It was Keola Rapozo’s first day at Windward Community College. Pursuing a career in fashion, he had decided to take a course on technical design. As he looked around his classroom, he realized he was the only male in the class.

“I cared about what people said at the time, but I’m glad that I didn’t care enough to stop,” says Keola.

Growing up in Kahaluʻu, the Castle grad always marched to the beat of his own drum. While his friends headed to the beach, Keola focused on fashion. He enrolled in fashion courses at W.C.C. all while working three jobs (he was a valet in Waikiki, intern at Tori Richards, and an employee at the local Chevron gas station). It was his time at Tori Richards where Keola sharpened his skills and developed a hard work ethic that would define his career. In 2004, just ten years after his high school graduation, Keola co-founded world-renowned brand and clothing line, FITTED Hawaii.

Q + A with Keola Rapozo

+ If you could go back, what would you tell your teenage self?

I would say "set more goals." Don’t be afraid of putting yourself out there, so you can achieve your goals. And 100%, experience as much as you can. The more wholesome experiences you have, the more you become an expert. Whether you play a sport or you’re in the band – experiences are character-building.

+ What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?

From Tori Richard founder, Mortimer Feldman: Don’t be afraid of hard work.

From my 11th grade Economics teacher: Delayed gratification.

(Delayed gratification refers to the ability to put off something mildly fun or pleasurable now, in order to gain something that is more fun, pleasurable, or rewarding later. For example, you could watch TV the night before an exam, or you could practice delayed gratification and study for the exam.)

Similar Kamaʻāina