Carryssa Krzyska

Carryssa Krzyska, co-founder of Holoholo Tree Service LLC, started her tree trimming business in 2020 amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with job loss and financial difficulties, Carryssa and her husband took a leap of faith, combining his decade of experience in the tree trimming industry with her determination to manage the business side. They began with minimal resources—a pickup truck and a chainsaw—and a strong resolve to create a sustainable business for their growing family. 

Despite early struggles, including filing for bankruptcy, Holoholo Tree Service has grown significantly since its inception. Today, they employ one full-time staff member and use subcontractors for larger jobs. The company provides a wide range of tree trimming services, from trimming coconut and Areca palms to removing large monkey pod and mango trees. Their client base, which initially focused on residential homeowners, has expanded to include commercial properties, securing contracts with notable locations like Waikele Center and Kapolei Business Park. This expansion has allowed them to serve clients island-wide, extending their reach beyond their local Waianae community. 

Before becoming a client of YWCA Oʻahu, Carryssa faced challenges in managing the financial side of her rapidly growing business. She struggled to understand financial statements, properly categorize expenses, and manage cash flow, which created confusion and inefficiencies. As the business expanded, these financial challenges hindered further growth, particularly in hiring and retaining employees and fully capitalizing on new commercial opportunities. 

Through YWCA Oʻahu’s YWahine in Business Accelerator, Carryssa received the financial management training and one-on-one coaching she needed to turn things around. Working closely with financial experts, she learned how to better use QuickBooks, accurately categorize expenses, and maintain proper cash flow, which helped her take control of her business’s finances. Additionally, the program provided strategic guidance on scaling the business, which directly contributed to securing larger commercial contracts that have boosted revenue and allowed Holoholo Tree Service to grow its team and operations. 

Reflecting on her experience, Carryssa says, “Mariko really made me realize that I need to pay attention to my numbers and where everything is being placed. Before the Accelerator program, I didn’t know much about my financials, but now I’m more aware and educated about my books. It’s things like this that have made a big difference for my business. I also really want to highlight Val [Senior Manager] and Marla [Director of MBDA Capital Readiness Program] because they’ve been so helpful in providing resources and support. I know there’s still so much more they can help me with as I continue to grow my business.” 

Carryssa’s journey with Holoholo Tree Service is a testament to her resilience and determination as a business owner. Beyond financial growth, she’s committed to continuous learning and is currently pursuing a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to enhance the capabilities of her business. Her vision for Holoholo Tree Service includes creating a sustainable operation that allows for more family time and better work-life balance. Carryssa’s proactive approach to learning and growing her business makes her an inspiring example for other entrepreneurs.