Our Lei Collab with Kaulumaika

If you’ve been with us for a while, you probably already know this… but our Lei Collab with Emily of Kaulumaika is one of those projects that turned into so much more than we expected, it started a friendship and a one time collab into a full collection.

It started with a simple idea

I wanted a lei swaddle. I wanted to see babies wrapped in lei. I had the concept in my head (and on paper… and then on an iPad), but I’m not an artist. And at the time I was juggling a whole lot—life, work, keiki, all of it. I knew I needed the right person to bring it to life.

I actually started the idea behind the collab with another artist but the timing wasnʻt right for us and that was the best thing that could have happened. I was back to the drawing board and my rough line drawing sketch didnʻt match the vision in my head.

But then Emily’s work popped up.

I didn’t know her personally, but something told me to reach out… and I’m so glad I did.

Why this collab worked

This wasn’t just “here’s a design, thanks.” It felt like a true collaboration—talking story, tweaking, learning, researching, and building something we were both proud to share.

Watching Emily grow as an artist and business owner over the years has been such a gift. She has inspired me in so many ways, especially in my language learning journey. While I have not been as committed, to see how she has learned ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and speaks it with her whole ʻohana is something I hope one day to reach.

The Lei Collab

This collab grew into a whole collection of lei prints—each one with its own vibe, its own story, and its own little connection to home.

If you want the deep dive stories, I’ve shared them in separate posts, but hereʻs the prints that make up the collab.

Lei Poinaʻole (the original “Na Lei o Hawaiʻi” design)

Lei Ōmaʻomaʻo (a greener, more native-plant focused feel)

Lei Ānuenue (our rainbow lei—colorful, hopeful, and full of light)

Lei Maile (a lei to celebrate special occasions)

Lei Alaula (two different colorways inspired by a Hawaiian sunset, signifying the final pieces of this collection)

And the best part is: we each offer different pieces—so you can shop the collection in a way that fits your life.

Where to shop the Lei Collab

If you’re looking for our Keiki Dept pieces from the collab, you can browse them here:

Shop The Keiki Dept Lei Collab

And if you want to see what Emily has created on her side (Kaulumaika), you can find her Lei Collab items here:
Shop Kaulumaika Lei Collab

Mahalo for being part of this

This collection has been one of those reminders that when you follow a feeling—an idea you can’t shake—sometimes it turns into something bigger than you planned.

If you have a favorite lei from the collab, or a lei memory tied to your own ʻohana, I’d love to hear it. Reply, comment, DM—talk story with me.