TRACI TOGUCHI is a Renaissance Chick. She is a singer, songwriter, actor, marketing strategist consultant, holistic entertainment/e-coach, evolving web developer (CIW certified), and former Miss Hawaii interested in all things tech, art, food, green/organic, and entrepreneur-focused.
Besides the above, Traci also enjoys spending time with her loved ones, being an aunt, hiking, playing the guitar, watercolor painting, and researching, exploring and living sustainably. Says Traci, “I’m inspired by people who choose to see the good and let that be their guide through the ups and downs in life.”
Entertainer Highlights:
• Recording Artist/Songwriter/Publisher, including writing and singing the theme songs for “Better” (U.S. syndication) and “More” national TV shows
• Hoku Award nominee for Female Vocalist of the Year
• Miss Saigon Broadway tour cast member
• Actor in TV and films including Lost, Hawaii, BlackMale, The Karate Kid Part II, CDW Technology national commercials
• National Anthem Singer on ESPN live worldwide broadcasts. Won talent competitions including Amateur Night at the Apollo in Harlem, New York.
Some Comments About Traci’s Work:
“Your performance of the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ was simply stellar! The audience loved you, as did all of us who had the opportunity to work with you.” – Lindsay Dodge, Arena Operations Director, Women’s World Volleyball Grand Prix, on live ESPN worldwide performance
“You sounded great. It was fun to mix you. YOU were the highlight of the night…” – Paul Perri, sound engineer, on New Year’s Eve performance at the Hyatt Regency
“The pleasure, from day one, has been all mine. I’m glad you decided to be involved with this project as your poise, charisma, professionalism and beauty gave the event a higher profile than ever before.” – Kyle Chock, public relations executive, on a project for which Traci was the spokesperson
“You did such a wonderful job. You made the commercial. It went smooth. The client was very pleased. I hope we do get to work together real soon.” – Richard Fraioli, advertising executive, on a commercial for which Traci was an actor
“Thanks so much for all your help and patience Traci. You did a tremendous job. It was a pleasure working with you.” – Sandra Sagisi, producer, on an educational video Traci hosted
Actor Singer Model Songwriter Publisher
Traci has been a professional actor, singer, and model since age 8. She began performing since she was 5.
A commercial for Mitsubishi of Japan was Traci’s first acting job, and her first feature film was “The Karate Kid Part II” when she was 12. Her modeling work experience began with department store catalogs and commercials.
Traci began singing and performing Japanese Enka (classical) songs and competing in Japanese Karaoke competitions since age 5. She finally won the KZOO Radio Karaoke Taikai at age 9 singing Misora Hibari’s Enka song, “Echigojishi No Uta.” She also began taking classical voice training at this time.
Traci began studying and performing the Okinawan Sanshin when she was about 8 years old. She has performed with the Sanshin locally, nationally, and internationally.
Other notable talent competitions Traci won include the Hawaii state Brown Bags to Stardom Talent Competition after 2 tries. First, she represented Kalani High School singing “One Moment In Time.” The following year, she represented Kaiser High School singing “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman”), and won 1st Place in the Audio Division and Best Recording Act.
Beyond her wildest dream, Traci won Amateur Night at the Apollo in Harlem, New York with a standing ovation in 1999 singing “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls.
Traci eventually incorporated her entertainment work with her preexisting marketing business years ago. Publishing and licensing her self-penned songs were also added to the roster.
Photo by Raymond Yuen
Holistic Entertainment Coach
Traci helps people discover and explore their creative and artistic potential using a holistic approach.
• Achieving goals by uncovering your true intentions, using your inner guidance
• Voice – range, projection, song interpretation, stage presence
• Acting – body relaxation, vocal projection, improvisation, monologue and scene study, industry
• Pageants – all phases of competition, platform issue development
• Utilizing the power of your mind, body, spirit, and emotions to live powerfully
Traci has been studying and living holistically since she was 17, and has been a voice and acting consultant/coach since she was 19. Traci has taught privately and for entities including Kapiolani Community College and the State of Hawaii’s Department of Education. She coaches one-on-one, in classes, and workshops.
Speaker
Traci has served as a keynote speaker, presenter, guest panelist, media host, celebrity spokesperson, voice over talent, and event emcee.
She was a Celebrity Spokesperson/Representative for entities and events including the State of Hawaii, the Honolulu Festival, Hawaiian Airlines, Alzheimer’s Association
Traci had several talk radio shows on AM radio throughout Hawaii, one on holistic relationships called “Traci Toguchi on Mondays” and one on holistic living called “Feel the Breeze with Traci Toguchi.”
She was also a disc jockey for I-94 FM in Honolulu and a producer and announcer for the American Radio Network in Hollywood with a national network broadcast.
Marketer, Administrator & Foodie
Traci has provided strategic marketing planning, event and project coordination, and public relations for clients. They have benefited from being featured in newspapers, television, radio, web and other media, and have been able to reach and surpass their marketing and financial goals with Traci’s help. They include the State of Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank, Rotary Club of Honolulu, U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, Hart & Huntington Hawaii.
Traci’s business background has been as a consulting marketer, public relations manager, and event and project coordinator. She has also been an employee in positions ranging from being an executive assistant to a membership department manager. Industries she has worked and consulted in include financial, legal, government, nonprofit, hotel, construction, cultural, insurance, publishing, and food.
Traci’s understanding of the food industry has been beneficial to every aspect of her career. Her family owned and operated the famous Bea’s Pies in Honolulu since the 1970’s. Traci gained valuable retail and food experience working there. She continued her interest in the food industry while living in New York City and Los Angeles, where she proudly lived an artist’s life. Traci worked in fine dining restaurants in New York City, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills.
Photo by Stan Schwartz. Hair & Make-up by Pattie Kuamoo.
Miss Hawaii
After 3 tries, Traci finally won the title of Miss Hawaii, along with the Talent and Swimsuit Awards in 1995 (singing “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls).
Traci was the 1st Runner Up and Swimsuit Award winner in 1994, and the 1st Runner Up and Talent Award winner in 1993 (singing “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman.”
She also represented Hawaii twice in the National Sweetheart Pageant in Hoopeston, Illinois, where she was the 2nd Runner Up, and won the Interview and Swimsuit Awards in 1994, and was in the Top 10 and won the Swimsuit Award in 1993.
Education & Training
* Voice: Sings in English, Japanese, Okinawan, Hawaiian, Italian, and French. Studied in Hawaii and New York City under voice and singing instructors including Jane Kennedy, Neva Rego, Eunice DeMello, Harry Urata, and Alan Seale.
* Acting: Studied in Hawaii, Los Angeles, and New York City at schools including the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, and with instructors including Penny Templeton, and Scott Rogers.
* Sanshin: Studied the Okinawan Sanshin under Nakasone Sensei, where Traci learned the Kotten (classical) style, and under Sandaa Murata Sensei, where she learned the Minyo (contemporary) style of playing.
* Extra-Curricular Activities Growing Up: Traci was very active in extra-curricular activities throughout elementary and high school. At Liliuokalani Elementary, Traci was involved in the student government, and was a library aide. She continued involvement in student government and participated in school organizations and activities, including band. She was 1st Trumpet player while at Kaimuki Intermediate. Traci won awards for Solo & Ensemble and represented her school in statewide Select Bands. She studied under trumpet instructor Clarence Matsumoto. At Kaiser High, she was Student Body Vice President and Yearbook Editor, and was heavily involved in other school organizations. Traci believes this helped her be more well rounded, and develop the ability to focus on specific projects at hand. Traci was an Honor and Magna Cum Laude graduate.
* Higher Education: Traci has always valued a higher level of education. Her studies were prolonged due to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities (including winning Miss Hawaii and joining the Miss Saigon cast). She says, “I don’t need my degree, but I want it for me.” Traci attended New York University in New York City, and Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Traci received a Presidential Scholarship for attaining a 4.0 GPA at Chaminade University, and a Certification from Heald College for Web Design & Administration. Her areas of concentration are Business, Art, Political Science, and Communications. She has a passion for law, and intends to pursue a law degree.
Cool!