Hawaiian Traditions and Modern Skincare Meet in Every Handcrafted Product
For Ariel Ebel, starting LEIRA Organics wasn’t just about creating products—it was about reclaiming time and preserving culture. As a wellness practitioner and mother, Ariel was drawn to entrepreneurship by a deep desire for more time with her family and a platform to share the healing practices of her ancestors.
“Time and culture,” she says simply, when asked what inspired her. It’s this clarity of purpose that shapes every aspect of her business. From the ingredients she selects to the stories she tells through each jar of salve or bottle of toner, LEIRA Organics is as much about connection as it is about care.
Rooted in Lāʻau Lapaʻau, Reaching Beyond Hawaiʻi
LEIRA Organics specializes in organic skin and body care, combining the ancient Hawaiian healing tradition of Lāʻau Lapaʻau with modern skincare technologies. Based in Hawaiʻi, the brand ships across both the islands and the Continental U.S., sharing its healing mission far beyond local shores.
Ariel identifies as Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian—identities that are deeply woven into her work. “Culture in my work is vital,” she says. That’s not a branding statement—it’s a lived truth. Every LEIRA product reflects generations of passed-down knowledge, native ingredients, and spiritual care.
The Learning Curve and the Jar Hunt
Starting a business from scratch often reveals unexpected lessons. For Ariel, one surprise was how affordable it is to register a business with the state. That early discovery gave her confidence to move forward.
Of course, not everything came easily. One of her biggest ongoing challenges has been sourcing glass jars, a non-negotiable for her eco-conscious packaging. She continously explores vendor options to meet her sustainability standards while keeping production moving. It’s a reminder that running a small business requires daily problem-solving and long-term vision.
Community Support and Cultural Wins
A major milestone for LEIRA Organics came when Ariel was invited to participate in the Made In Hawaiʻi Festival, a well-known celebration of local products and creators. That opportunity, she says, wouldn’t have happened without support from INPEACE, an organization dedicated to empowering Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs.
When asked what she’d recommend to others hoping to follow a similar path, she doesn’t hesitate: “INPEACE, Kūhana, CNHA, Maolipreneur.” These programs, rooted in community, have been instrumental in her journey—and reflect her belief that success is never a solo effort.
