Meet Michelle Grout | Founder of XO Hanalei Jewelry

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Grout and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
I made a promise to myself to stay consistent no matter what! I was very determined to succeed no matter how hard it would be, and push forward even through tough times because owning a business is like a rollercoaster. You have days where you are on top of the world and other days where you just want to quit. The highs and lows are important because they are what have helped me grow and learn so much about owning a business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At XO Hanalei our mission is to bring our customers the best quality jewelry, using durable and sustainable materials that are always sensitive skin approved.

What sets us apart from other demi fine jewelry brands is that we exclusively use 14k gold filled and gold vermeil materials which are superior in quality and durability to plated jewelry.

I am always most excited about releasing new designs for my customers! I have a lot of repeat customers and seeing them get excited about new designs makes me so happy and makes me feel like all my hard work is worth it!

I got to where I am today by being consistent and very driven. Owning a business is never easy, but to me the good moments make it worth it. I have a favorite quote that helps me through challenges the quote is: “This too shall pass”. If I am having a tough day or week I just remember that the hard times will pass and tomorrow is a new day. I also try to stay positive no matter how hard things may get!

I love educating people about the different types of metals used in jewelry and the benefits of 14k gold filled jewelry. The reason I started my business is because I could never find jewelry that was affordable, good quality and could handle the lifestyle of living on an island (I’m from Hanalei, Hawaii). Other jewelry always ended up tarnishing, turning my skin green and irritating my ears and skin. 
When I was about 15 is when I decided to teach myself how to make my own jewelry using 14k gold filled materials. 14k gold filled is the next best thing to solid gold, but the best part is that it’s much more affordable than solid gold. 14k gold filled is also waterproof, tarnish resistant and hypoallergenic so it is the perfect material for me to create jewelry with.

Throughout the years XO Hanalei grew from my passion to my business and lead me to where I am today.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m going to give you an itinerary of my hometown of Hanalei, Kauai.

Eats:

Sushi Girl Kauai – The perfect lunch spot with the most delicious fresh sushi and poké.

Location: Kilauea, Kauai

Java Kai – The best coffee and pastries and brunch! Location: Kapaa, Kauai

Fresh Bite Kauai – Amazing locally sourced organic food perfect for lunch!

Location: Hanalei, Kauai

Holey Grail Donuts – Taro donuts and yummy coffee and chai.

Location: Hanalei, Kauai

Wishing Well Shave Ice – For the best açaí bowls and shaved ice.

Location: Hanalei, Kauai

Things to do:

-Hike the Napali Coast trail or take a boat tour for gorgeous views.

-Relax on any of the beaches in Hanalei Bay.

– Explore past Hanalei to the end of the road.

– Take a trip to the south side of the island to Shipwrecks beach or stay at The Grand Hyatt.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My instagram family! Instagram is where my business was born and the constant support from my followers turned customers has been unbelievable. I am so lucky to have such supportive followers and be able to have a successful business because of them.

Website: https://xohanalei.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xohanalei/

Image Credits
Emily Mcallister Photography