued, improving workplace relations and overall communication.
Regular debriefing sessions are also valuable. After significant events or projects, it’s helpful to gather and reflect. This provides a chance for everyone to share insights and learn from each other. It’s not only about discussing what didn’t work but also celebrating what did. This fosters a positive and constructive team atmosphere.
In summary, a mix of clear goals, playing to individual strengths, open communication, and regular team reflections can create a supportive and motivated environment. It’s about recognizing that the team is on a collective journey of growth and success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.summerbutindaro.com
- Instagram: @summerleihawaii
Image Credits
Joy Bethany Photography IG: @joy.bethany