Two Frogs Celebrate 17 Years

Outrigger canoes adorn a monkey pod table. Amanda C. Gregg photo

How did you get started in this business and how long has it been going?

We started Two Frogs Hugging in November 1997. Our first location was in a cute two-story building in Kapa’a, next to the river by Aloha Lumber. Almost an overnight success, we quickly outgrew that location and moved to Lihu’e on Kuhio Highway in 2000. We started there with 7,000 square feet and grew to 18,000 square feet in 10 years. In December 2011, in response to the economic situation, we realized the need to reduce our size and to re-invent our store to include a “Bungalow with a Shabby-Eco twist” furniture line. We moved to our current location in the Lihue Industrial Park 2. To promote the new concept, we introduced Two Frogs on the Beach. We are super excited to celebrate our 16th anniversary in November with a store-wide anniversary sale.

Where are you from originally, and what role does that play in your business (if any)?

Shanda was born in O’ahu and I was born in Europe in the Netherlands. Our daughter Mahealani was born on Maui. We worked extensively in the Hawaii service industry and because of that experience we insist on excellent customer service in our store. We travel extensively in the Pacific Rim countries and have established many friendships and good business contacts there. We work hard to select some of the best furniture and home accessories that are available and directly import these without a middleman for the people of Kaua’i.

What is your specialty, and who can benefit from it?

Our furniture is made from various hardwood species and it is either sustainable or restored, reclaimed or recycled. We specialize in Indonesian Sustainable Plantation Teak, Mahogany and Monkey Pod Furniture. Our most interesting line is colorful furniture made from recycled Indonesian fishing boats. Furthermore, Two Frogs Hugging features furniture made from organic materials like water hyacinth, sea grass and rattans to complement island-style living. In addition, we have the island’s most celebrated line of restored Chinese antiques. We hand select each piece of carefully restored country furniture, refinished with the original exciting colors and new hardware. These extraordinary items become conversation pieces and light up any home with class and style. Finally, in appreciation of our magnificent surroundings, we have commissioned famous local artists, such as Michael Tapp and Robert Mazzarella, to paint favorite local landmarks on selected pieces. These buffets, console tables, dressers and nightstands are made from elm wood and are hand painted to reflect the beauty of Kaua’i, through inspired land- and oceanscapes.

For those who may not understand what you do, in lay terms, why is it essential?

We all need furniture in our homes. Two Frogs Hugging provides an alternative to the press-wood/plywood pieces of many of our competitors. Real hardwood furniture lasts many lifetimes and never goes out of style. It will not expand in our high moisture climate and it will serve its function well. Its value is never dated. Furniture from Two Frogs Hugging is widely recognized as being of high quality, great value and timeless beauty.

What sets your business apart?

Our furniture is either sustainable or restored, reclaimed or recycled. It complements the island lifestyle and climate, bringing a warm, Polynesian flair to every home. We hand-select our furniture in the Pacific Rim countries without a middleman and we pass those savings on to our clients. We offer affordability, uniqueness and high quality furniture at great prices. This is not easy to do. Most furniture stores buy through middlemen from catalogs. We don’t. We hand select and direct import to give our clients the best quality at the lowest possible price. Our latest move to the Lihu’e Industrial Park Phase II is in support of that philosophy.

What motivates you to get up and go to work every day?

Our motivation to go to work every day is being able to provide for our family and to enjoy the tremendous blessings of living on this beautiful island. We also have a lot of fun bringing these beautiful pieces of special furniture and exciting home accessories to Kaua’i. Its reward comes in many ways, not in the least to experience the satisfaction of our many faithful clients over the last 15 years. We look forward to serving the people of Kaua’i for many years to come with fabulous island-style furniture from far away lands.

Do you have a business motto or philosophy for doing business?

Our service and quality of product is our top priority. Our clients always come first, we would not have it any other way. We have a wonderful, faithful local following on Kaua’i, and our clients have appreciated our progression over the last 15 years. People notice our difference, and even visitors come year after year to enjoy our unique products and service. We are a family-run business and are proud to work with talented and caring people on our staff. They all are dedicated and committed to exceed our clients expectations.

What is the most challenging aspect of your business?

The main challenge in the furniture business is the ever-increasing cost of goods and shipping. We drastically downsized our business in 2012 to be able to maintain the lowest possible pricing levels despite the rising costs of doing business.

What is your business’s plan for the future?

Keep doing what we do best: Service the people of Kaua’i with real furniture that lasts many lifetimes at affordable prices with great service for all. We are convinced that lasting satisfaction in doing business comes from maintaining a high level of integrity, both in quality of product and service.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?

Re-opening Hanalei Mixed Plate or Coconuts Island Style Grill and Bar? Nah … only joking.

Where can people learn more?

https://www.twofrogshugging.com/ or calling the store at (808) 246-8777.

We are located at 3094 Aukele St., Lihu’e, Kauai, HI., 96766-1464.