Introduction

Lei-making has been part of the Polynesian culture for centuries. This intricate art involves creating beautiful garlands made with fresh flowers, seashells, and even paper or fabric. Besides being worn as a symbol of celebration, leis are often given as a sign of respect, love, and appreciation. If you’re a lei maker, you know how rewarding it can be to create these beautiful pieces of art. But have you ever thought of turning your passion for lei-making into a profitable business? In this article, we’ll explore five unique ideas for making money by selling lei. Whether you’re just starting or looking for ways to expand your existing crafting business, this guide has everything you need to know.

5 Unique Ideas to Make Money by Selling Lei

First things first, let’s talk about the different types of lei that you can make. While fresh flower leis are the most traditional, there are many other materials you can use, such as fabric, paper, or seashells. Besides, you can also experiment with different styles and patterns to create unique and personalized pieces.

Fabric Lei

Fabric leis are perfect for those who want a long-lasting keepsake. They’re also ideal for people with allergies or those who live in areas where fresh flowers are hard to come by. To make a fabric lei, you’ll need some colorful fabric strips, a needle, and thread. The simplest way to make a fabric lei is by braiding the strips together. Alternatively, you can also sew or tie them together to create a pattern. Once you’ve finished making the lei, you can sell it online on platforms like Etsy or Amazon or at local flea markets or craft fairs.

Paper Lei

Paper leis are another popular option, especially for children’s parties or special occasions. To make a paper lei, you’ll need some colorful paper strips, a hole puncher, and a cord or ribbon. The easiest way to make a paper lei is by folding each paper strip in half and using a hole puncher to create a hole at the top. Thread the cord or ribbon through the holes, and you’re done. You can also experiment with different paper shapes and sizes to create unique patterns. Sell them online or at local markets.

Flower Lei

Flower leis are the most popular type of lei. They’re usually made with fresh flowers, but you can also use silk or artificial flowers if you can’t find the real ones. To make a flower lei, you’ll need some fresh flowers, needle, and thread. Start by stringing the flowers onto the thread, alternating the colors and patterns as you go. Once you’ve strung all the flowers, tie the thread into a knot, and you’re done. Fresh flower leis must be sold locally because they will not last long with shipping.

Mastering the Art of Making Lei – Turn Your Skill into Business

If you’re serious about turning your lei-making hobby into a profitable business, you need to master the art of lei-making. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Where to Sell Your Products

Once you’ve made your leis, you’ll need to sell them to make a profit. Consider selling your products on platforms like Etsy or Amazon, or create a website or social media page to showcase your offerings. Local flea markets or craft fairs are also excellent places to sell your leis if you want to reach a wider audience.

Dealing with Logistics

As a lei maker, you’ll need to deal with logistics, such as purchasing supplies, creating your products, packaging, and shipping. You should also consider hiring additional help or outsourcing some of these tasks to focus on what you do best: making beautiful leis.

Marketing Your Products

One of the most crucial aspects of running a lei-making business is marketing your products. Make sure to take advantage of social media, word-of-mouth, or email marketing to reach potential customers.

Success Stories

Many people have turned their lei-making hobby into a successful business. One of these success stories is Blossom by Brooke, a Hawaii-based business that sells unique and stunning flower leis, bouquets, and arrangements. Brooke started her business in 2020, and she’s already gained a loyal following on social media, and her products are hugely popular at local markets.

Hosting Lei-Making Workshops: A Creative and Fun Way to Make Money

Another creative way to make money by selling lei is by hosting lei-making workshops. This fun and interactive activity is perfect for team building events or parties. Here’s what you need to get started:

Where to Host Your Workshops

First, you’ll need to find a suitable venue for your workshop. Consider renting a space at a local community center or library, or host the event at your home if you have enough space.

Creating a Lesson Plan

To make your workshop successful, you’ll need to create a lesson plan that includes step-by-step instructions on how to make a lei. Consider offering different types of leis to appeal to a wide audience.

Marketing Your Workshops

To attract attendees, you’ll need to market your workshops. Use social media or email marketing to promote your workshop. Consider partnering with local businesses or organizations to reach more people.

Success Stories

Many people have turned their lei-making skills into a profitable business by hosting workshops. One of these success stories is Paper Daisy Hawaii, a Hawaii-based business that offers lei-making workshops for children and adults. Besides, they also sell handmade paper leis and other products online.

Start a Lei Subscription Service

If you want to generate recurring revenue and build a loyal customer base, consider starting a lei subscription service. Here’s how to launch a subscription service:

Sourcing Materials

First, you’ll need to source high-quality materials to create your leis. Consider partnering with local florists or fabric suppliers to find the best materials.

Creating a Delivery Schedule

You’ll also need to create a delivery schedule that works for you and your subscribers. Consider delivering your leis weekly, biweekly, or monthly, depending on the demand.

Promoting Your Service

To attract subscribers, you’ll need to promote your service. Use email marketing, social media, and word-of-mouth to reach potential customers.

Success Stories

Many people have launched successful lei subscription services, such as The Hawaiian Lei Company, which sells fresh flower leis and garlands to customers in the US. They offer different subscription plans, making it easy for customers to choose the best option for them.

Making and Selling Lei: A Simple, Profitable Business Model

If you want to keep things simple, you can create a profitable business model by making and selling lei from home. Here’s how to get started:

Starting from Scratch

First, you’ll need to purchase the necessary materials to make your leis. Consider starting small and expanding your business as demand increases.

Marketing Your Products

Once you’ve made your leis, you’ll need to market them to reach potential customers. Use social media, local markets, or pop-up shops to showcase your products.

Fulfilling Orders

As your business grows, you’ll need to figure out how to fulfill orders efficiently. Consider hiring additional help or outsourcing some of the tasks.

Success Stories

Many people have built successful lei-making businesses from scratch. One of these success stories is Hanalei Strings, a business based in Kauai, Hawaii, that sells handmade flower leis and garlands for weddings, celebrations, and special occasions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making and selling lei can be a fun and profitable business venture. Whether you decide to host lei-making workshops, start a lei subscription service, or create a simple, profitable business model from scratch, the possibilities are endless. Remember, it takes time, effort, and dedication to turn your passion into a successful business. But with the right mindset and a willingness to learn and adapt, you can achieve great success.

If you’re interested in learning more about lei-making and entrepreneurship, be sure to check out our additional resources section below.