Pickleballer in the 808: Brook Gramann

Hawai'i Pickleball NewsO'ahu Pickleball Players

Jul 22

*Pickleballer in the 808 Brook Gramann, at her shop, Lanikai Bath and Body*

Honolulu—Today, we journey to Windward O’ahu to meet Pickleballer in the 808 Brook Gramann.

Brook is a long-time tennis player who wasn’t hooked instantly on pickleball. But a few years later, after the prodding from a good friend to play, she now finds herself at the pickleball courts several times a week.

Aside from playing pickleball, Brook co-owns Lanikai Bath and Body, a shop in the Kailua Shopping Center. When I visited their shop, I was blown away by their extensive selection of products; think Bath and Body Works, local style.

Brook and her cousin/co-owner have built their business around their mission to serve as mentors to their staff, support local entrepreneurs, and give back to the community. And these aren’t just idealistic words printed on a poster somewhere in their offices; they walk the walk.

They partner with Habilitat by supplying their residential substance abuse and addiction program with soaps, lotions, and shampoos, and they’ve also donated an amazing prize for our one-year anniversary celebration.

Without further ado, please meet Pickleballer in the 808 Brook Gramann!

*Brook (R) with her doubles partner, Kathy, at the Maui Pukaball Tournament, after winning Silver in 3.5 (65-69)*

Currently resides in: Kailua

Where did you grow up and what high school did you go to?

I grew up in Kailua in Enchanted Lakes and left Kailua with my family in 7th grade. I graduated from high school in Guam, JFK High School in Tumon in 1976.

Came back to Kailua, went to UH and got a degree in journalism.

How did you discover pickleball and when did you start playing?

My doubles partner, Kathy Esposito-Mason, played tennis with me and a group of close friends for more than 20 years.

When Covid hit she asked me over and over again to come play pickleball. I went few times and decided it wasn’t for me.

Almost two years ago I decided to try playing again and was hooked!

I play 3-4x a week now.

What do you love most about pickleball?

Friendship, exercise, competitive aspect, great to keep in shape and have fun too.

What do you do outside of pickleball (hobbies, work, school, etc)?

Golf, spend time with my family; my husband Dave, our twin sons and their wives and children.

What inspired you to start Lanikai Bath and Body?

My best friend Gloria Garvey (who recently passed away after a long illness) and I had a brand consulting business for 25 years.

We’ve worked with food brands like Hawaiian Host, Kauai Coffee, Maui Sugar; and corporate brands including Bank of Hawaii, Alexander and Baldwin; agricultural brands like Kahuku Brand, Hawaii’s Woods.

As Kailua was developing we thought why not create a brand of our own? One that would add to the community as live in, allow us to employ and mentor staff, and give back to our community as well.

We both loved and used natural bath and body and wellness products and made the decision to research natural formulas and fragrances to create a natural collection of Hawaii products.

What is your favorite Lanikai Bath and Body product and why?

Island Sandalwood lotions, body washes and soaps for the light sandalwood and musk-vanilla fragrance and natural healing ingredients. Plus CBD 2500 power balm which I use on my shoulder and any area of my body where I may be experiencing pain or inflammation. Works quickly to stop pain. And cramping as well.

What paddle are you playing with?

Engage Pursuit Pro X

What is the next goal you’re working toward (in pickleball or otherwise)?

Hmmm, I always have lots of goals in all areas of my life- work, home and pickleball. I’d like to continue improving in both golf and pickleball, read more books and plant a garden.