We’re proud to introduce the ten incredible companies joining Cohort 10 of Mana Up, a Hawai‘i-based accelerator and economic development initiative that helps local product companies scale globally—while creating jobs, opportunities, and strengthening community across the islands.
What began as a māmā’s search for keiki clothing that truly felt like home has blossomed into one of Hawai‘i’s most beloved locally grown brands. The Keiki Dept, founded by Native Hawaiian entrepreneur and mother of five Leilani Sills, creates everyday clothing for children that honors Hawaiian culture, language, and legacy—one print at a time.
“We started with handmade bibdanas and harem shorts stitched at my dining table,” Leilani recalls. “I just wanted something for my kids that felt authentic—something that reflected who we are.”
Today, The Keiki Dept’s playful and purposeful designs have grown into a full-fledged business with a loyal following across the islands and beyond. From signature kapa moe swaddles to educational memory games, every product is designed to foster cultural connection from the crib to the classroom.
A Brand Born from a Mother's Vision
The idea for The Keiki Dept came in 2015, when Leilani was expecting and shopping for Hawai‘i-inspired clothes for her child. What she found were cliché prints and generic designs—none of which captured the beauty or depth of island life.
“As a Native Hawaiian māmā, I wanted more than just hibiscus prints,” she says. “I wanted clothing that would help my keiki connect to their roots, to the stories and language of this place.”
That desire sparked the launch of The Keiki Dept in 2016—a side hustle that quickly turned into a community movement. “It started as a way to help pay for diapers,” she laughs. “Now it’s a legacy project.”
Designed with Culture in Every Thread
In 2018, Leilani made a pivotal shift. She began designing with intention—centering the brand around native plants, ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, and the cultural practices she was rediscovering with her own family.
“We started planting kalo, going on hikes to learn about native ecosystems, and sharing those experiences through our products,” she explains. “What began as a learning journey for one child turned into a lifestyle for our whole ‘ohana.”
Today, The Keiki Dept works with local wāhine artists to create limited-edition prints that honor everything from ‘ōhi‘a lehua to ‘iwa birds. Each piece isn’t just cute—it’s a conversation starter and a teaching tool.
“Our clothing helps families learn together,” says Leilani. “It’s about making culture visible, accessible, and wearable.”
“I want today’s keiki to grow up seeing ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i on their clothes, in their books, and on store shelves."
Growing a Business from the Ground Up
Leilani’s entrepreneurial path hasn’t been easy. With no business background or formal training, she learned everything through trial, error, and sheer determination.
“In the beginning, it was just me—sewing late into the night, packing orders while nursing a newborn,” she shares. “I used my savings to buy fabric and get our first swaddles made by a manufacturer we still use today.”
One of the hardest—and most defining—moments came in 2021, when she took the leap into her first warehouse space in ‘Aiea. “Leaving the comfort of home to scale the business felt scary,” she admits. “But it was the right step.”
Nearly a decade in, Leilani now sees The Keiki Dept not as a placeholder job—but as her life’s work. “This is what I want to retire from. This is what I’ll leave for my keiki.”
A Legacy of Aloha
From its start, The Keiki Dept has been grounded in community and the belief that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in what they wear.
“I want today’s keiki to grow up seeing ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i on their clothes, in their books, and on store shelves,” Leilani says. “And I want it to be so normal that they don’t even question it.”
With plans to grow the Made in Hawai‘i line and expand into educational products, the future of The Keiki Dept is bright—and deeply rooted.
“We’re not just building a brand. We’re helping build cultural literacy and pride for the next generation.”
Grounded by Family
Through it all, Leilani credits her family—especially her five children—for keeping her grounded and inspired.
“When I look into their eyes, I’m reminded why I started all of this,” she says. “Watching them grow reminds me to slow down, to be present. The Keiki Dept started as a way to support them, but it’s also a way to show them what’s possible when you lead with passion.”
Words of Wisdom
Leilani’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in Hawai‘i is both practical and heartfelt: “Just go for it. But do your research. Bring your unique voice to the table, and don’t wait for someone to hand you the keys. Put in the work. Be consistent. You’ll see it pay off.”
Her favorite product? The all-purpose swaddle blanket —a longtime customer favorite. “It’s versatile and has become part of so many families’ stories. We don’t even call it a swaddle anymore—it’s for everyone.”
And her newest pride and joy? A memory game designed in collaboration with her keiki that blends fun and education through native species and language. “Watching my kids see it on shelves—nothing compares.”
Explore The Keiki Dept’s collection of culturally rooted children’s clothing and family goods at thekeikidept.com
Follow along on Instagram: @thekeikidept
