Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaila Burnett
Hi Kaila, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi there! My name is Kaila (Kye-luh) and I am the owner of Ulupono Leis, a small lei and floral design business established in 2021. I first learned how to make lei for a hula competition in 2016 and although it started out as a casual and somewhat dormant hobby, the pandemic urged me to revisit and build upon my lei-making skill. As a hula dancer of 12 years, lei-making remains not only a passion of mine, but a means of expression. There is nothing more enjoyable than creating and gifting someone a handmade lei.
The name Ulupono is Hawaiian for prosperity, righteousness, and morality. The word ulu (also known as breadfruit) means to increase or grow, while the word pono means righteous or respectable. Loosely translated, Ulupono means “prospering on the right path”. This was always a strong value in our family growing up.
My father is a slack key player who had the honor of playing alongside legendary Hawaiian slack key artists, including Ledward Ka’apana and George Kahumoku. Growing up, he performed as a duo with Uncle Led Ka’apana’s sister, Lehua Nash, and together they casually coined the name Ulupono. Ulupono Leis was established to continue my father’s story. He inspired me to dance hula, learn more about the Hawaiian culture, and delve into the world of Hawaiian flora and sustainability. It is his intention and kuleana (responsibility) to live righteously and uphold the Hawaiian values. Ulupono and discipline are exercised through the beautiful art of lei-making at Ulupono Leis, with aloha (love) woven into every creation.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a small business continues to bring personal challenges around managing a good work-life balance with my family, career, schooling, and hula. Other challenges include accessing materials such as flowers or plants that do not grow on the mainland.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a floral design artist who specializes in the Hawaiian art of lei-making. Ulupono Leis is known for creating traditional lei using flowers that represent native Hawaiian flora that are available and accessible on the mainland. Ulupono Leis adds a signature touch on each lei – a fresh ti leaf rosette.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I have learned that lei-making takes patience and discipline, but most importantly good time management skills. Flowers can be tricky and must be handled at the right time to guarantee freshness. You can’t buy them too soon or too late, and they must be stored under the right conditions. Sometimes that can result in last minute trips to the flower mart or having to start over which can put you in a time crunch. This is where patience and discipline come into play – no lei will turn out good if you are rushing or stressing. Running your own business also requires you to wear multiple hats, invest lots of time and energy, and trust the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/uluponoleis/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uluponoleis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092436715867&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kaiimalia
Image Credits
Salano Photography @salano.photos, (maternity shot), @ivanajade.jpg (couple shot)
