Maui Made

(Update: Use coupon code AF13LS for a 15% discount on liliadesigns.com)

As stated in an earlier post, there are currently no baby, children’s or maternity stores on Maui (with the exception of some toy/book stores).  Some retail-minded entrepreneur could probably do well with a store that carries items not found in our local Walmart.  And when this store opens, I hope they carry locally made products – like LIlia Designs, by Anna Hakes:

LIlia Designs is made up of two main lines, Maui Diaper, a unique, one-size-fits-all cloth diaper, and Go With The Flo, reusable cloth menstrual pads for women. Each product is hand-crafted using primarily natural fiber and organic fabrics such as bamboo, hemp and organic cotton and wool. Hand-dyed items are dyed with non-toxic dyes, and no harsh chemicals or pollutants are used during the dying process.   In addition to the main lines, Lilia Designs also makes nursing pads, the Diva Panty (period underwear!) infinity scarves and multi-purpose wet-bags.

Hand tie-dyes infinity scarves

Locally made, one-size-fits-all cloth diapers

Maui Made: Where did you get the idea for your company? 

Anna Hakes: Lilia Designs was born 11 years ago out of the need and desire for a diaper that didn’t leak.  The Maui Diaper brand was created through years of designing and testing cloth diapers on my 4 children, resulting in a cutting edge design: the ‘One Fit’ one-size diaper.  The Go With The Flo brand was added in 2005 to give women a healthier care option for their monthly cycle.  My passion is designing, and spend most of my free time creating clothing, re-usable products, and other necessities that everyone can use.

MM: Is this a full time business for you? 

AH: I am a full time wife and mommy.  Lilia Designs is my creative outlet and provides a supplemental source of income for our family and for other women who work with me.

MM: How do most people hear about you?  

AH: Most of our customers come to us through word of mouth.  Although based here on Maui, my main customer base is in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and across the mainland US.

Go with the Flo cloth pads- come in a variety of colors!

MM: What’s your most popular product?  

AH: Believe it or not, my most popular product is Go With The Flo pads!  More and more women are realizing the damage disposable paper products can and do cause to our bodies, and they want a nontoxic, organic alternative.  And we’ve got it!  Tied for top seller status are the hand-dyed Infinity scarves we make.  A close second is the waterproof storage bag I designed.  It’s PERFECT for keeping wet swim wear in on the way home from the beach.

MM: What’s next for your company? 

AH: Lilia Designs is poised for a major growth spurt right now.  As the demand grows, I am barely keeping up!  So the next step is finding local manufacturing.  Then, we’ll be able to get our product out there for everyone to see in the local stores…

Anna also has great information on her website if you are considering starting cloth diapers or feminine pads.

Lilia Designs are available for purchase at Mana Foods in Paia, Maui, at these retailers in Canada, the UK and Australia, and online at LiliaDesigns.com – If you are in the UK and you want to purchase online you can click here.  There is also a store on Etsy.

Follow Lilia Designs on Facebook and Twitter

Want 15% off your purchases at liliadesigns.com?  Use Coupon Code AF13LS! 

Mahalo to Anna for taking some time to share her story – I’m so glad to know about this product, I just wish I knew about it six years ago!  Hoping to help spread the word to other new mommies, and anyone considering making a small change for themselves and the planet.