Each November and December is a flurry of crafting activity at our house. We hand make as many gifts as possible, then search Etsy, local shops and craft fairs for the rest. We’ve always done this not only because it’s earth friendly and extra special for the recipient, but to also make a stand to help our economy, our country, recover.
I’m sure you’ve also been affected, like we have, by food and gas prices rising exponentially. As prices rise sharply on our supplies as well, USPS shipping once again raises costs, and living expenses climb steadily up, it’s caused us to take more than a precursory glance at the “made overseas” option. I’ve thought long and hard about it…

I know there are well meaning companies in our line of work manufacturing their goods in China or Egypt. They are small businesses, too, growing fast by keeping costs down. It seems like the best business move!

But I can’t sacrifice the core values of our company for quicker financial gain. Lilia Designs was established in 2003 as ‘made on Maui’, supporting our local economy, and focusing on sustainability. We do not believe it is a sustainable practice to mass produce in a factory setting.

So, we will continue to do things our way: one batch at a time, women working in our modest workshop, keeping our focus on superb workmanship, serving our customers well, and striving for the smallest carbon footprint possible.

A huge heartfelt THANK YOU for choosing to do your shopping with us and other eco-conscious small businesses. We can make a difference one family, one business at a time! I hope you and yours have a peaceful and joyful rest of 2011.

Aloha,
Anna Hakes, owner
Lilia Designs

It’s that time again!  Twice a year, we clear out our barely second quality items, discontinued colors and the like.  Join us this Memorial Day weekend at Go With The Flo for some incredible savings. Get 30% off Saturday, 40% off Sunday, 50% off Monday…and a last minute grab at $5 each during the final hour!!  Keep an eye on FaceBook for the special discount codes. C-U-There!

This is one of our favorite times of year!  Rain clouds, sunshine, singing birds and blossoming flowers…ahhh….take a deep breath of that clean air!   Well, it’s clean here on Maui, anyways.  ;)  While dying up some more of our regular colors, I was spontaneously inspired to do something green.  The result is breathtakingly fresh!  What do you think?

Here on Maui we have two seasons to the mainland’s four.  Instead of spring, summer, fall and winter, we have the Wet Season and the Dry Season.  Our Wet Season begins mid to late November and lasts until mid to late April.  Of course, it never really gets cold here – not cold like so many of you have experienced this winter with the excessive snow!  But we call it “cold” when the clouds are dark and heavy with rain and the tradewinds get a nip in them.

Wet season is my favorite time of year.  I love rain!  It means the kids and I cuddle up on the couch under blankets with bowls of fresh-popped popcorn smothered in butter and nutritional yeast and watch a movie.  In the background, the steady rythm of the rain staccatos against the windows, rising and falling with the drive of the gusty winds we have here.

As I write this, I here the winds picking up and have watched the clouds gather all day.  Hopefully we will be in for another storm!  If you’re at home due to weather in your hometown, treat yourself to something from our store at 5% off with code ‘SPRING’!  :)

Go With The Flo pads in bright jeweled colors to make you smile during your time of the month.