Every time you unbox your new skincare, cruise through our website or scroll through our social media, you’re seeing Ciara’s brilliance in action. A design/photography/illustration triple threat, her brilliant creativity and keen attention to detail infuses every aspect of the Leahlani universe with inspiration and pure visual magic.
A Q&A with Ciara, Designer Extraordinaire
What does your design process look like?
I start by analyzing the task or problem. Next, comes planning and searching for inspiration. Then, I start drafting some designs. After that’s completed, I’ll send the design in for review, make revisions, and finish the final work! Depending on the scale of the project, the process could take a few minutes to few weeks!
What does your work day look like?
Since I get to work on so many different types of projects, each day looks a little different! But, I always start the day by checking in on our socials, then I go through my emails and create my to-do list for the day. I like to start on projects that require more creative energy while my brain is fresh, and then I transition to more “routine,” less brain-consuming graphics towards the end of the day.
What music do you like listening to while you work?
I usually stick electronic – Ryhe, Caribou, Thom Yorke, Poolside.
If you could take three things to a desert island, what would they be?
1. Knife – For protection + cooking.
2. Matches – I wouldn’t be able to start a fire if my life depended on it! HELP.
3. My Hydro Flask – It goes everywhere with me!
Tell us about your cats!
Where do I start?! I can talk about them for hours!!! My cats are Catsby and Paul and they’re the sweetest most adorable babies to ever have lived! They love having treats, watching birds and waking me up at 6:00 AM every morning.
Where do you turn for creative inspiration?
I follow a lot of different artists on Instagram: photographers, painters, designers, ceramicists. If I see a post and feel inspired I save it.
You do so much for Leahlani, from packaging design to email design, product photography and social media content, print design and even modeling! What is your favorite type of project to take on?
Wow, this is a hard one, I love that I get to work in so many different areas of design. But, probably working on our package design is my favorite. Theres nothing like seeing my work in the hands of people!
Outside of Leahlani, do you have any creative outlets or projects?
Yes, a few! I make prints using botanicals, photography paper and the sun! Also, currently obsessed with taking Polaroids.
Lightning Round
Floral or Fruit? Floral
Sweet or Savory? Savory
Favorite Ice Cream? Salted Carmel
Favorite Cocktail? Bees Knees
What's your drink order? Gin + Tonic
City or Jungle? Jungle
Cats or Dogs? Cats
Favorite food? Fish
Night Owl or Early Bird? Early Bird
Favorite Movie? High Fidelity
Favorite Color? Pink
Celebrity Crush? Tom Hardy
Talking or Texting? Texting
Kalima or Kokoleka? Kalima
Meli or Mermaid? Mermaid
Siren or Happy Hour? Happy Hour
Keep Exploring
In Hawaii, we call the time spent causally chatting with dear friends Talk Story. Sharing what’s new and being there for the things that matter most. We invite you to join the Leahlani community as we explore skincare and much more.
