The Lei Collective hosts lei making workshops in Kauai. [Photo by Elana Tough]

Leis, which typically consist of a garland or wreath of flowers strung together, are commonly presented to welcome one upon their arrival or celebrate a special occasion such as a graduation. The Lei Collective was founded in November 2017, and specializes in teaching others how to make leis (Hawaiian flower crowns, more specifically) for private parties or events.

“Two years prior to starting The Lei Collective, I got a call from my cousin, who had a bunch of friends visiting from Australia that wanted to learn how to make leis for their wedding party,” says Ivory Kealani, founder of The Lei Collective. “I had a blast. I was doing something I loved in a place that I loved. The girls thought this was a business that I had, and that’s when the seed was planted initially and finally, two years later, with a little push from my husband and friend, I made it happen.”

Read on to learn more about The Lei Collective, the art of lei making, and the significance of leis:

What services do you offer?

I host lei making workshops for parties or events. The type of lei that I specialize in teaching is called a "Lei Po'o." Lei means “flower garland” and po'o means “head,” so it's not the lei that you see in most of the photos that is worn around your neck. I specialize in the Hawaiian floral crowns. The Hawaiian flower crowns are often referred to as haku or haku lei, which is what I grew up calling them, but in fact, haku lei is actually referring to a specific style of flower crown.

In my workshops, I prefer using the wili style or wrapping technique. My workshops that I host are meant to create a space for women (and men) to learn something new, be creative and have fun. Making leis is usually done in celebration, and I love to think that each person in my class has something to celebrate and try to incorporate that into each workshop.

Side note: Despite what most people think, I don't actually make any lei po'o to sell. I will make them, but only for friends and family on special occasions, so if I make you one, you must be very special!

Where is the Lei Collective based?

The Lei Collective is based on Kaua'i and I live on the North Shore. I do visit San Diego frequently, since that is where my husband is from, so from time to time I'll host workshops there when I'm in the area.

Ivory is the founder of The Lei Collective. [Photo by Keri Cooper]

What do leis represent in Hawaiian culture?

To me, the lei represents celebration and love. Leis are significant throughout Polynesia and each culture has its own variation. Different types of flowers can mean different things and traditionally leis were worn in celebration, ceremony or adornment. The kukui nut leis, for example, were traditionally worn only by the ali'i (chiefs), but today you see them being sold at every ABC Store in Waikiki and given upon check-in at hotels.

Something I am passionate about doing in each of my workshops is instilling and reiterating the respect and honor that goes into making, receiving and giving a lei. I start every workshop with each participant stating their intention for making their lei so that that intention can be interwoven into their lei.

What types of flowers do you makes leis with?

One of my favorite things about living in Hawaii is that we have access to different types of flower and greens all year round. I love mixing the local flowers with mainland flowers for every workshop because it kind of represents the purpose of my workshops: to bring people from different backgrounds together to create and feel beautiful. My husband does most of the foraging and growing, so we use a lot of ti leaf, kukui, bougainvillea, plumeria, and all types of ferns, depending on the season.

Each workshop is different in what I bring, and sometimes I'll experiment with different types of greens or flowers—it’s always fun to see how people choose to use them. For my lei po'o workshops, I usually get requests for white flowers for weddings but I've never had one floral crown come out exactly the same in any workshop, no matter what, each one is always unique.

Leis are significant throughout Polynesia and mean many things, including love and celebration. [Photo by Rachel Crane']

When are leis given and received?

If you are lucky enough to be a recipient of a lei or a lei po'o, it could be for a birthday, an engagement, a farewell, a welcome, or just another Aloha Friday. There really is no wrong time to give or receive a lei! One of my favorite things to do after I finish my workshops, if I have any leftover flowers, is take them to the beach with my family. We set up before sunset, make leis, and then give them to random people taking sunset selfies on the beach.

Imagine walking down the beach, it's a beautiful evening, you're either with a loved one or just enjoying the scenery, and ta-da! A little tan three-year-old surfer boy (yes, my oldest) runs up to you to give you a lei. I mean, does it get much better? That's kind of what it's all about. What is aloha, some people might ask? Giving a lei—that's aloha in its purest form.

For more information, visit theleicollective.com and follow them on Instagram: @theleicollective