What started as a simple phrase became a successful clothing and decal shop. Kaimana Plemer, Kainoa Plemer and Chris Ballard live on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii. They are part owners of the brand HE>i. The idea for the brand was born in 2003 when Kaimana Plemer wanted to create a catchy design for his screen saver. He liked the “>” symbol, and then, he remembered John 3:30. “He must become greater and greater, and I must become lesser and lesser.” The brothers opened a smalls store in Waialua with their friend, Chris.
The small store became a hit and the company now runs two store on Oahu. The stores carry clothing, decals and many other products with the “HE>i” logo. Many larger companies have contacted “HE>i”, asking to sell the products in their own stores, but Kaimana, Kainoa and Chris have refused. They prefer to focus on their current stores and the sales they make online. In these markets, “HE>i” has had immense success. The logo can be seen across the country and across the world.
I remember walking into the store and being amazed that the company made enough profit on t-shirts and decals to run two whole stores! The brand catches the eye and leads people to ask questions. What a great conversation starter about faith and God. I found this brand and its message to be inspiring. If you have not seen it already, check it out!
It’s intriguing that they have an entire brand based off of one design. The fact that a single design can generate enough business to open multiple stores is even more impressive. It’s quite a testament to the power (and profit) that can come with products that resonate with the customers.
It’s so interesting to see how something as small as four characters can make profit. This is just more evidence that it does not take a new invention to make money. This is also an example of R-directed thinking in entrepreneurship. This is just an aesthetic product! Pretty neat to see the things we are learning in action.
This shows how simplicity is key. Having this simple logo made the company extremely successful. People love having a hat or shirt with a simple symbol on it. The owners clearly understood this and took it further as to provide a symbol that had a lot of personal meaning for their customers. Not only is the logo cute on a phone case or hat, but it is a reminder for the customers of John 3:30!
I like the idea of designs and logos that catches peoples eyes and sparks conversations about faith and God. It is such a simple design but I am sure it has had amazing outcomes. I also like the fact that they don’t want to make it into this huge enterprise but would rather focus on their main customers in the stores they already have. I am interested to see where the company continues to go and if they have any plans of what to do with the money they gain from their business.
I have never heard or seen this company until I came to Grove City College, but since I’ve learned of the company, I seem to see it everywhere. I really enjoy both the strategy of the company and the intentions. I was in California over the summer and I even saw a store, sadly I was unable to go in.