Stylish shoes available at Island Diva

KAPA‘A — She’s following in her grandfather’s footsteps.

Lisa Matsuda has big shoes to fill so to speak.

Lisa’s grandfather Wallace S. Matsuda owned the Hale Kalani Motel for 45 years as well Matsuda’s Jewelry for 47 years.

On Nov. 15, Lisa gets her first chance to test her business skills when Island Diva opens to the public.

Island Diva is a fashion shoe shop in Kapa‘a that caters towards females ages 10-40.

“The biggest thing that I learned from him (Wallace) was how to listen to customers,” Lisa said. “That, to me, is the most important thing in business. You have to be able to respond to the needs of the customers.”

She added, “I want to supply you with a dynamic array of styles to enhance and diversify your wardrobe from your dress up, to dress fashion diva.

“If you have a diva personality or just love, and I mean ‘Love Shoes’, Island Diva is your forte.”

Island Diva brings trendy styles that are “on the forefront” of teen into funky fashion. Island Diva carries over 70 different styles in store.

“There will be shoes for everyone,” said Lisa who is a Kaua‘i High graduate.

Lisa, 22, will offer the “Demonia” brand known for it’s fresh styling designs influenced by the current trends in the cyber, 50’s retro, funk/rock and extreme club wear.

For Lisa, the idea behind Island Diva came about after many trips to O‘ahu.

“I just have a love for shoes,” she said. “I found myself flying to Honolulu to shop for them. It got kind of expensive going back and forth. So, I decided to bring the great selection over there to Kaua‘i.”

On Nov. 15, Lisa will hold a grand-opening special that includes prizes, giveaways and the 98.9 FM radio station providing music.

Island Diva is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, call Lisa Matsuda at 822-0007.