Liberty Peralta
Founder/Owner
Read the story behind Popoki + Tea

Liberty grew up in Wai‘anae and now calls Kaimuki home, where she lives with her cats Mara, Boo, and Rey. Liberty earned her bachelor’s degree in advertising from Hawai‘i Pacific University on a full-tuition scholarship. She’s also a graduate of Launch My Business, a local, federally sponsored accelerated entrepreneurial program. Liberty has a background in nonprofit public media in marketing, production, and management roles. In her sparse-but-cherished downtime, she enjoys going to trivia nights with friends, catching up on podcasts, curating her Funko Pop collection, traveling to big cities, and enjoying the occasional live rock show. She has seen her favorite band, Muse, live in concert 20 times. (Photo by Lawrence U. Tabudlo)

 

Kamalei Hee
Shop Manager

Kamalei was born and raised in Kaimuki and Palolo, and graduated from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and a certificate in ethnic studies. She still harbors dreams of becoming a Pokémon Trainer. When not trying to befriend and/or pet every animal she comes across, Kamalei loves to go on eating-related adventures, attend live music shows as often as possible, drink coffee at her favorite local spots, and take photos.

 

Kristi Meechan
Cat Lounge Host

Kristi grew up in the Niu Valley area and now resides near the Pearl City area. She has been a long-time fan of Popoki + Tea and its mission, so being a part of the team has felt like a dream come true for her. She graduated from the Shidler College of Business at the University of Manoa with a marketing degree. She has three cats: her eldest cat Lio; Popoki + Tea alumnus Jingles; and Jingles’s brother, Bells. When she has the time, Kristi enjoys trying new restaurants, going out to all kinds of local events and festivals, and curling up with a good book, kitties at her side.

 

Jasmine Quilit
Cat Lounge Host

Jasmine was born and raised in Liliha. She graduated from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance and French Language, and currently dances with The Bounty dance crew, as well as the SW!TCH Productions dance team. In her free time, Jasmine likes to dance, play video games and read books.

 

Malcolm Tucker
Cat Lounge Host

Malcolm was originally born in Magalia, California, and lived in Wasilla, Alaska for most of his life before moving to O‘ahu for his studies. He attends University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and is pursuing a degree in music education. Malcolm has visited Popoki + Tea many, many times before joining the team, and has been a cat lover for the longest time. He adopted his cat Streusel in August 2021 from the Hawaiian Humane Society and has spoiled her since then. When he’s not working, Malcolm likes to spend his time playing the trumpet and trombone, hanging out with stray cats, and cuddling with Streusel.