Our
Story
We met during the winter of 2023 surfing in Waikiki, one of the most famous surfing locations in the world. With limited knowledge on the sport, Jaidyn was eager to improve her skills asking endless questions and seeking support while Keoni was patience, humble and kind in the water. Our first restaurant date was at a Greek place which was Keoni's first time having Greek food and we were eager to share a huge plate, making it one of our favorite things to do today. A popular activity to do on the island involve the Friday night Fireworks every Friday which the island calls "Aloha Friday". Keoni then inviting Jaidyn with his friends on a boat to watch the fireworks, eager to ask her to be his girlfriend and the rest was history. Now we are passionate about chasing our dreams together and building the foundation for our future.
About Us
Keoni Yan & Jaidyn McLain
​We will be sharing our slow living practices, encouragement and island living our youtube channel and instagram!
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Jaidyn's Story
My passion for slow living was inspired by island living with its slower paced lifestyle and its value on faith, community and the ocean. I found myself truly enjoying life and reduced anxiety. Prior to moving to Oahu, Hawai'i I was living in Boca Raton, Florida, eventually receiving my masters degree in Clinical Social Work. My time living in Boca Raton involved working full time as a counselors assistant, full time masters student and part time internship at a private practice while living with my younger brothers and making time for friends. Boca Raton is located in SouthEast Florida surrounded by Ft. Lauderdale. Miami Florida and West Palm beach. With Boca Raton being a more wealthy area I often found myself constantly striving and attempting to stay afloat. Friends discussed wealth, came from excessive wealth and talked endlessly about their careers, which I enjoyed because I have always been passionate about therapy. But I knew there was more to life. As I moved to Oahu, Hawai'i with limited knowledge on island living I began to recognize the way the island embraces culture, their strong faith, high regard for lifeguards and firefighters and celebrated surfing. This was a lifestyle and culture I was not used to after moving from Boca Raton. ​After visiting Kauai with my family 3 years ago, during the summer of 2022, I fell in love with the island, reconnected with a childhood dream of surfing and felt Oahu would be the perfect place to teach others about mental health and pursue my dreams in psychotherapy. I was inspired after watching Andy Irons, a professional surfer, documentary, Kissed by God, discussing his addiction and Bipolar disorder eventually resulting in him not surviving his addiction. I discovered the limited amount of mental health professionals on the island, finding my passion to move to the island and give back to the community. ​When I moved to the island I became a full time Individual Psychotherapist at Transcend Integration where I continue to reside. I specialize in Trauma and am level 1 certified in Surf Therapy making this my next career goal. I also worked at Jamie O'Briens Surf Shop for a time to immerse myself in surf culture and become more involved in the community. ​The island has taught me to slow down and reestablish my values and what truly matters in life. My job isn't easy but it is purposeful. I found God whispering to me, often reminding me that I can only show up effective for clients when I ensure to spent time with God first. I became a better worker not by constantly striving, but by making sure I spent time in the ocean on a regular basis, spent time with God and invested in my relationships.
Keoni's Story
My passion for a slow living lifestyle came from my childhood. Growing up in Tahiti, French Polynesia, I've quickly learned on how to take things slow and also be on "island time" but also being raised by a Japanese mother has taught me when to be prompt. Watching my grandmother and father really be into gardening and harvest from it is inspiring for me to do the same. My love for the water started very early and started surfing at the age of 6. I traveled internationally for surf competitions that allowed me to see and experience different cultures. I've always loved fishing but traveling and surfing didn't allow me to exploit that passion. After several years of competitive surfing, I decided to join the City & County of Honolulu Ocean Safety Lifeguard Department in April 2018. It was at that time when I had more time to pursue hobbies in fishing, in addition to taking on new passions in diving and spearfishing. Spearfishing was a good way to teach me how to slow down, being calm in order to attract the fish closer in. My favorite part is to be able to come back with some fish and being able to feed the people I love. I looked up to my grandmother who is a wide and faithful woman. She was always so patient, loving, caring, kind and a prayer warrior. One day on my way to work I got into an accident. A driver under the influence ran into my car. I always carry my rosary on me that my grandmother blessed it and prayed and I truly believe that God protected me. God has shown up in my life that made me want to be more intentional, show compassion, show grace, and be more like Jesus.
My goal for slow living is to get as much people to find their purpose in life, to help each other, to find what fills your soul with joy and to be intentional about making time for God.
