About 'Ōpio Mākeke
What is 'Ōpio Mākeke?
'Ōpio Mākeke is a entry level entrepreneurship program that empowers the future entrepreneurs in Hawai'i. We provide resources that offer keiki the chance to develop essential business skills, build confidence, and begin their entrepreneurship journey. At 'Ōpio Mākeke we present our annual 'Ōpio Mākeke Business Fair to showcase the keiki's creativity and hard-work. By participating, they gain real-world experience in running a business, while networking with mentors and peers. This event serves as an inspiring platform for youth to explore entrepreneurship and prepare for future business ventures.
'Ōpio Mākeke Business Fair
The program culminates in the 'Ōpio Mākeke Business Fair which takes place at the Keiki Hula Festival 2025. This is a chance for participants to showcase their businesses to a live audience, including potential customers, mentors, family and friends. They have the opportunity to pitch their businesses, network, and receive real-time feedback. This event allows them to gain exposure, build confidence, and celebrate their hard work.
Team Members
Leah Mahealani Dakroub
Leah Mahealani Dakroub
Leah Mahealani Dakroub
Aloha! My name is Leah, and I'm a 17-year-old Native Hawaiian artist and the proud owner of my business, Mahea Leah. My entrepreneurial journey began at the age of eight, when I wrote and self-published my first book, The Feeling Flower, at just ten years old.
At 14, I expanded my creative horizons into graphic arts, where I began designin
Aloha! My name is Leah, and I'm a 17-year-old Native Hawaiian artist and the proud owner of my business, Mahea Leah. My entrepreneurial journey began at the age of eight, when I wrote and self-published my first book, The Feeling Flower, at just ten years old.
At 14, I expanded my creative horizons into graphic arts, where I began designing Hawaiian food enamel pins and stickers.
Every step of my journey has been driven by my love for my culture and art. I participated in the Keiki Rise cohort in 2024 and won Mayor's Choice; Keiki Entrepreneur Of The Year Award. So I’m very excited to be working with Keiki Rise now and 'Ōpio Mākeke as their program manager so I can inspire more keiki entrepreneurs like me!
Coen Cadinha
Leah Mahealani Dakroub
Leah Mahealani Dakroub
Howzit, my name is Coen, and I’m a 17-year-old Native Hawaiian entrepreneur. I’m the owner of Big Boy Sweets and the founder and CEO of Keiki Rise. My entrepreneurial journey began when I was 12 years old, selling candy and snacks at school. Over time, I expanded into local pop-up markets and had the opportunity to join the Mana-Up progra
Howzit, my name is Coen, and I’m a 17-year-old Native Hawaiian entrepreneur. I’m the owner of Big Boy Sweets and the founder and CEO of Keiki Rise. My entrepreneurial journey began when I was 12 years old, selling candy and snacks at school. Over time, I expanded into local pop-up markets and had the opportunity to join the Mana-Up program, which helped me scale my business.
In 2023, I was honored to receive the Hawai'i Student Entrepreneur of the Year award, which inspired me to create Keiki Rise. This organization is dedicated to supporting youth entrepreneurs like myself and helping them thrive!