About

Laila Reiss is a designer of German-Korean heritage. She grew up between countries, shaped by early exposure to art, craftsmanship, and diverse cultural traditions. She is a design graduate of Central Saint Martins London and was drawn to the floral artistry of Hawaiian lei making, a practice grounded in discipline, technique, and respect for natural materials.

Based on Maui, her contemporary work is rooted in traditional methods. She teaches at The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center, while remaining closely connected to the island through weekly farmers markets.

Her practice is informed by Buddhist philosophy and her Korean name, Mehwa (매화), meaning plum blossom. Her work reflects a quiet sensitivity to nature, presence, and form. This approach extends into FLORA, a floral-inspired jewelry collection that translates botanical forms into lasting design.