Mahina Akimoto Reppun

Mahina Akimoto Reppun, co-owner of Morning Glass Coffee, has been integral to the business’s success since joining the team as a manager. Originally founded in 2011 by Eric Rose, Morning Glass Coffee set out with the mission of serving great food and coffee while creating a welcoming environment rooted in strong employee care. Mahina quickly became Eric’s right-hand person, learning how to run the business and handle day-to-day operations. In 2019, she and her business partner, Lani Ng, took over ownership, with Eric staying on in a consulting and creative role. Their transition happened just before the COVID-19 pandemic, adding unexpected challenges, but Mahina and Lani have remained optimistic, navigating those challenges with resilience and care. 

Morning Glass Coffee, located in Manoa Valley, has grown to 17 employees and stands out for its commitment to treating employees well. They prioritize full benefits for all team members and believe in never reducing hours to avoid paying benefits. This has resulted in a loyal team, with some employees staying for over a decade. Mahina and her team ensure that customers enjoy high-quality offerings, sourcing the best products to provide value in every purchase. The café has become a community cornerstone, where regulars are treated like family, and everyone feels welcome. 

Before becoming a client of YWCA Oʻahu, Mahina often found herself overwhelmed by the day-to-day demands of running the café. Working five to six days a week left her little time to focus on finances or long-term strategic planning. The burden of keeping track of finances and thinking beyond the immediate needs of the business often took a back seat. 

At the suggestion of YWCA Oʻahu’s Senior Manager, Valerie Kubota, Mahina enrolled in the YWomen in Business Accelerator. The course, designed for established women-owned businesses in Hawaii, includes modules on financial statement analysis, business planning, and money mindset. Mahina also worked one-on-one with instructor and financial expert Mariko Gordon, who helped her refocus on strategic financial management and long-term planning for the café. 

Reflecting on her experience, Mahina shared, “When Val contacted me about this program [the Financial Accelerator], it was almost divine timing. Everything worked out perfectly. I really needed Mariko and that class at that moment. It’s hard to know where to take the business once you’re established. The program has helped equip me with the tools to make those decisions and figure out what they look like. Before, it was easy to put your head in the sand and just get through the day without thinking about the five-year or ten-year plan. Those things are important, and we’re at that crossroads where those questions need to be examined and answered. Working with Mariko, specifically, has helped me look at the big financial picture head-on. Before, I wouldn’t necessarily do that. Having the confidence and tools to do that has been a huge help in mapping out our future. In terms of working with the YWCA, the network and knowing there’s a group of women on our side actively supporting us has been huge. It’s easy to feel isolated when running a small business but knowing there’s a community has been incredibly helpful.” 

Beyond her role as co-owner, Mahina participated in the James Beard Foundation’s Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (WEL) Program in 2023. This prestigious 10-week course, in partnership with Cornell University, helps women owners of food and beverage businesses enhance leadership and financial skills. Morning Glass Coffee has also gained recognition, being listed on Eater’s “The 38 Essential Honolulu Restaurants” in May 2024 and winning the Best Sprinkle Cookie award in Honolulu Magazine’s “Best of HONOLULU 2024: Food and Drinks on O‘ahu.” 

Mahina’s business partner, Lani Ng, also took part in the WE by Rising Tide program, sponsored by Central Pacific Bank Foundation, where she further developed financial management and marketing strategies. Together, Mahina and Lani are committed to ensuring Morning Glass Coffee continues to thrive, with a focus on sustainable growth and community impact.