Heartfelt Lessons from Hawaii’s Inspiring Former First Lady: Vicky Cayetano
Vicky Cayetano’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and balance. From her childhood days as a Hollywood child actress alongside Elvis Presley, to becoming a successful entrepreneur, First Lady of Hawai‘i, and community leader, her journey reflects the values of perseverance, service, and aloha. In this heartfelt conversation, Vicky shares the pivotal experiences that shaped her life and the lessons she hopes others can carry forward.
Growing Up in a Big Family
As the sixth of nine children, Vicky grew up in a lively household where compromise, sharing, and perseverance were daily lessons. She credits her upbringing for instilling resilience and teaching her how to stand her ground while also caring for others. These early lessons became the foundation for her leadership style later in life—one marked by empathy and strength.
A Childhood in the Spotlight
At just six years old, Vicky found herself on the big screen, cast in Elvis Presley’s film It Happened at the World’s Fair. The experience taught her about discipline, rejection, and professionalism at a young age. One of her most treasured memories was Elvis’s kindness—encouraging her when she felt homesick and nervous. That compassion left a lasting imprint on how she approaches leadership and mentorship today.
Entrepreneurship and Leadership
Though she began her academic journey at Stanford University, Vicky’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to leave college early to start her own business. She later went on to co-found and lead United Laundry Services, which grew into one of Hawai‘i’s largest commercial laundry companies serving both healthcare and hospitality industries. For Vicky, success in business wasn’t just about profit—it was about creating jobs, treating employees with respect, and anticipating the needs of her customers.
Her philosophy? To lead with vision, but always from a place of service.
The Role of First Lady
When Vicky married Governor Ben Cayetano, she stepped into the role of Hawai‘i’s First Lady (1997–2002). Rather than simply embracing the ceremonial aspects, she used her platform to champion causes she believed in—long-term care initiatives, youth programs, and efforts to prevent underage drinking. She also founded the Washington Place Foundation to preserve Hawai‘i’s historic governor’s residence and honor Queen Liliʻuokalani’s legacy.
What made her approach unique was balance: Vicky was determined to remain her own person, continue her business leadership, and use her position to make a difference in ways authentic to her values.
Family, Balance, and Legacy
Perhaps the most poignant part of Vicky’s story is her perspective on balance. She openly admits that early in life, success was her main focus—but becoming a mother shifted her priorities. She now emphasizes that legacy isn’t just about career achievements, but about raising children, creating opportunities for others, and improving the community.
One of her guiding principles comes from her grandmother, who told her: “You can break my bones, but you cannot break my spirit.” This strength of spirit continues to inspire how Vicky faces challenges and teaches her children to approach life with perspective, patience, and purpose.
Lessons We Can All Take Away
Vicky Cayetano’s journey is more than a personal success story—it’s a reminder of the universal lessons we all strive to live by:
- Balance your priorities. Business and family can coexist if you’re intentional with your time and values.
- Lead with empathy. True leadership means thinking from others’ perspectives and creating opportunities for those around you.
- Build a meaningful legacy. Focus not only on what you achieve, but on how your work impacts future generations.
- Stay resilient. Like her grandmother taught her, our spirit is stronger than the obstacles we face.
Closing Thoughts
From boardrooms to Washington Place, from the movie set to community service, Vicky Cayetano’s life reflects the strength of a leader grounded in family, service, and aloha. Her heartfelt lessons remind us that success is not just about titles or achievements, but about how we touch the lives of others.
As she says: “Life is so short. Bring balance to your journey, and leave behind a legacy that’s meaningful.”
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