Est. 2018
Behind the Scenes of oak + pine
Oak + Pine is committed to sharing the honest truth about bootstrapping a business in Hawaii. Will you follow our journey as we take Oak + Pine from a simple idea of creating a supportive community of female entrepreneurs to a luxury coworking space?
Hey, lady!
I’m Michelle Carmack, the founder of Oak + Pine. In 2018, I decided to share my journey with those on the same adventure — designing life on our own terms — by documenting my adventure through Instagram and my blog.
There’s so much freedom when you bootstrap your business. You discover new parts of your identity and transform into the woman you were meant to become.
Our vision is to empower women through entrepreneurship.
Since making the leap, I’ve experienced heartache, disappointment, joy, friendships. And I’m committed to sharing my journey through all of the peaks and valleys of entrepreneurship with you.
Will you join me on this thrilling adventure?
Michelle Carmack
Meet The Oak + Pine team
"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."
-Helen Keller
Taylor Ceraolo,
Operations Coordinator
With an MBA in International Business and a career spanning iconic brands like ReminderMedia, The Walt Disney Company, and Elum Designs, Inc., Taylor has built her expertise at the intersection of sales, business development, and exceptional customer experience and service.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Taylor's journey has taken her from Florida to California, and most recently to Hawaiʻi. Today, she channels her diverse background and deep network to support the Oak + Pine Society, where she leads the membership and curates meaningful events.
Taylor played a key role in the Waimea Valley Business Incubator's final year, guiding early-stage founders as they launched and scaled their businesses. Her passion for entrepreneurship runs deep. She believes everyone, especially women, should have the opportunity to build the life they dream of.
When she’s not bringing people together through Oak + Pine, you’ll find Taylor writing heartfelt reflections in her Substack, Sending You Love.
Shanté Hookano,
Operations Assistant
Growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii, the ocean and the stage were my first teachers. Surfing taught me resilience, while Tahitian dance instilled a deep appreciation for culture and storytelling. These experiences, alongside a natural talent for administration, have guided my journey. For over 15 years, I honed my skills in organization and system management, from my first job as a dental receptionist to my later role as a medical office manager, where I successfully transitioned an entire team from paper to electronic records.
This ability to bring order to chaos became invaluable when I became a mother and decided to start my own business. Now, as the founder of Intentional Teachings, I blend administrative expertise with a deep connection to my Hawaiian roots. My business is built on a simple premise: teaching with intention. I empower my clients by sharing the beautiful traditions of Tahitian dance and lei making while also providing them with practical tools for digital lifestyle organization.
My work with Oak + Pine reflects my commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and helping others achieve clarity and purpose.
You have a choice.
Michelle launched Oak + Pine with the desire to build a meaningful life. As she transitioned out of her corporate identity, she experienced a frightening transition. “Who am I if I’m not an employee? What do I want in life?” To inspire others to chase after their own dreams, Michelle decided to document her entrepreneurial journey.
My dad would pick fruit and sell it to a nearby market at age 10. His life living in the Philippines was so different, it gives me an undeniable sense of gratitude as a first-generation American. But he isn't the reason my family resides in Hawaii instead of PI. Because of two strong women, my grandma and mom, I have a life full of opportunities.