About Lei-Lei
We are in the business of empowering women to shop responsibly and inspire change here and around the world!
Welcome to Lei-Lei! Our journey began almost 20 years ago with the birth of our son, Sean. As a baby, his unique way of crying out “Lay Lay, Lay Lay” when he was hungry touched our hearts so deeply that my husband and I knew the phrase would one day inspire something special. That dream became reality in February 2012, when Lei-Lei was born—not just as a name, but as a mission-driven brand dedicated to empowering women and children around the world.
From an early age, I’ve been passionate about fashion. Shopping trips with my mom remain some of my most cherished memories, and her role as a showroom model during fashion weeks was an inspiration. After earning a BS in Marketing and an AAS in Fashion Buying and Merchandising from FIT in New York City, I spent over 35 years building a successful career in wholesale sales and executive roles in the fashion industry. But as fulfilling as my career was, I longed to do something more meaningful—something that combined my expertise with a greater purpose.
With encouragement from my family and help from our daughter Ali during her college breaks, I launched Lei-Lei to blend fashion, empowerment, and philanthropy. At the heart of our company is the belief that small actions can make a big difference. By partnering with talented female artisans worldwide, we help them achieve financial independence while sharing their beautiful, handmade creations with you.
What began with handcrafted beaded bracelets made in a Christian community in Kathmandu, Nepal, has blossomed into a vibrant e-commerce marketplace showcasing a diverse collection of unique, sustainable, and fairly traded handmade products. Our offerings include ata grass smoke baskets, capiz wind chimes, and silver jewelry from Bali; handwoven cotton and beaded accessories from Guatemala; printed bags from India; Peruvian alpaca plush animals and shawls; as well as eco-friendly baskets and upcycled accessories. Each piece tells a story, reflecting the remarkable skill, artistry, and cultural heritage of its maker.
Every product we curate is crafted with care, using renewable materials that allow you to shop responsibly while supporting artisans in need. Your purchases don’t just add beauty to your life—they help provide opportunities, hope, and empowerment to communities across the globe.
At Lei-Lei, we take immense pride in creating a positive impact, one product at a time. We invite you to join our mission to #shopresponsibly and #inspirechange. Together, we can make a difference.
With gratitude and love,
Maria & Ali
