Hunter Ka’imi never set out to become a social media extraordinaire. In fact, when he first started making TikToks during his junior year at the University of Washington in 2019, it was just for fun. He didn’t realize it would grow into a career, let alone one that would make him an incredible force for connection and community in Bellingham.
“I had no goals or dreams of doing anything social media related for a career path,” Ka’imi says. “I was just having fun and expressing myself online.”
But the encouragement of a college professor, Benjamin “Mako” Hill, helped him take the next step toward his future. In class, Hill asked Ka’imi to analyze his followers as a real online community. That shift in perspective shaped the way Ka’imi would approach every part of his work.
“I made the conscious decision to stop calling them ‘followers’ and look at the people who follow me on social media as ‘members of a community,’” he says.
That mindset not only helped Ka’imi’s online presence grow to more than one million community members, but it also gave him the foundation to launch his own company, Ka’imi Media, in 2023.
From TikTok to Bellingham
When Ka’imi moved from Seattle to Bellingham in October of 2021, he viewed it as a chance to start over. “I could make friends and find community, meeting them as my authentic, genuine self,” he said. Online, he shared vulnerable and personal parts of himself — coming out as pansexual and exploring his Filipino identity, all while building an audience that mirrored the inclusivity and authenticity he practiced in his own life.
As his community grew, so did the opportunities. A chance encounter with local business owner KC Lange led to his first job in social media management. From there, Ka’imi began working with businesses like WinkWink Boutique, Doug’s Burgers, Platinum Dental, and X. Tattoo, where he still serves as a full-time social media manager.
By August 2023, he left behind restaurant shifts and side gigs to go all in on Ka’imi Media. Today, he’s partnered with more than 20 local businesses, showcasing the people and stories that give Bellingham its unique personality.
“I owe everything to this city,” Ka’imi said. “And I choose to use my platform and experience to amplify the local businesses and people that make up this place I’m lucky enough to call home.”
Leadership Through Action
For Ka’imi, leadership isn’t about titles or recognition — it’s about showing up. That’s something he’s done consistently, whether raising more than $50,000 for families affected by ICE raids at Mt. Baker Roofing or hosting a fundraiser for Lydia Place after hitting one million followers.
“Events like that, that have a real-world impact, are far more important to me than any award or recognition,” he said.
And he defines leadership as simply – and powerfully – as standing up for those who can’t. “Whether it’s attending protests, organizing fundraisers, or amplifying the message of others doing important work in the community,” says Ka’imi. “I believe leadership is showing up for your community in any way, shape, or form.”
Hunter Ka’imi’s Lessons, Risks and Gratitude
Ka’imi admits the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Quitting jobs to pursue Ka’imi Media was both terrifying and transformative. “To not know if it would pan out, to go months without leads and callbacks, to get a huge opportunity only for it to fall through — these were all experiences that felt like risks,” he said. “I’m so happy I stuck it out.”
One of the hardest lessons, he adds, has been learning that he can’t say yes to everyone. “As a chronic people-pleaser, this was a tough pill to swallow,” says Ka’imi. “But realizing that I am one person running my business, I unfortunately can’t be in ten places at once.”
The support of his online and local communities also motivates him to keep pushing forward. Whether it’s a simple message from someone who felt empowered by his content or the sight of neighbors rallying for a cause, those messages and actions mean a great deal to him.
Beyond Work with Hunter Ka’imi
Outside of work, Ka’imi finds joy in everyday pleasures, like walking his husky-golden retriever-poodle mix, playing Minecraft, and working toward his tattoo project. “So much of what I do is behind a screen, so having time away from my devices and just with my puppy has been unbelievably helpful for my mental health and creativity,” he says.
Incredibly, nearly half of Ka’imi’s body is tattooed, but only on one side. “When I was younger, I was obsessed with things being even,” he says. “So, I started only getting tattoos on the left side of my body. Now, I’m nearly completed with my goal of being as uneven as possible.”
Hunter Ka’imi Looks Ahead
Ka’imi doesn’t have a strict ten-year plan. Instead, he looks forward to organic growth. “In ten years, I see myself being a pivotal member of this community, happy and loving what I’m doing every day — just like what I’m doing today (hopefully with more tattoos by then),” he says.
If there’s one piece of advice he hopes young people take away from his story, it’s this. “Be yourself,” he said. “It got me to where I’m at today, and I wouldn’t change anything about it. Be unapologetically yourself.”
And as for how he hopes to be known for his life’s work? “I hope to be remembered in this city not just as ‘the guy who makes TikToks,’” he says. “But as someone who deeply cared about this city and the well-being of this community.”
Join Whatcom Young Professionals and the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the 2025 Top 7 Under 40 on October 2, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Four Points by Sheraton. Cocktail attire is encouraged, and registration is required by September 26. Click here for more details and to purchase tickets.
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