The young entrepreneur behind Ryder’s Poke & Shave Ice

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Big dreams mean taking big chances. That’s what it took for one young entrepreneur to open up his own poke & shave ice shop back in 2022.

Ryder Yamaguchi was fresh out of high school when he decided to start his own business. At the time, he was only 18 years old. Not only was he young, Ryder said he didn’t know a thing about poke.

“We started this day two years ago, standing around this table knowing absolutely nothing,” stated Junior Yamaguchi, Ryder’s father. “No fish experience, no catching fish experience and no cooking experience.”

Ryder’s Poke & Shave Ice has come a long way since then. The shop celebrated its 2nd year anniversary on Monday.

“Anyone could do it as long as you are willing to put in the time and the hours,” stated the young entrepreneur. “I rarely get any days off. I work seven days a week, but it’s only going to pay off in the long term.”

According to Ryder, it was hard finding local fisherman to get started. He would later get the chance to connect with YouTube content creator, Nick Morris, who Ryder said was a big help.

“Now, I think we have a little over two dozen boats or fishermen, local guys, that we can buy from,” said Ryder.

Ryder’s goal is to eventually get the shop running on its own so he can go fishing fulltime and sell his own catches.

“This story could help another 18, 20 or 25 year old say, ‘What am I doing?’ You have a whole lifetime of dreams ahead of you. Go grab it,” said Junior. “Nothing is more stupid than not trying.”

The next step forward for the shop is to expand by going mobile. Ryder hopes to get his own food truck up and running within the next year.