Known as the female half of the “New Power Morning Show” on radio station Power 104.3, Tantra Grillo had always planned to reach for the stars. Just not the ones she now interviews on the air.
“I had planned to be an astronomer when I moved from California to Hilo,” she said.
Instead, she ended up pursuing a communications degree from the University of Hawaii at Hilo and began her radio career at KWXX-FM on Hawaii island. Several stops at radio stations on Maui and Oahu led to her current gig sharing the mic — and a strong female point of view — with male co-host KC Bejerana.
Grillo is also a hip-hop artist whose album, “Love’s Heretic,” is available on iTunes. I checked in with her via email to find out what her go-to pieces are for a day at the studio and when working events.
IN-STUDIO ATTIRE
“Black leggings, sports bra, white or black crop top or AllSaints tee, Uggs and Celine shades are all I need. Shades are imperative with my 4 a.m. wake-ups (worn when emerging into full daylight after a studio shift). Comfort is first because I don’t have to see anyone in the studio except KC. It’s also super dark and extremely cold, hence the Uggs. Sometimes I actually have to wear a scarf and gloves.”
BEST OUTFIT FOR WORKING AN EVENT
“If it’s a big concert or I’m performing, I go with black skinny AllSaints jeans, an American Apparel crop top over a cute bra and some black boots or all-black (Chuck Taylor) sneakers. For weddings or private events, I’ll bust out a black Armani pencil skirt with a form-fitting black bodysuit and throw on black leather stilettos. All black everything.”
WARDROBE MVP
“My AllSaints green cargo jacket. It goes with me to the studio every morning and out with me to events over a black silk dress or leather skirt. It works with everything.”
HEELS, SNEAKERS, SLIPPERS OR BOOTS?
“I used to be all heels; I love stilettos. I reserve them now for date nights. I’m more of a boots girl now. For a girl on the go, boots are comfortable, sexy and safe for stages.”
FAVORITE ACCESSORIES
“I’m a minimalist when it comes to jewelry, probably also because I only buy real gold. Fighting Eel has some of the best local jewelry designer collections. I love long drop necklaces and precious stones. I still don’t own any diamonds — I wish. Hawaii Hula Hoops gold hoops are epic. I cannot live without bangles. You’ll always see me wearing at least one gold bangle.”
BEAUTY MUST-HAVE
“Black mascara — done deal. … My friend calls me ‘ninja lashes’ because they look so long I could hurt someone. I’m often pegged for having fake lashes, which I’ve never had done before.”
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TANTRA GRILLO
>> Age: 33
>> Occupation: Morning radio show host
>> Residence: Honolulu
Erin Smith, Special to the Star-Advertiser. Island Lookbook spotlights local trendsetters. Contact features@staradvertiser.com.
