S9 Ep27 ALISON NAGATANI: Maui Mood Swing and Mad Kimono - on moving from a California farm to Hawaii and building two vintage stores on Maui.

S9 Ep27 ALISON NAGATANI: Maui Mood Swing and Mad Kimono - on moving from a California farm to Hawaii and building two vintage stores on Maui.

Author: Emily Stochl September 8, 2025 Duration: 50:41

On today's show, we're chatting with Alison Nagatani, the founder of Maui Mood Swing and Mad Kimono.

Alison is a fourth-generation farmer turned vintage entrepreneur who made the bold move from California's Central Valley to Maui and has since reimagined her life, living new passions.

What started as sourcing vintage for a friend's store evolved into two unique vintage destinations: Maui Mood Swing, an antique mall experience with a Hawaiian twist, and Mad Kimono, a curated women's vintage boutique inspired by her personal closet spanning pieces from the 1930s to 1990s.

And I loved hearing about how Alison brings vintage full circle - literally bringing Hawaii souvenirs back home to the islands where they started.

I think you're really going to enjoy it –  let's dive right in!

DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:

  • [3:34] Growing up in Bakersfield, Alison got into vintage and thrift through dressing in punk and grunge styles in high school.
  • [7:43] Alison is a fourth-generation  Japanese-American farmer and grew up on the family farm.
  • [10:14]  While making the bold move to Maui, Alison started her own vintage businesses.
  • [13:18] Building a team and community around the vintage stores
  • [19:42] Building Maui Mood Swing, during COVID, from afar.
  • [21:04] After Maui Mood Swing, the team opened Mad Kimono, just nine months ago. 
  • [25:02] Sourcing vintage in Hawaii and bringing Hawaiian souvenirs back to the islands
  • [29:04] Alison also specializes in 'Made in Hawaii' clothing.
  • [33:13] Traveling to California and Japan to source vintage.
  • [39:38] Alison's kimonos, and other special pieces in her personal vintage collection.
  • [40:32] Her philosophy on letting go of vintage pieces

EPISODE MENTIONS: 

LET'S CONNECT: 

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Every week, Emily Stochl invites you into a conversation that goes far beyond the clothing rack. Pre-Loved Podcast with Emily Stochl is built on the idea that every second-hand garment has a past, and that exploring those histories makes our present style more meaningful. Rather than just offering shopping tips, each episode feels like sitting down with a fascinating friend who shares your passion for vintage, digging into the many layers of what it means to wear pre-owned fashion. You’ll hear from a diverse range of guests-from collectors and stylists to entrepreneurs and historians-as they explore not only personal style but also the practicalities of running a resale business, the complexities of the global second-hand market, and the environmental ethos behind choosing used over new. The heart of this podcast lives in those incredible stories: the serendipitous flea market find, the garment that carries a decade of memories, or the simple, powerful act of giving a piece a new life. Emily guides these discussions with genuine curiosity, making each topic accessible whether you're a seasoned thrifter or just curious about sustainable fashion. It’s a thoughtful, engaging look at how what we wear connects to culture, art, beauty, and the kind of mindful consumption that can reshape an industry. Tune in for a fresh perspective that celebrates the character, sustainability, and deep personal connection found in pre-loved fashion.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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