What's going on people!! Listen J4F was able to get an interview with one of the hottest brands around representing the island culture real hard, Kaduku Clothing out of the WA. Here's what went down!!
 

J4F: please tell everyone a little bit about yourself and what Kaduku Clothing is all about. (How the brand was born, why Kaduku was chosen as the brand name, who the founders are and when the brand started)

TM: My name is Tony Manibusan and I am the founder of KADUKU Clothing.  I started KADUKU Clothing back in November of 2007 after my cousin visited me from Guam.  He brought me a bunch of shirts from back home and it was then that I decided to start my own clothing line.  I’ve always had an interest in drawing and knew that I could make this happen.  I started selling t-shirts and hats in as many local islander events as possible and realized that this dream was quickly becoming a reality.  In May of 2011, I opened up the first KADUKU Clothing retail store in the heart of downtown Seattle (just steps away from the world famous Pike Place Market).  Although the word KADUKU comes from the Chamorro language, the brand is also widely recognized within the Hawaiian, Samoan and Filipino communities.  I came up with the name KADUKU Clothing because it just made sense.   Ask anyone who really knows me and they would tell you that I’m pretty crazy.  I take chances and venture into things that others only dream about doing.  My philosophy is “ You only live once” and I live life as if there is no tomorrow. 

J4F: you and I both know that there is some stiff competition when it comes to clothing companies from the island; what separates Kaduku Clothing from the more established local brands like Fokai, Shoyoroll, Guahan Soldier, etc?

TM: First of all, brands like Fokai and Shoyoroll are companies that I respect and I consider them to be the pioneers that have paved the way for brands like us.  What they have done for our people and our island is great and they deserved to be where they are today.  Just hoping we will be there one day…

As far as what separates us from them, is we are new to the scene.  People are looking for something different, something else to add to their collection of island brands. We focus primarily on representing the people.  Our motto is “Respect the Island, Understand the Culture, Represent the People”.  This is what we do and what we stand for.

J4F: Being that the Brand name of the clothing company is Kaduku does the brand cater only to islanders or is there a bigger market that you’re after?

TM: We are a Pacific Islander clothing company and most of our customers are islanders, but we also invite those who are influenced by our lifestyle and culture to represent the brand.  You would be surprised on how many non-islanders support KADUKU Clothing here in Seattle.

J4F: What can the people expect to see from the brand in the future? Are there any collaboration projects with other brands, any events or new items we should all be looking out for?

TM: You can expect to see a wider variety of KADUKU Clothing branded items from us in the future.  Items such as: board shorts, more accessories, bags & backpacks, jackets, and slippers.   We don’t have any collaboration with any other brands right now, but we currently have a limited edition basketball jersey with Island Bound.  They are an up and coming island reggae band locally here in Seattle. They’re hit “Here To Stay” has been in the top 10 for the past 6 months on www.pipeline2paradise.com and top 3 with Kauai’s FM 95.7.

J4F: One of the questions I always ask people I interview from the island is about exposure. We both know that there are many talented people from the Mariana Islands, what do you think needs to be done in order for this talent to be discovered in the mainland?

TM: Get involved with the local organizations and communities in your area.  This is the best way to get exposure to a lot of people at once.  Networking is key.  Support the people that support you.  Sometimes you might have to give a little to gain a lot.

J4F: Another question that is a website favorite is, when you have spare time what do you do Just4Fun…

TM: For fun I like spending time on the water wakeboarding.  I just recently learned how to wake surf so I’m enjoying that right now. In the winter, I love to snowboard. I also love to play baseball and softball.

J4F: For the people out there inspiring to do what you are doing with Kaduku Clothing, what words of advice or tips can you give them?

TM: Work hard and BELIEVE in yourself.  Getting KADUKU Clothing where it is now was not an easy task.   I sacrificed a lot of my time with family and friends.  Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you and your dreams.  Don’t lose site of what you want and only allow yourself to determine whether you have succeeded or failed.  Don’t let other’s negativity get in the way of your dreams.

J4F: Chelu if people want to know more about Kaduku Clothing or want to get information about upcoming events, how can they reach you or get this information?

TM: www.kadukuclothing.com and www.facebook.com/kadukuclothing. 

J4F: do you have any shout outs or final words of advice to give the people out there in the cyber community?

TM: “Respect the Island. Understand the Culture. Represent the People”

Major shout out to Tony doing his thing and sharing our island culture to the world. Please show your support and visit their website. J4F also wants to give a big thank you to Kaduku Clothing store manager Joe Cruz who continues to support the Just4Fun movement!! For more information or to contact Tony or Joe here is their contact information.

 Joe Cruz                                                            Tony Manibusan
Store Manager/Booking Events                     Founder/CEO
Store: (206)687-7320                                     KADUKU Clothing
Cell: (253)397-7424                                         425.422.7115
joe.cruz@kadukuclothing.com                       tony.manibusan@kadukuclothing.com

Esta Shoot,

"Tyrtl"