Behind the Name

ALOHA! My name is Kara and I am so glad you’re here. At 13 years old I was given the Hawaiian name Leiho'ohie [ LAY-hoh-OH-hee-eh ] by my late Kumu Hula. Leiho'ohie describes a beloved child or lei encircled in love who captivates others with her winsome nature. Its kaona or hidden meaning depicts someone who embraces with love and creates an atmosphere that raises people up, bringing out the royal, distinguished, delightful, and most beautiful elements in a person. This meaning is precisely the heart of our mission:

to cultivate a vibrant and empowering lei making community where precious buds and blossoms can discover, embrace, and celebrate their creative purpose interwoven one with another; an atmosphere where every lei is affirmed of their unique worth and identity to FLOURISH as a beloved child of God.

I desire to host spaces for seekers and finders alike where we sow seeds of hope and beauty in one another. Just as is true that no two flowers or lei are the same, each garden rose, plumeria, and fern is validated in embracing their design with grace and confidence. I recognize the hunger of this age for acceptance, to be truly known and seen. I hope to foster a culture of belonging where vulnerability is met with empathy and compassion, where eyes and hearts are open to make room in our lei for elements that bring harmony and wholeness to the final masterpiece.

In this space of ACCEPTANCE, inspiration blooms, and DELIGHT is found in connection - and contrast - with one another and nature’s grounding elements. We find REST and BREATH in the healing process of lei-making together, weaving new LIFE into wondrous blends of color and texture. I invite you to discover your inner wildflower with FREEDOM to come and be just as you are. You have been made to reflect God’s glory with a light only you can shine. I hope that as you create and are ADORNED with a lei po'o, a crown fit for royalty, you are reminded of your inherent beauty and value as a DESIRED member of the royal 'ohana!