About Us
WHY JENNY MELIA CREATED LEILANI SHELLS
Jenny Melia spent her entire childhood in balance with nature at Hawaiian Islands abundant of sea treasures.
She remembers days when she swam with tropical fish and picked shells from the coast, getting attached to the magical world beneath the ocean waves.
From corals to shark teeth washed ashore, the Hawaiian beaches were a paradise where humans and nature coexisted in harmony. Unfortunately, this idyll did not last.
At the age of seven Jenny’s family moved away from Hawaii only to return to the islands when she had turned twelve.
Going home was a dream come true. Jenny had been looking forward to putting her snorkel back on and head to the beach where she could pick up shells from the silky sands of the ocean floor.
Yet, the reality of Hawaii had changed drastically. There was no more color on the reef, no sea creatures swimming peacefully.
Human-induced issues had reached the shore. Pollution was prevailing. Plastic was floating in the water.
The reef was dying.
Devastated over her hurting homeland, Jenny knew she had to provoke change. Yet, one kid couldn’t do much alone.
She had to inspire others – find a way to influence coral restoration.
It was from that urge to save the ocean that Leilani Shells was born allowing women all over the globe to take part in marine preservation.
READ THE FULL FOUNDER INTERVIEW HERE