HONOLULU (KHON2) — A 13-year-old student from Kamehameha Schools is turning his love for art into a growing business that celebrates the beauty of Hawaii’s beaches and oceans.
Colton Dadez is the creator behind Kailoa’s Kreations, a resin art business that showcases ocean-inspired pieces.
The name “Kailoa” holds personal meaning for Colton—it’s his middle name, and he chose it to reflect the Hawaiian elements that inspire his artwork.
“I think it fits better with the creations and how my inspiration is with the Hawaiian beaches and Hawaiian oceans,” he said.
Colton began crafting his resin art under the guidance of his Aunty Sadie, who taught him the fundamentals of resin work, including how to mix pigments and select the right resin for his pieces. “She taught me basically the basics of the foundation,” Colton explained.
His art has since evolved into a business. Colton now sells his resin creations at pop-up markets at Nordstrom Ala Moana.
But the journey hasn’t been without its challenges, and the young entrepreneur has learned some valuable life lessons along the way.
“I’ve learned how to procrastinate less, and how patience really can dig into your time,” Colton reflected. “Sometimes I have to do math, and I hate math,” he added with a laugh, a sentiment many adults can relate to.
Running his own business also involves managing finances and keeping detailed records. “It takes a lot of calculations, and also managing everything, and how I have to keep track of the ledger. Mainly it is patience. I hate patience, but it’s great that I get to work on it because every kid needs it,” he said.
Half of Colton’s earnings go into savings, while the other half fuels his passion for shoes. “I love shoes. Yeah, as you can see, I’m wearing Jordan 4s right now,” he said with a grin.
What brings Colton the most satisfaction is knowing that people appreciate his hard work. “It feels good because it feels like people are inspired by my artwork,” he said.
As for the future, Colton plans to continue growing Kailoa’s Kreations through high school and beyond. “I want to go to college and get a career, be a successful Hawaiian,” he said.
If you’re looking for a special, locally made gift, you can find Colton’s resin art at pop-up markets at Nordstrom Ala Moana on Sundays. But hurry—his pieces are limited edition and won’t be around forever.