August 5th, 2008
By Cat

I've been thinking this blog needs something new, something different.

(And no, I'm not converting it to an all-FUUD blog! Yet!)

So I decided to add, every now and then, a Q&A with someone and call it "CatChat." (How could I resist?)

Here's the catch: All these interviews will be done over Skype, a service that allows people to chat, make phone calls and video-conference other members over the Internet for free. IM conversations are so different than those over the phone or in person. So I'm going to take advantage of the technology — and my new Mac — for these interviews.

My first chatter is Tanna Dang (right), co-owner of The Wedding Cafe, located at both Manoa Marketplace and Ward Warehouse.

She's spearheading a FUN-draiser for eco-conscious nonprofit Kanu Hawaii called "Green is the New Black" on Aug. 12 at the Waterfront at Aloha Tower Marketplace. Cost is $25 pre-sale, $30 at the door. Admission includes pupus, drink specials, live and silent auctions, a fashion show and swag bags filled with goodies from local boutiques. (There's even a cupcake station by Hokulani Bakeshop and a quesadilla bar courtesy of Compadres Bar & Grill.)

So let's get to know this do-gooder a little more...

CAT: How long have you been running The Wedding Cafe now...?

TANNA: Four years, since 2004.

CAT: With your husband, right? That must be interesting!

TANNA: Yup, my hubby Bryson and I run the show.

CAT: So what's that like? I mean, most couples can barely cook together let alone run a business together!

TANNA: He's pretty amazing... he's easy going and laid back so working together is really fun and enjoyable! OK, that was the corny answer...

CAT: What's the not-so-corny answer, then?

TANNA: It was pretty tricky working together at first since we just got married and then took over the business. We learned our roles pretty quickly though so we don't step on each others toes. He's a whiz in the kitchen, I'm a self-proclaimed know-it-all of weddings. Ha ha! Don't write that, I'm kidding! I love weddings, he loves food. So we made a decision to be our own bosses in different areas of the cafe so we don't overstep each other.

CAT: So you don't mind seeing him every day? That would drive some wives nuts...!

TANNA: He's extremely easy to work with. He loves talking to people. Brides think he's great! Seniors who dine at the cafe think he's great! Grooms think he's great ... We actually don't "work" together everyday since he's at one of the cafes and I'm normally at meetings around town or working from home on the computer.

CAT: So what do you think works about your marriage?

TANNA: We understand each others roles, period. Respect and communication is key.

CAT: Since you two run a wedding-related business, you must see a lot of couples. Can you tell, just by meeting them or talking to them, if it's going to work?

TANNA: Sometimes.... We're not fortune-tellers, but we work with so many couples that we get certain vibes from couples.

CAT: Any examples...?

TANNA: When couples come to the workshops, we love seeing them come together! The groom is holding the wedding binder, asking questions, rubbing her back and she looks sooooo excited. Those couples are winners! Other times, not AS often, we see couples looking so pissed, frustrated and annoyed with one another. I try to tell jokes but it sometimes, but it's a tough crowd.

CAT: Ha! I can imagine! Ever worry your business will hurt because of rising divorce rates?

TANNA: Nah! There's so much love in this world... with tragedy, hardship and economic downturns, there is MORE love. Weddings rock! People never cease to amaze me...

CAT: Speaking of love in this world, you seem to be on a mission to be nice to our planet.

TANNA: We are! we created an organization of smart, savvy, eco-friendly women called Divas Doing Good.

CAT: Where did you get this idea?

TANNA: Looking around at what's going on in today's world. So much pain and lack of education. My staff at (The Wedding Cafe) is very young. Listening to them talk and wanting to help nurture and empower them to be the very BEST they can be.

CAT: Anything in particular that you want to do?

TANNA: I'll be the first to admit that I always want to help, donate, support... but often don't know how. I would love to sit on more boards, but am afraid of not getting taken seriously since I'm young. I don't want my girls to feel that same way. I want them to be bold.

CAT: So what do you hope happens with Divas Doing Good?

TANNA: My greatest hope is that young women (or women in general) will be empowered by each other! We'll learn how to make this world a better place by making personal changes and supporting one another to do good. I would love to live in a place where women can chat over a lychee iced tea and set goals togetherr. For instance, I'd say, "I'm going to carpool at least once a week" and share my commitment with a friend who will share with her friend, and so on. Basically, sharing the knowledge we all possess.

CAT: So... the million-dollar question... what do YOU do to save our planet?

TANNA: Ha! I always carry a resuable tote when I go shopping so I say no thanks to plastic bags. I don't buy bottled water anymore; instead, I carry my super cute Divas Doing Good water bottle (it's seriously soooo cute!), I carpool at least 3 times a week, I walk a LOT more than I used to, I reuse as much paper as I can when printing, and we've switched over almost completely to online billing so we save on paper mail. But above all, I share my commitments with people on a daily basis. Not to PREACH, but to spread the good words.

CAT: Could you get Bryson to use one of those reusable totes?

TANNA: He has a more manly tote he uses when he goes to the farmers market. It's plain-colored and not as CUTE. He also likes to reuse those brown kraft handle bags and throws everything in it like it's a purse!

CAT: Hmm. A purse. I bet he wouldn't want that in print!

TANNA: Yeah, guess not. OK, maybe "backpack" instead.

***

To learn more about Kanu Hawaii or to pitch in your support, visit www.kanuhawaii.org.

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