Kākou Collective: Unveiling Our New Logo - A Story of Growth, Culture, and Connection

The Made in Hawaiʻi 2024 season marks a significant milestone for Kākou Collective as we unveil our new logo – a Kapa Kuiki Motif of 'Ōhi'a Lehua. This design is not just a visual representation of our brand; it's a story of growth, cultural heritage, and deep connection to our 'āina (land) and 'ohana (family). It's a reflection of our core values: kuleana (responsibility), pilina (relationships), 'oia'i'o (authenticity), and kākou (inclusivity).

The Evolution of Our Visual Identity

Since the birth of Kākou Collective, we've embraced a unique tradition: blending Hawaiian quilt making with modern art. Each year, we create a design that honors a significant plant, chosen to embody our values, themes, and cherished memories. This practice has become our way of storytelling and celebrating growth, always striving for 'oia'i'o - authenticity and truth in our creative expression.

In 2021, we took our first steps into apparel design, creating kapa kuiki shirts and totes exclusively for our team and 'ohana. This initial design incorporated the first iteration of what would eventually become our logo. Little did we know then how much this creative journey would shape our path forward, guided by our commitment to kākou - consciously including all people and things in our process.

A Time of Reflection and Growth

July 2023 marked a significant milestone in our journey. Just before the Made in Hawai'i festival, we were blessed with our first office space – a monumental step for a small business that started on my parents' kitchen table. This physical growth was a testament to how far we had come, yet it also ushered in a period of deep reflection.

Despite this exciting new chapter, I found myself hesitating to put up a sign at our new office. This reluctance persisted for an entire year, puzzling me at first. As time passed, I began to understand the reason behind this hesitation. I had grown not just as a business owner, but as a person and as an artist. Our then-logo no longer reflected who we had become or where we were heading. Staying true to our value of 'oia'i'o, we knew it was time for a change that would authentically represent our evolution.

This realization was both challenging and liberating – it signaled that it was time for change. It took a full year of introspection and creative evolution before we were ready to proudly display our identity. Now, one year later, we've finally put up our sign, featuring our new logo that truly represents Kākou Collective's essence and values.

In this process of reflection and redesign, I made a beautiful discovery: the perfect design had been there all along. It was a pattern that I had long loved and that deeply resonated with me. This realization felt like coming full circle, connecting our past inspirations with our present growth and future aspirations.

This journey from my parents' kitchen table to our own office space, and from an old logo to a rediscovered design, symbolizes more than just business growth. It represents personal development, a deepening connection to our roots, and a clearer vision of our purpose, all guided by our commitment to kākou - honoring our community, culture, and place in our decisions.

Introducing Our New Logo: The 'Ōhi'a Lehua Kapa Kuiki Motif

The 'ōhi'a lehua tree holds a special place in Hawaiian ecology and culture, embodying core values that are central to Kākou Collective: resilience, kuleana (responsibility), and pilina (relationships).

1. Resilience: The 'ōhi'a lehua embodies resilience in its most profound form:
   • It thrives on new lava flows, growing directly from seemingly inhospitable lava rock.
   • Its seeds, dispersed by wind, settle into cracks in the lava, taking root where little else can survive.
   • Through its growth, it creates the foundation for all other life in the ecosystem to form and flourish.
   • By persevering in harsh conditions, it uplifts all other species around it, demonstrating how resilience can have a far-reaching positive impact.
   At Kākou Collective, we draw inspiration from the 'ōhi'a lehua's resilience. It teaches us that by continuing to i mua (go forward) despite opposition, we can bring up our community with us as we grow through obstacles. Just as the 'ōhi'a lehua transforms barren lava into a thriving ecosystem, we strive to turn challenges into opportunities for growth, not just for ourselves, but for our entire community.
2. Kuleana (Responsibility): The 'ōhi'a lehua embodies kuleana in its crucial ecological role:
   • It plays a key role in watershed protection and water conservation, retaining water following storm events and preventing subsequent erosion and flooding.
   • This keystone species collects and distributes water not just for itself but for the entire ecosystem.
   • Its deep root systems help stabilize soil, preventing erosion and supporting the growth of other plants.
   • By providing shelter and food for native species, it takes on the responsibility of sustaining biodiversity.
   At Kākou Collective, the 'ōhi'a lehua reminds us of our kuleana to nurture and support our community and environment. Just as this tree takes on multiple responsibilities within its ecosystem, we strive to be a positive force in our community, taking responsibility for our actions and their impact on others and our surroundings.
3. Pilina (Relationships): The 'ōhi'a lehua embodies the Hawaiian concept of pilina – the deep, multifaceted relationships that connect all living things. At Kākou Collective, we recognize pilina as a core value that guides our interactions with our community and environment. Within the forest ecosystem, the 'ōhi'a lehua demonstrates the importance of these relationships:
   • It provides shelter and sustenance for a wide array of flora and fauna.
   • Its flowers offer nectar to native birds, many of which are endangered or extinct. Our son's name, Kamanu'ailehua, honors these birds and reminds us of our kuleana to protect and preserve both the 'ōhi'a lehua and the native bird species that depend on it.
   • Its presence supports the growth and survival of numerous other plant and insect species.
   • As it grows, it contributes to the overall health and biodiversity of the forest.
   This web of relationships reminds us of the interconnectedness of all living things. Just as the 'ōhi'a lehua plays a crucial role in its ecosystem, we at Kākou Collective strive to be a positive force in our community, fostering connections and supporting the growth of those around us. We are guided by our four core values: kuleana (responsibility), pilina (relationships), 'oia'i'o (authenticity), and kākou (inclusivity). These values shape our interactions, drive our decisions, and inspire us to create positive change in our community and beyond.

Looking Forward

As we embrace this new visual identity, we reaffirm our commitment to our values: kuleana, pilina, 'oia'i'o, and kākou. Like the 'ōhi'a lehua, we aim to be resilient, nurturing, and deeply connected to the world around us. We strive to maintain transparency and honesty in who we are, what we do, and what drives our actions ('oia'i'o), while consciously including all people and things in our journey (kākou).

We invite you to join us in celebrating this new chapter. Each time you see our new logo, remember the story it tells – of growth, of culture, of authentic connections, and of the beautiful, inclusive community we're building together.

Mahalo nui loa to our incredible community for being an integral part of our journey and growth, not only as a business but in shaping us to be better people of Hawai'i. We've learned so much from you and hope to continue growing and learning together to make our Hawai'i a better place for future generations, just as the 'ōhi'a lehua nurtures and sustains its ecosystem for years to come.

Your support, wisdom, and aloha have been the fertile ground in which Kākou Collective has flourished. Like the 'ōhi'a lehua, we're committed to giving back to our community, fostering resilience, and nurturing the interconnected web of relationships that make Hawai'i so special.

Me ke aloha pumehana,

Kea Peters

Founder, Kākou Collective

P.S. Our journey of growth and connection doesn't stop here! We've embraced another exciting challenge that's shaping both our family and our designs. We've committed to becoming a Kula Kaiapuni 'Ohana, embarking on a lifelong journey of learning and immersing ourselves in Hawaiian language and culture.

This path of growth has deeply influenced both our personal lives and our creative process. If you're curious about how motherhood and our commitment to Hawaiian education are weaving their way into the fabric of Kākou Collective, we invite you to read our blog post: "Motherhood and Artistry: How My Son Inspires My Designs."

In this piece, you'll discover the beautiful interplay between raising a keiki, our Kula Kaiapuni journey, and the evolution of our artistic expression. Click here to explore how these profound life changes are reflected in our newest creations.

Mahalo for being part of our ever-evolving story!