We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katrina Galera. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katrina below.
Katrina, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My confidence and self-esteem come through my faith in Jesus. Knowing that my worth comes from Him—not from other people or achievements. I’ve learned to see myself through His eyes—worthy, loved, and created with purpose. Whenever I start to doubt myself, I remind myself that my strength doesn’t come from my own abilities but from Him.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
During the pandemic, I found myself in a major life transition, and that’s when Island Honey was created. What started as a creative outlet quickly became something meaningful to me. Making jewelry and sewing began as a form of stress relief—it was truly therapeutic—but over time, it grew into something much bigger. I started with everyday jewelry and eventually expanded into bridal pieces, which has been so special. I’ve created jewelry for over ten weddings and am currently working on two weddings. Designing bridal jewelry is something I plan to focus on even more in the future.
At the same time, that season of reflection also inspired me to pursue nursing. I made the leap from being a forensic specialist to going back to school, and I’m now in a nursing program set to graduate in July 2026.
I’ve been doing ‘Ori Tahiti for over 10 years, and that cultural connection, along with my love for surfing, swimming, and the beach, really fuels everything I create. Island Honey is more than a brand—it’s a reflection of my lifestyle and my love for all things tropical. Recently, I’ve also been working on something new that combines my island aesthetic with the active lifestyle—a project that bridges both creativity and movement in a fun, meaningful way. Island Honey continues to grow with me, evolving as a reflection of my passions and love for the tropical lifestyle.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say perseverance has been one of the biggest qualities that’s carried me through. There were so many times it felt like things weren’t moving forward, but I learned that progress is never linear—you just have to keep showing up. Another important trait is consistency, because growth doesn’t happen overnight. And lastly, creativity—never give up the chance to keep creating, even when inspiration feels low.
The best way to improve is to keep failing and keep going, because each failure is one step closer to your goal. Every mistake teaches you something valuable, and every setback builds resilience. As long as you don’t stop creating, you’ll always keep evolving.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I start to feel overwhelmed, I take a step back and give myself space to breathe. Sometimes that means taking a break from creating and just letting myself enjoy everyday life—going outside, spending time at the beach, or simply being present in the moment. I’ve found that inspiration often comes from those quiet, ordinary moments, and taking time to recharge helps me come back with a clearer mind and fresh ideas.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://islandhoney.site
- Instagram: @islandhoney.co
- Other: tiktok: @islandhoney.co
Image Credits
@jasmynbphotography – Jasmyn Bagonghasa
@maelanijanelphoto – Maelani Janel
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