As the news of the economic downturn rains doom and gloom on most residents, some small business owners on Kaua‘i are finding ways to make ends meet.

A handful of these retail outlets, niche stores and restaurants agreed to share some of their keys to remaining vital in the community as unemployment rises and a stimulus package looms on the horizon.

Sweet Maries Hawaii, located in the historic Awa Puhi building in Kapa‘a, specializes in gluten-free desserts. Owner Marie Cassel has been in business there for two years and said the failing national economy has left her business untouched.

“Some people say I have a niche market by the fact that I cater to those who require a gluten-free diet,” she said. “So, these people seek out my business because to them, it’s a matter of life and death.”

Asked if the slow economy might affect her business in the next six months, Cassel replied that she didn’t think so. In fact, she just received a cake order from the Mainland and another call from Canada. She has been building up her clientele for two years and now enjoys repeat business daily.

The Kaua‘i Water Ski and Surf Company, located in the Kinipopo Shopping Village, has been open since 1978 and has survived two hurricanes. The aftermath of a hurricane brings with it no electricity, no telephone service and no tourism and the company has twice survived this worst of all business nightmares.

Manager Pulama said the recent slowing economy has affected business in a big way because her shop depends a great deal on tourism and people simply aren’t traveling to Kaua‘i as often.

Pulama said the next six months will depend a great deal on how many tourists choose Kaua‘i as their vacation destination.

Though the surf shop relies a great deal on rentals, it also sells new surf boards, clothing and accessories to the locals. This is one way Pulama said it manages to stay afloat during hard times.

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(Source: The Garden Island)