Refinery Creative began five years ago when longtime collaborators Leslie Cariaga and Stevie-Lyn Takata set out to build an agency rooted in thoughtful work, genuine relationships, and a culture where people could thrive. Today the Honolulu-based firm, Refinery Creative, partners with clients from major financial institutions to community-focused organizations across Hawaiʻi, blending strategy, design, and storytelling to communicate ideas that go beyond aesthetics.
The women-owned, AAPI-owned company has earned a reputation as a trusted creative partner while holding fast to the values that shaped its launch. From the outset, the founders aimed to show that high-caliber creative output does not have to come at the expense of relationships, family life, or employee support.
As the business expanded, Cariaga and Takata confronted the practical challenges of entrepreneurship. “The biggest challenge was learning how to run a business while also doing the work of the business,” Takata said, noting that many creative agencies are not started by MBAs and face a steep learning curve with contracts, pricing, HR, and financial planning.
To address those needs, the team turned to ALTRES for payroll and HR support. “It came down to knowing our limits,” Takata said. She added that the partnership endured because of strong relationships. “We don’t feel like an account number; we feel like people they actually know and care about.”
With a reliable HR and payroll partner in place, the founders say they can remain focused on their employees, clients, and long-term vision. “Peace of mind is underrated as a business asset,” Cariaga said. “When you’re not worried about whether payroll ran correctly or whether your HR practices are compliant, you can actually be present for the work that matters.”
Refinery Creative looks ahead
Looking to the future, the agency plans to broaden the scope and complexity of its projects and grow its presence beyond Hawaiʻi. Cariaga and Takata aim to bring their relationship-driven approach and strategic creative expertise to clients across the country while staying grounded in the principles that guided them from day one.
Five years in, Refinery Creative’s trajectory reflects more than steady business growth. It highlights what can happen when local entrepreneurs build a company around their values, align with trusted partners, and create a workplace where both people and ideas can flourish.
