Boost Grant – The Prickly Pineapple

Joelle Tafoya was born and raised on Kauai. Joelle’s family worked on a cattle ranch and she grew up with a love for cattle and horses.  “Hawaii’s lifestyle was always very western. I love hearing stories about the old plantation days in Hawaii when there were hardly any cars on the road and they used horses and carriages,” she said.

Joelle moved to Arizona and got involved in the western fashion industry and was known as “The Aloha Cowgirl”.  She was asked to be a brand influencer for a number of boutiques and western clothing brands and was invited to walk in a few fashion shows, including The All American rodeo held in Texas.

After moving back to Kauai two years ago, Joelle kept her love for western fashion alive and opened a western fashion boutique online, known as The Prickly Pineapple. You can find Prickly Pineapple online at https://thepricklypineapplehawaii.com/.

Her business grew to include local fashion shows and eventually a retail store front.  She hosted Hawaii’s first western fashion show at the Koloa Plantation Days in 2019. Her fashion shows have been growing and spreading across the Hawaiian Islands. Joelle’s last western fashion show was held at the Waimea Town Celebration in February 2020.  She invited local Kauai girls and off island western fashion influencers to be walk in the fashion show. Joelle also expanded Prickly Pineapple to a new retail location at Wranglers Saddleroom in Waimea. 

Like many local owners, Joelle has faced challenges due to COVID-19, but she is committed to growing her business.  She recently applied for and received the Small Business Boost Grant and shared that “the grant has been everything for me.” 

Her online shop was also recognized by The Boutique Hub for “Boutique of the Year for Hawaii.” “Winning this award for the first time is definitely a dream a come true, especially through this pandemic. I’m excited about our new store front location and blessed that owners of Wranglers Saddleroom Coleen & Marissa Faye loves my western fashion clothing and gave me this exciting new opportunity to continue this passion of mine “said Joelle.

We are proud of our local small business owners like Joelle who are resilient and finding ways to move forward despite the challenges of COVID-19.