Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
At 22 years old, Mara Onichu has built a life defined by independence.
Born in Chuuk and raised in Guam, Mara lost her sight at age three after being diagnosed with spinal meningitis. Doctors once questioned whether she would walk or survive. Today, she is thriving in Honolulu, Hawaii, working at Blind Vendors ‘Ohana, a local company that operates 10 convenience stores inside Honolulu International Airport.
After moving to Hawaii following her father’s passing, Mara enrolled at Ho‘opono, a school for the blind that teaches technology, Braille, cooking, and essential life skills. There, she discovered Blind Vendors, a 100 percent local business dedicated to creating employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Blind Vendors ‘Ohana focuses on people, not sales quotas. Through training, teamwork, and belief in ability over limitation, the company empowers employees with disabilities to gain confidence, financial independence, and purpose.
For Mara, her favorite sound at work is the cash register. It represents capability and growth. While some customers ask her to hurry, most show patience and kindness. Surrounded by supportive coworkers, including one employee who says he is getting paid to be happy at 76 years old, Mara has found more than a job. She has found community.
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At 22 years old, Mara Onichu has built a life defined by independence.
Born in Chuuk and raised in Guam, Mara lost her sight at age three after being diagnosed with spinal meningitis. Doctors once questioned whether she would walk or survive. Today, she is thriving in Honolulu, Hawaii, working at Blind Vendors ‘Ohana, a local company that operates 10 convenience stores inside Honolulu International Airport.
After moving to Hawaii following her father’s passing, Mara enrolled at Ho‘opono, a school for the blind that teaches technology, Braille, cooking, and essential life skills. There, she discovered Blind Vendors, a 100 percent local business dedicated to creating employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Blind Vendors ‘Ohana focuses on people, not sales quotas. Through training, teamwork, and belief in ability over limitation, the company empowers employees with disabilities to gain confidence, financial independence, and purpose.
For Mara, her favorite sound at work is the cash register. It represents capability and growth. While some customers ask her to hurry, most show patience and kindness. Surrounded by supportive coworkers, including one employee who says he is getting paid to be happy at 76 years old, Mara has found more than a job. She has found community.
Connect with us ⤵️
Subscribe: youtube.com/square
Instagram: instagram.com/square
TikTok: tiktok.com/@square
X: https://x.com/square
Reddit: reddit.com/r/SquareOfficial
Web: squareup.com
