Change can happen anytime, and for Shelina Ignacio, that crucial moment happened last year while at one of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii’s houses on Oahu.
Ignacio was there because of her second daughter, Ella Rae, who was born three months early on Nov. 12, 2013, and weighed 1 pound, 6 ounces. Ignacio had preeclampsia, a serious condition involving high blood pressure and other abnormalities during pregnancy. While her daughter, “a micro-preemie,” spent several days in a hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, Ignacio spent a lot of time thinking about her little ones and life in general.
“Over and over again, I kept thinking about not taking life for granted and how I just wanted to have a better life for my whole family,” she said. “My kids are my inspiration, my push and what drives me, even when they drive me crazy.”
Ignacio, a 2006 Honokaa High School alumna, worked at a boutique in Honokaa, and while she enjoyed her co-workers and customers, it wasn’t her passion. She loves cooking, which has been her creative outlet, therapy, and the stuff of family bonding. For years, Ignacio talked about opening a restaurant, but she had no experience in that industry. She was scared to leave a good job, but her boyfriend Kalei Serrao and friends Julie Hanano and Jaydene Kanekoa encouraged her to take the leap last summer.
In mid-July, Ignacio was walking down Honokaa’s Mamane Street and noticed a coffee shop for sale. She was drawn to the business and considered it “a positive manifestation” of her calling. Hanano told Ignacio to look into the situation more, reminding her that everything happens for a reason. Serrao, a roofer, was also supportive, telling her not to just do it for their family, but also for herself. “It’s like that saying, “If you want to be happy, do what you love,’” Ignacio said.
Soon came a meeting with the owners, a purchase agreement, getting the keys, 4 a.m. Starbucks planning sessions, and renovations. With Serrao as a co-owner, Ignacio opened last month Hina Rae’s Cafe, a quaint, casual-chic eatery serving up dressed-up waffles, creative acai concoctions, and daily specials of local kine grinds, such as poke bowls, pork adobo and char siu chicken plates. Coffee, tea, smoothies and creamsicle sodas are available. There’s also a keiki menu, with items starting at $4.50. The sweet and savory breakfast and lunch offerings are all under $10.
The cafe’s name is a tribute her daughters, Ella Rae and Mahina, and Ignacio hopes the business serves as a reminder to them to bravely pursue their dreams. She feels fortunate to have healthy and happy children, as well as a place their families can be a part of.
Serrao’s son, Kaeden has an acai bowl named after him. Kaeden, 11, practices jiu jitsu and proudly talks about the cafe with his team, often recommending they try his acai bowl. Ignacio said Kaeden’s Fav — acai topped with granola, chia blend, almonds, hemp seed, seasonal fruit and drizzle of honey — has become everyone’s favorite. Another popular item is the Waffle B.L.T., two medium-sized squared waffles sandwiching bacon, lettuce, tomato and coated with spicy or pesto mayo.
Ignacio admitted her menu is “eclectic,” but she said it’s filled with homemade standouts. The recipes are either from family members, including her mom, who often helps in the kitchen, or from Ignacio’s own experimentation. For Ignacio, her passion for waffles came from a search for the best batter. As much as Ignacio can, she uses local products, many of which she finds at local farmers markets or the nearby Malama Market. Among her favorites are Honomu Jams coconut butter, Mamane Bakery bread, and strawberries from the Rincon farm in Waimea.
Prior to opening the cafe, Ignacio knew it was going to be hard and the experience has been even more difficult than she’d imagined. “It’s a 24/7 thing, one that requires a huge commitment. It’s like another relationship,” she added.
Still Ignacio has found the endeavor worthwhile, saying she’s learned more about who she is and what she’s capable of. She described the overall response from the public as “incredible” and “unreal.”
Ignacio said she is grateful for the love, support and encouragement she has received from family, friends, neighbors, and customers. She mentioned how several employees from neighboring businesses have enthusiastically embraced the cafe, calling it a welcomed addition and helping spread the word about the daily lunch specials, which are also announced on Hina Rae’s Cafe Facebook page. Ignacio spoke about how she’s quick to send customers to nearby businesses because “community is what Honokaa is all about.”
Hina Rae’s Cafe is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. For more information call 756-0425 or email shelinaignacio@gmail.com