Employee Spotlight: Shelby Sensui, The Compliance Queen of PromoShop
At PromoShop, Inc., we are incredibly fortunate to have Shelby Sensui as our Compliance Manager and Imports Specialist. Shelby's professional journey has spanned various functions such as production management, HR, and imports. While compliance may not have been the buzzword back then, Shelby's experience working with factories in various industries has proven to be immensely valuable. As clients increasingly prioritize compliance, Shelby's background equips her to navigate the intricacies of orders and their impact on both factories and clients, where even the smallest descrepancy can have major consequences.
Shelby attributes a significant part of her success to the guidance and recommendations she received from her mentor, Kim Bakalyar. Kim's insights have had a profound impact on Shelby's research and communication approach. Throughout a year of training under Kim's mentorship, Shelby gained an intimate understanding of clients' needs, specifications and reporting requirements. “Even now, I email Kim on a weekly basis!”
To stay up-to-date on the latest news, regulations, and requirements, Shelby relies on resources such as the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI). Attending the annual Product Responsibility Summit organized by PPAI is a key event for Shelby, providing her with several days of valuable classes and insights on topics like PFAS and sustainability.
For those pursuing a career in compliance, she stresses the “importance of self-initiative and an investigative mindset”. Researching available tools and identifying reliable resources are key steps. Networking with compliance heads and testing labs in the industry is also highly encouraged. “Reach out to professionals at industry events, ask for introductions to compliance managers and lab technicians”. Building these connections ensures direct access to reliable sources when questions arise. She further recommends asking manufacturers detailed questions about not just materials and production methods, but also sustainability practices, waste management, human rights, and social responsibility. “It’s about more than just chemicals – it’s about the entire supply chain!”
Outside of work, Shelby enjoys spending quality time with her 12-year-old daughter, who is a talented hula dancer with Hula Hālau Nā mamo O Pana'ewa. They are eagerly anticipating her daughter's upcoming solo performance for Grammy Award-winning singer Kalani Pe'a this Fall! “When I’m not playing hula mom, I like to surround myself with my friends and binge watch RuPaul’s Drag Race and Seinfeld. I am very lucky to be a part of the PromoShop family!”