HILO — If there’s a secret to tying the perfect bow, it’s patience. ADVERTISING HILO — If there’s a secret to tying the perfect bow, it’s patience. At least that’s according to Leah Kekauoha-Masoe, an employee in the “celebrations” department
HILO — If there’s a secret to tying the perfect bow, it’s patience.
At least that’s according to Leah Kekauoha-Masoe, an employee in the “celebrations” department at Big Island Candies. And she would know. Over the last two years, the 20-year-old Masoe estimates she’s tied at least 10,000 of them.
“It’s definitely patience,” Masoe said during an interview last week, describing her bow-crafting techniques during a break from her afternoon shift. “You need a lot of patience and a lot of practice — practice makes perfect. I practice a lot at home.”
Come the holidays, Masoe’s bow-tying and gift-packing efforts go into overdrive as Big Island Candies braces for its busiest season of the year.
The Hilo-based confection company’s sweet-smelling retail store is seemingly constantly buzzing with visitors. And a swell in holiday orders means it’s often “all hands on deck,” Sherrie Holi, company chief operating officer said, as even administrative employees can be seen behind the viewing window dipping cookies or upstairs packing boxes.
To mitigate that increase, Big Island Candies employed about 150 temporary workers this season to help.
Retailers around the country are predicted to hire up to 690,000 additional holiday workers this year, according to the National Retail Federation.
It’s difficult to gauge exactly how many of those workers take jobs locally. But last year, Hawaii County retail trade and transportation/warehouse companies reportedly employed more than 12,000 workers collectively in December, up more than 300 from two months prior, according to information generated by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Workforce Development Division. In 2014, that increase was just over 400.
Target, Famous Footwear and Macy’s are among local retailers typically soliciting seasonal hires.
Big Island Candies’ temporary workers span all walks of life, Holi said. Workers begin seasonal shifts at varying times during the year, depending on their department. Some temporary employees also return at other busy times during the year, such as Valentine’s Day.
The company employs seasonal workers in its factory, sanitation department, celebrations department, retail store and mail order center, Holi said.
“It puts us in the Christmas mood,” said Jacqueline Liverett, 62, a seasonal mail order employee. “And it’s such a pleasure. It makes me happy knowing (the customers) are happy.”
“We totally appreciate their efforts and dedication,” Holi added. “It’s nice for us, and it’s reassuring for us to bring them back each year. Without them it would be really difficult. We really wouldn’t be able to do as much as we do.”
For Masoe, she said she most enjoys working behind-the-scenes at a place that blasts Christmas music all day long and is draped from head-to-toe in seasonal decor. Masoe often ties bows alongside her mother, Beatrice Masoe, 59, whose worked seasonally at Big Island Candies for about 10 years.
The two say seasonal jobs are a good way to make extra money for the holidays. Beatrice Masoe said she’s become close to other Big Island Candies employees and equates returning to the job each year to “being home.”
“Every year, when I come back, they call me ‘Auntie.’” Beatrice Masoe said. “So you really know you’re part of a family.”
Email Kirsten Johnson at kjohnson@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
