Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelic Ordoñez
Hi Angelic, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Aloha! I’m Ang, Lei maker/Lei Babe and owner of
Haukea Leis, LLC.
I was pregnant with my firstborn when I attended my first lei workshop, and I instantly fell in love with the art of lei-making.
My husband was contracted to work in Hawaii for several years. During those years, I traveled back and forth from San Diego to Oahu, each time excited to learn something new about the culture, art of lei, and small businesses surrounding the island.
I was on maternity leave with my second child when I decided to pursue my passion for lei making and turning it into a business.
I was taught Aloha has a deeper cultural and spiritual significance for native Hawaiians. It’s not only a greeting; it represents love, compassion, and peace. For my family, this is our way of life.
Through my small business, I show admiration and cultural respect for the Polynesian community and the beautiful islands that taught me so much.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Time management. I am a Mommy to 3 beautiful children. I have a full-time career in law enforcement and a small business that I love. My hands are full.
I was told starting a business with babies running around would not be the easiest thing to do. They were right! My babies are curious about everything I do. They all love to help Mommy. My 5-year-old Ms. Avie sits next to me, hands me flowers, and practices making lei with me. She also helps me prep flowers for workshops.
My middle child and youngest like to explore each flower texture by pulling off the petals.
My business has been built around my ohana (family), and clients love that about Haukea Leis, LLC.
I know there are days I run on little sleep, but I love my small business. I hope to pour the love that has been shared with me into each lei creation and spread Aloha to each and every one of my clients and this beautiful lei community.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make Hawaiian-style lei, customize lei orders, and hold lei workshops here in San Diego County.
Lei po’o (lei for the head) is becoming today’s boho-chic statement piece and is fun to create and wear! Clients can put in a special order, join a workshop, or customize their private party!
Lei for all occasions
• holidays
• photography
• birthdays
• bachelorette parties/brides/weddings
• baby showers/ sprinkles
• or to wear & have fun
I take pride in teaching the art of lei . Workshops are one of my most popular services.
Workshops are 1.5-2 hour sessions that include all the flowers and supplies to make your Hawaiian-style flower crown.
I give step-by-step instructions on how to make a head crown using the Wili style (wrapping) technique. Workshops include flower prep, one-on-one – hands-on instruction, and a beautiful picnic-style setup with options to upgrade your picnic style to tables, canopies, and yummy goodies. A client called our set up a social media picture-worthy event.
After we complete our workshop, I express my aloha to my clients by capturing beautiful pictures of them modeling their work of art.
What matters most to you?
Lei and flower crowns are now popular. People make and wear them but don’t really know where lei comes from or why it’s so important to Hawaiian culture.
Through my small business, I hope to show cultural respect for the Polynesian community and the beautiful islands that have taught me much.
Through my teachings, I hope clients learn to be mindful of waste to protect our aina (land) and take home the teachings of
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.haukealeis.com
- Instagram: @haukea.leis
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hanu.haku.leis
Image Credits
Jane Robles @janeroblesphoto, Salt and Light Studio SD @saltandlightstudio.sd
