Artisan Jewelry & Gift Store to Celebrate Grand Opening

Leimana Hawaiian Artisan Jewelry and Gifts in Kealakekua will host its Grand Opening Celebration from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3.

This is an opportunity for the public to meet and greet three disabled and two abled local artisans who Leimana owners Joshua Pratt and Malialuika Gentry promote at their new location in the lobby of Mango Court, between Rocco’s Pizza Pub and Gypsea Gelato.

The small, quaint store was the dream of Gentry’s son, Joshua, who was born with multiple disabilities and challenges. His dream became a reality when, with the help of friends and family, Gentry spotted an ad on Craigslist for a space for rent in Mango Court, coincidentally, located just down from Annie’s Burgers, where Joshua participated in his first art show.

One month of renovations later turned plain bookshelves into gallery and display areas for unique, artisan-crafted local jewelry and gifts.

“I chose the name Leimana because mana is a powerful living Hawaiian energy, and aside from the literal translation of a lei being a garland, it’s deeper meaning is that of a beloved child’s hug,” said Gentry. “This little store is filled with the mana of my child’s dream. His embrace is in everything we sell, and the foundation of why we are here.”

“This is a great moment for us,” said Gentry. “Joshua has dreamt of this moment for a very long time. As far as I know, there is no other store that promotes and displays the work of local artists of all abilities exclusively. In many cases, we are helping them fulfill their dreams of self-sufficiency and independence. In other cases, we are creating a space where local artists can display and sell their art comfortably, for a fair price.”

“The talent pool in this store is amazing,” said Gentry. “And we hope to add even more artists, organic artisan products and more locations over time.”

The artists create a modern local aesthetic by combining hand-bent and worked metals, creating hand-painted clay sculpture and weaving memory wire.

Artists also design laser wood Hawaiian language puzzles, key chains magnets.

They craft abalone inlaid koa earrings, hand-weave and knot various materials and locally gathered natural elements.

The artists imprint original watercolor designs onto tiles, baby tees and onesies, and also frame them.

On Saturday, shoppers will receive a free mango tree charm with their purchase of $30 or more.

Look for savings on selected gift sets and free gift bags with each purchase.

Leimana’s artists will be posted in front of Rocco’s Pizza Pub and TK Noodles, offering free, low-cost make-and-take workshops throughout the day.

Shoppers who present a Leimana receipt will receive a 10% off their Rocco’s order on Dec. 3.

In honor of all Hawaiian language teachers, Leimana will offer ongoing discounts on all puzzles to be used in classrooms in order to promote the preservation of the language.

Hourly drawings for free gift certificates for Annie’s Burgers, TK Noodles and Gypsea Gelato will take place throughout the day.

Keaiwa (formerly the band Ka‘ū) will entertain inside Rocco’s Pizza Pub from noon to 4 p.m.

Parking is limited, so come early.

For more information, contact Gentry at (808) 895-8405 or visit www.leimanahawaii.com.

Keaiwa will perform inside Rocco’s Pizza from noon to 4 p.m. Courtesy photo.

Malialuika Pualeilehua Gentry and her son, Joshua Adam Ikaika Pratt, on their first day at Hilo Hatties in Kona in 2014. Courtesy photo.

Leimana’s kiosk in Mango Court. Courtesy photo.

Norma Oliveira became permanently disabled late in life through a workplace accident. She creates wire and resin jewelry pieces using semi-precious gems and glass. Her spiritual jewelry line is amazing. Courtesy photo.

Joshua Pratt and friends. Courtesy photo.

Artist and Leimana store owner Malialuika Gentry. Courtesy photo.

Michael Nizo does laser woodworking. When Michael was 14, he became partially paralyzed in an auto accident. With only the use of one hand, he creates Hawaiian language puzzles, key chains, magnets, koa earrings, koa and abalone inlay earrings, light boxes and other wood products. Courtesy photo.

Melissa Ozaki learned watercolor painting later in life. Many of her paintings hang in hotels and condos in the Waikoloa area. Currently, there are only two places to purchase her work—directly from her or at Leimana. She creates prints, Giclee’, tiles, baby and toddler T-shirts and onesies, and jewelry.