What is Naïve?
A resistance against the mundane. That’s what I think about when I think about Naïve. Through my own self-exploration during this current season of life (I’m pushing 40 ya’ll), I’ve become more curious and bold when it comes to ideas and projects. Following the devastation of a worldwide pandemic and significant personal transitions, I am weary of stillborn dreams that were never realized because of excuses and distractions. A dinner experience like this has been brewing in me for some time now.
“A dinner experience like this has been brewing in me for some time now.”
Naïve is a 3-part experiment and expression of a desire to create sincere gatherings that nourish the soul and reconnect people to the inherent joy, presence, and wonder that is always available to them. Each intimate gathering of no more than 20 people will explore a specific theme through the eyes of a chef, musician, and spatial designer at a unique location. We’ll hear firsthand their story and meaning behind each intentionally crafted food course, music set, and environment. Partners will have the playground and platform to experiment with new ideas and potentially reach wider audiences. The combination of food, music, and space will be the components of a love letter to Hawaii and a piece of organic performance art (the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination) that is offered to the world as a humble gathering.
Food
Every time someone asks what I would be into or doing if I weren’t a designer or entrepreneur, I say I’d be a cook. The technique, the art, and the community that gastronomy has the ability to bring together and express is phenomenal. Food shows are among the top of my watch list and I believe it’s more than just the Filipino in me. I can’t shake the feeling I get when watching a great episode of Chef’s Table. I find myself inspired and hungry with a healthy dose of goosebumps after each one. Some of the most memorable moments in my life have been around the table, eating food with the people I love.
Music
Music has always been a companion and soundtrack to the thread of memories that make up the recollection of my life. Whether it is the iconic “Play at Your Own Risk” by Planet Patrol that reverberates through my body as I remember breakdance circles in the streets of Waipahu in the 90’s, Maroon 5’s “Songs About Jane” album that was stuck in the CD player of my ‘95 Honda Civic Hatchback beater for months when I started dating my wife, or Hillsong’s prolific worship music (despite their current criticism) that nourished my soul while I searched for meaning and purpose in my late 20’s, each arc of my life has a soundtrack. I’m sure it’s the same for many others. I believe that music is the outcry of the soul and the desire of the heart.
Space
I enjoy taking photos as a practice in observation, storytelling, and composition. It strongly sharpens my design work and helps me to be more aware of my surroundings in a different way. It’s almost as if I’m longing with bated breath for a chance to be impressed upon, a moment that just has to be captured, or an overlooked detail or perspective that must be documented when I have my camera with me. I find myself drawn to architecture and details in my photography. These elements strongly define a space and determine the energy of the people within that space. The spaces we inhabit have great capacity to determine our experience and trajectory. Carefully crafted spaces can make us better humans. I fondly remember the environments that take my breath away and wake me up from my sleepwalk through life. Grounding me in the present moment while simultaneously transporting me to another realm.
“I sincerely hope that Naïve helps people reconnect to their inner child.”
I sincerely hope that Naïve helps people reconnect to their inner child. That part of us that is open and willing. Somewhere along the way, life happens and far too many of us end up closed off and stubborn. I want to challenge tired ways of gathering. Each of us has the power and even responsibility to happen to life instead of merely reacting to life happening to us. I would be thrilled to spark more meaningful conversations. Connections that are more about participating with and engaging in rather than measuring and criticizing. The attributes of joy, presence, and wonder act as aspirations and guidelines for this. They certainly overlap but have unique nuances that will be fun to explore and experiment with.
As we prepare to launch, I am extremely grateful for the partners who were willing to try this out with me and for the team who have been cheerleaders and a vital sounding board. Without them, this would not have been possible. Thank you, my friends. Here’s to possibilities that others help us imagine, see, and courageously step into…
Laurelio