Kara - Founder of Leiho'ohie | Honolulu, Oahu

Kara is a multi-passionate creative who brings, joy, compassion and encouragement to the community through lei-making experiences and her podcast “Lei Stories.”
Here she talks about the story behind her business name, the proudest moment in her journey and how she sees her business evolving in the years to come.

Tell us a little about yourself! Who are you and what’s your creative and cultural background?

I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and raised by a creative interior designer mom and a business-savvy dad, both entrepreneurs. From dance to music to jewelry-making and now floral artistry, my inspiration comes from the natural beauty of my island home and my travels around the world.

I started playing violin and dancing hula at age 5, so creativity has always been a part of my life. Growing up, we’d often make our own garments, implements, and sometimes lei before hula festivals and competitions. This process of gathering, prepping, and creating with nature taught me ‘āina aloha—a deep love and care for the land—and instilled gratitude to Akua, God our creator.

As a teen, I explored jewelry-making, and the idea of owning a jewelry business sparked my curiosity. Last year, I took the leap to start my own company, which has grown from hosting lei-making experiences to designing bespoke pieces that blend tradition with modern cosmopolitan lei culture. I also launched Lei Stories, a podcast where I capture the extraordinary in everyday people’s lives, stringing together memories, raw moments, and lessons into a lei of shared experiences. To me, lei is more than a symbol of Hawaii—it’s a tangible way to share the embracing, connecting spirit of Aloha with the world.

You’ve traveled around and even lived abroad. What brought you back to Hawaii?

Though I consider myself a citizen of the world, Hawaii will always be home. There’s something so unique about the air, the natural beauty, the way of life, the people, and the Aloha Spirit—it’s unmatched anywhere else. I’ll always have one foot in the sand, even as I explore the abundance of the world.

What’s the story behind the name Leiho‘ohie?

When I was 13, my late Kumu Hula, Aunty Hattie Eldridge Phillips, gave me this name. At the time, it reflected how she saw me as a dancer—a beloved child whose movements captivated and drew others in. Recently, a friend and expert in the Hawaiian language shared the deeper kaona (hidden meaning): “the beloved child who encircles and raises others up in love.” My brand is an extension of this identity. It’s my hope that my guests and clients feel encouraged, seen, cared for, and beautiful.

What are your guiding values, and how are they reflected in the experiences you curate?

- Freedom: Fostering nonjudgmental creative flow and embracing the process.

- Authenticity: Creating space for rawness, relatability, and unique self-expression.

- Connectedness: Building community one lei at a time, with vulnerability and empathy at the heart.

- Empowerment: Helping others realize their inherent value as creations of God, designed with purpose.

- Adventure: Taking risks with curiosity, embracing out-of-the-box ideas and designs.

Tell me about your Lei Stories podcast.

Lei Stories blends the art of lei-making with storytelling, creating a space for everyday people to share their stories. Each episode strings together fond memories, raw moments, and lessons learned into exquisite lei. Through vibrant flowers and intimate conversations, I hope to encourage listeners to reflect on their own unique stories while fostering a deeper sense of connection.

In a fast-paced world that craves connection, my hope is for the podcast to remind us of the beauty in slowing down, being present, and truly seeing one another. For my guests, I aim to create a healing and empowering experience as they reflect on their journeys, wisdom, and hopes for the future. If even one listener finds hope in a guest’s story, the podcast has fulfilled its purpose.

How do you see Leiho‘ohie evolving in the next few years?

I envision Leiho‘ohie growing globally, bringing joy and encouragement through expanded lei-making experiences, launching new products that extend the culture of lei and spirit of Aloha beyond Hawaii, and growing the podcast’s reach to inspire and connect with even more people around the world.

What would be your dream project?

Turning my Lei Stories podcast into a documentary that shares the art, culture, and stories behind lei-making with the world.

What can we find you doing when you’re not creating or hosting events?

Swimming, admiring life underwater, taking long sunset walks on the beach, getting lost exploring a new city, learning the stories of other creatives, and playing tourist in my own hometown.

What does your day-to-day look like as a business owner?

No two days are the same! If I’m not hosting an event or creating a custom piece, I’m handling administrative tasks like bookkeeping and communicating with clients or partners, prepping florals for upcoming events, engaging in small business programs, creating content for Instagram, or filming and editing episodes of the Lei Stories podcast.

What are some challenges of running your own business?

The discipline of managing my time as my own boss, carving out designated times for rest and work, and staying adaptable as my brand continues to evolve.

What’s been the proudest moment in your journey so far?

The relationships I’ve built and nurtured. In a world that often feels competitive, I’ve prioritized collaboration and adding value to others. I’m proud of the way I’ve stewarded relationships with both partners and clients.

What advice would you give to aspiring women wanting to turn their passion into a career?

This journey is a reflection of walking in faith and purpose with the gifts God has given me. My advice? Start by reflecting on who you are, your values, and what brings meaning to your life. These pillars will guide your brand. Seek out mentorship, ask questions, and don’t compare yourself to others—there’s room for everyone. Be patient, consistent, and trust the process.