Our company’s name Lamalama takes its inspiration from many sources. The word “lamalama” literally means a kind of light or lamp, made traditionally by Hawaiians out of stacked, pierced kukui nuts. The lamalama gave off a warm, flickering glow as its flame burned the fragrant oil exuded by the kukui nuts. It is this light that gives “lamalama” its deeper meanings and associations. The word is a metaphor for mental and spiritual enlightenment, especially as the kukui nut is also associated with insight, wisdom, and remembrance. The nut’s oil is medicinal, used in traditional medicine for its fragrance and its warming, moisturizing qualities. The glow of “lamalama” can also refer to a bright-looking, animated, vivacious, or fair-complexioned person. These are all qualities I found in my son, Kahanu, and as a tribute to him, my company reflects these beautiful qualities.

What I create and the natural, organically sourced manner in which I make these products, are also intended to support a wearer’s vivacious, animated appearance and healthy glow. Finally, as a tribute to my traditional practice of the Hawaiian art of hula, “lamalama” reminds us of the divinity that animates all life, especially the lama tree, whose wood is sacred to Laka, the goddess of hula. As an offering to that which makes botanical life flourish, and the natural world that we strive to live in harmony with, our name bespeaks our intention to serve the beauty all around us.

Lamalama Perfumes are finely crafted using the highest quality natural materials sourced from around the world. I take extreme pride in my craft and all of my scents are painstakingly hand-poured in small batches. My perfumes are 100% natural, blended in organic non-GMO alcohol, beeswax and natural oils. They do not contain any synthetics, petrochemicals, fragrance oils, dyes, parabens, or artificial chemical fragrances.

Natural perfumes have a unique and deep complexity that cannot be found in other synthetic fragrances. The fragrance stays close to your body and evolves over time creating a sensory experience that can transport you to another time and place, and conjure memories deep within the subconscious. Brighter and sharper in the beginning, followed by 2-3 hours of an evolving, more subtle scent that will take you to a dry down period that stays close to the surface of your skin.