What are you reading?

A book called "Threads," about Joseph Abboud, who's been one of the top men's designers for many years. ... I just finished that book and another one here locally that's called "From a Joyful Heart" that's about Alex Anderson, the songwriter. He's the guy that composed all the songs like "Lovely Hula Hands" and "I Will Remember You" — songs I used to dance as a young hula dancer in Waikiki. ... The third book I'm just beginning to read is "The House of Gucci." ... It goes through the whole Italian family and their downfall, and picking up and getting back on top again. It's a fascinating book. Most of the time I don't have too much time to read books because I subscribe to Women's Wear Daily, but most of my reading has something to do with fashion because that's where I'm at right now.

What do you most like about them?

"From a Joyful Heart" just brings me back to the songs I used to dance, but obviously with the others, the connection is fashion. Both of these fashion books have to do with when I was working in New York with many people that Abboud mentions. ... I connect with both books with the fashion and the delicate, good work they do ... and the accessories that go with their clothes. ... There are a lot of business things in these books I'm learning and fascinated with.

Have they sparked any ideas about extending your own line?

That's what I'm trying to do. I'm trying to do our paper goods and mugs and other stuff like that. ... It's also encouraged me to know that when we have a problem here in my company, that it's not the end. We have to pick ourselves up and go on and think positively and focus. And not only that, I've found that you can't let anybody dissuade or discourage you from what you're doing. ... Our strength is our designs, which are cultural, and that's what keeps us going.