
Hawaii for Entrepreneurs
A beautiful place that’s the opposite of Productivity Paradise
Let me start off by saying I’m not complaining, and I’m definitely appreciative of my experience and ability to travel. Also, the fact that I’m not the typical beach/all-day-tanning guy — I blend into the white sand:

This tropical trip had been booked months before and so, in typical startup/ entrepreneurship fashion, we came into an extremely busy period in the few weeks leading up to the trip.
Before leaving Canada, I looked into co-working spaces and entrepreneurial hubs. During my Google and social media searches, I came across articles saying promising things like the goal of Hawaii’s millennial entrepreneurs is to:
“Build a startup community that nurtures collaboration and innovation, helps Hawaii and truly changes the world. Something that can truly be called Startup Paradise.”
Well, it was not startup paradise for this entrepreneur. Important note: The original intention and main purpose of this trip to Hawaii was to attend my cousin’s wedding (which was great!) and not specifically for “business” or #startuplife. I’m not complaining, just stating my experience.
In fact, I didn’t meet any entrepreneurs (other than the fruit stand owners, and an elderly couple who sell burritos once a week at a small local market).

I was staying on the North Shore, by a simple non-touristy beach, and a single store: a great bakery with lineups at all times. Although I visited Honolulu and the “downtown”, the only business I was exposed to was major high-end retailers that you’d see in Vegas, LA, New York City, or even Toronto.
I did find one great cafe, with air conditioning, reliable WiFi, accessible power outlets and some quiet. (Perfect for FaceTime-ing the office, as seen in the #NowVlogs episode!).
Nobody I spoke to was about the #hustle, or cared to ask about my business (unlike the incredibly curiosity and conversations I’ve had on most other trips, including Vancouver and Victoria, BC where I came straight from).
During the trip, we had 3 events taking place at the studio in Toronto, which the team handled amazingly. We also had a couple of crises and major new client calls and quotes — and on limited wifi and workspace, it all got done!
As a result, the Now Creative Group vlog was lacking some footage — but that didn’t mean
While there wasn’t many “business” shots during the trip, a lot got done. This is what made it into the express #NowVlogs episode:
No, I’m not complaining about an amazing vacation destination — just that this time, the trip wasn’t for me, or about my business needs.
I took a bit of time to read more of the book by my fellow entrepreneurial friend and co-host Daniel Lewis (@TbyDaniel), about his journey to entrepreneurship. One lesson from this portion of the book “How?” is that:
There will always be haters, no matter what you do.
So travel and vacation when and where you like, spending your time however you like — some of which includes working, especially as an entrepreneur — that’s who you are and what you love to do!


We’re vlogging the journey of life at a growing creative agency.
Mostly from Toronto, but sometimes Vancouver, Ottawa, Brampton, New York City, and wherever else Now takes us. Feel free to subscribe to our channel at YouTube.com/NowCreativeGroup!
