LOCAL: Brands, Businesses + Entrepreneurs | #18 | Treasures 4 Humanity
Kitsap is full of incredible brands, businesses and entrepreneurs who make shopping for unique items in Kitsap a fun adventure.
About Diane
What was your first job?
“My very first real job was working as a ‘Student Intern’ for Zoran Corp, in Santa Clara while finishing up college. I was a floater between the front desk, and mail room, stuffing media packets and running errands for the Executive Assistant. That was my first taste of the corporate world and I was mesmerized by it. I took it all in.”
Where do you draw inspiration/creativity in your life?
“I have always loved esthetics. Anything simple and clean captures my attention. Less is more. I do a lot of brainstorming. I want to be as original as possible and not a copycat. I love the classic look, when it endures the test of time. My fashion icons are CoCo Chanel, Grace Kelly, and Princess Diana. She was my hero growing up. Watching her philanthropy around the world, I thought that was the coolest job. As a little girl, I remember telling my mom as we watched her on TV, that I wanted to do what she does. She asked, ‘You want to be a Princess?’ I said no, ‘I want to help the children’.”
About Treasures 4 Humanity
How did the idea of starting Treasures 4 Humanity begin?
“Treasures 4 Humanity took 6 years in the making. Most of those years were spent, dreaming and brainstorming. I have always wanted to give back and I have always wanted to own a little boutique.
I grew up watching my mama always so graceful and well put together. Even as a single immigrant mom, she didn’t have a lot of money and she never spent what she didn’t have. It was just the way she took care of herself, the way she carried herself. She never went to the spa or had professional facials but she was always fresh and beautiful. I wanted to give that to women. Self-care doesn’t mean you have to spend money. It’s how you care for yourself and put your foot forward that matters.
So, I brainstormed on opening an online women’s boutique where most women can afford beautiful fashion without spending tons of money.”
The Genesis
Tell us the story of how Treasures 4 Humanity came to fruition.
“It all started one day, when my (then) 11 year old daughter asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up. I said, “Well, I’ve always wanted to have a little online boutique and donate to charities” She asked, “Why don’t you?”
I told her my responsibility is being a mom and when she and her siblings are older, I’ll pursue my dream.
She told me I should do it now. She told me she could help me and her eyes got big and twinkly. I told her I wouldn’t know where to start, I gave her all my excuses for why I couldn’t follow my dreams.
A few hours later, she came down with notes and her computer. She told me she had all the information on how to start your online store.
It hit me hard. If my 11 year old daughter believed that I could do it, I needed to believe it also.
The Drive
Tell us what/who drives you to keep working hard towards your goals.
“My 2 girls, Bella and Sienna, giving back to this world, and self-pressure gives me the drive to achieving my goals. I want my daughters, women, and little girls of all ages to feel empowered. I want to set a good example for my girls about how being kind and working hard is so important. When your passion is your work, it comes easy. Every heartache, headache, win, loss, and achievement is all fun, not work. The foundations we choose to support also keep me on my toes. I feel accountable to them, I don’t want to disappoint them with a low donation amount. I’m always trying to out-give the previous donations. Even when I don’t meet my sales goals, I will always add to it from out of pocket.”
Love Kitsap
Tell us your fave local drink spot - coffee, tea, wine, tequila, whatever!
“I love Milkvue’s coffee and of course their donuts.”
Tell us your fave local spot for a comfort meal - what do you always order?
“I grew up eating Chinese food and all sorts of Asian cooking. Pho and More (Pho combo) and Thai Hut (Seafood Tom Yum Soup and eggplant stir fry) are my comfort food places, and remind me of homemade meals. I also love Gertie and the Giant Octopus, Morso, The Green House, Netshed No.9, and Brix, I just love food as a whole!”
Live Kitsap
Out of town guests are coming for the weekend. What is the most important thing you share with them about Kitsap? Where do you absolutely have to take them?
“Our Gig Harbor waterfront is always a must. The view of our quaint sleepy town is picturesque - with many fun shops and restaurants. We also love being surrounded by water, it’s so easy to jump in a boat and take our friends to downtown Poulsbo for the day or overnight. There are so many fun shops and restaurants there too!”
our connections + friendships with local brands, businesses + entrepreneurs is something that makes living in kitsap truly unique. You aren’t just supporting a business, you’re growing relationships.
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