Naomi Hazelton is the publisher, founder, and CEO of Pacific Edge Media Group.
Embarking on her journey after graduating from HPU with a Master of Arts in Corporate Communications, HPU alumna Naomi Hazelton hit the ground running by co-founding Pacific Edge Magazine, a cutting-edge publication focusing on young entrepreneurs and business leaders in Hawaiʻi. The quality of the magazine was stunning from day one, and the immediate success led to co-founding Element Media shortly thereafter.
Hazelton began her career in media as a successful writer for Garden Island Newspaper, which lead to additional lifestyle and culture articles for Kauaʻi Magazine, Big Island Data Book, and Kauaʻi Data Book. She was quickly named top “40 under 40” by Pacific Business News when she was just 28 years old and her talents in publishing and media representation were well known throughout the community. Her responsibilities as publisher, founder, and CEO of Element Media included oversight of business development, public relations, marketing, events, and assisting a robust sales team. She is a Pacific Century Fellows Program fellow (class of 2018), a member of the Hawaiʻi Chamber of Commerce, and is a supporter of the Business Industry Association (where she was once a member), Hawaiʻi Lodging and Tourism Association.
Hazelton was a guest on 'Hi Now Weekender' in 2023 to celebrate women in business.
Recently, she launched a new media umbrella called group Pacific Edge Media Group (PEMG) that focuses specifically on managing events, digital streaming, publications, and social media management. Hazelton continues to host 15 events per year for PEMG and even more for clients that include Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green, MD.
“We currently have four events on Oʻahu and four events on Kauaʻi each year to discuss sustainability in Hawaiʻi,” Hazelton said. “The events are called ‘Green Drinks Kauaʻi’ and ‘Green Drinks Oʻahu.’ We have these events in spaces for those who have a common ground for sustainability. They are great fun and are very successful.”
In the new year, Hazleton is moving faster than ever. The world of digital communications is incredibly agile and evolving and CEOs need to be nimble and creative for their companies to thrive. She has worked wonders in the evolving digital media presence in Hawaiʻi, where everything moves quickly, and decisions need to be made with precision.
“Pacific Edge Magazine has progressed rapidly in the last few years,” Hazelton said. “We now have four specific quadrants on community-related topics. These are: women in business, design and architecture, hospitality and healthcare, and Hawaiʻi gives back.” The articles are thoughtfully produced and concise, focusing on relevant issues that everyone in Hawaiʻi can relate to in the 21st century.
The last decade in Hawaiʻi has seen various businesses and industries changing with the times. One of these notable changes includes a significant rise in development. Hazelton highlighted the substantial growth in Hawaiʻi’s hotel and hospitality industries.
“If you look around our state, we are seeing an increase in boutique hotels,” noted Hazelton. “There is also a huge change in the professional business arena for hiring in the state. We are seeing employees that were in one industry completely change and work in different industries. It becomes difficult for hotels and hospitality managers to hire team members because people can now work independently. There are also more people in Hawaiʻi who work remotely for companies that are based on the mainland. COVID-19 has shifted where and how we work forever.”
Hazelton credits her education at HPU in equipping her with the vision and tools to ensure that Pacific Edge Magazine continue to find success in the ever-evolving world of print media.
Hazelton with her son at a Pacific Edge media event.
“I love print media because it’s tangible,” Hazelton said. “There is a high readership in print media and our readership is based on distribution. But in the next five years, I see us moving to a more digital platform where we will enhance our degital media and event experiences.”
Hazelton and her connection to HPU remain strong and enduring. She notes the exemplary education she received while at the University and mentioned that one day would like to return to earn her MBA.
“I had the best education ever during graduate school at HPU. It was hands on experience with industry leaders in their profession,” Hazelton said. “They taught in the evening and worked in the day. I met students from all over the world. HPU is a cultural, vibrant community you can tap into. There is beauty in culture. And there is great camaraderie between HPU graduates. We stay in touch. It’s a phenomenal school and I have hired many HPU students over the years. They are talented and successful individuals.
“For some people, graduate school can seem overwhelming. But HPU is a small campus community with other outlets to explore. I also admire what the University has done with Aloha Tower Marketplace. The campus is safe and open with a lot of fresh air. It’s a quick walk to Waterfront Plaza. There has been great change in the last 10 years with more to come.”
With so much to accomplish in one day, Hazelton has some key suggestions for young entrepreneurs who are looking to follow in her path and found a company in their 20s.
“Time management is key, but most importantly, believe in yourself. Try to look at social media at night, and really limit its use throughout the day. Be flexible and at the same time be stern. Go to bed early, so you have time to plan your morning. Time management is key in finding success.”
In the next 10 to 15 years, Hazelton looks forward to expanding her media group and exploring options to reaching an even greater audience. Returning to Kauaʻi to settle down is on the horizon, the island where she was raised as a child. She remembers a profound beauty of life in Kauaʻi, in the small town of ʻŌmaʻo on the south side of the island.
“I was always encouraged by my mother as a young girl on the importance of reading. We didn’t watch much TV,” said Hazelton. “The beauty of reading is when your eyes and your hands touch the paper. Research has shown that when you’re reading, and you take down notes, you have a much better comprehension of the words on paper than you do when reading on a digital screen.”
For further information about Pacific Edge Magazine, visit their website at: www.pacificedgemagazine.com
All photos courtesy of Naomi Hazelton.
