Lokai
Life’s A Rollercoaster
Throughout my life, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs. I’ve felt on top of the world several times: like after scoring a game winning goal during my high school soccer game, finally getting to take my boyfriend to the beach with my family, making president’s list the spring semester of my freshman year of college, summiting a thirteen thousand foot mountain in Estes Park, Colorado on my eighteenth birthday, etc..
BUT, I also know I’ve hit rock bottom quite a few times as well: like when I broke my arm in 5th grade during a club soccer game in West Virginia, the day I lost my grandfather and aunt, the many nights I’ve cried myself to sleep, failing my first driver’s license test, finding out my sisters dog has an unknown illness, etc..
The list of ups and downs that have made up my life to this point is endless, and I know others are able to relate with their own experiences.
That being said, what if I told you there was a brand selling a product dedicated to this exact feeling many of us have and will continue to experience!!
Lokai & There Bracelets
The brand I am referring to is Lokai and their bracelets that represent powerful messages.
The name “lokai” is derived from the Hawaiian word “lokahi,” which means “harmony,” “unity,” and/or “to blend opposites.” These are NOT just your “typical” bracelets. These bracelets symbolize hope, balance, and humility.
What Makes Lokai Bracelets so Special?
Each Lokai bracelet includes a white bead and a black bead that both hold significance. The white bead is infused with water from Mt Everest, the highest point on earth. The black bead carries mud from the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.
The white beads significance is to remind you that sometimes you’re on top, but remember to stay humble. Whereas, the black bead resembles the lows you sometimes hit but that you must stay hopeful. The white bead and black bead together keep you balanced.
“Life is a journey. Lokai exists to help you find balance between the highs and lows.”
—STEVEN IZEN, FOUNDER & CEO
The Beginning of Lokai
Founder and CEO, Steven Izen came up with the idea of Lokai after his grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Izen states, “His diagnosis made me think about the highs and lows that everyone experiences. I wanted to make a product for myself and others as a reminder to stay humble through the highs and hopeful through the lows.”
Different Lokai Bracelets, Different Meanings
Lokai has many different collections/bracelets that symbolize different types of people and organizations, all with their own meanings. The only constant is that each bracelet has a black bead and a white bead.
For instance, there’s a rainbow Pride Lokai bracelet to support the fact that love is love and all human beings deserve their right to express who they choose to love. Additionally, there is a blue bracelet that focuses on support towards research on spinal cord injuries. There is also a pink Lokai bracelet to raise awareness for breast cancer.
Although, not every Lokai bracelet is towards a cause, for example, you can buy metallic bracelets in colors such as rose gold, gunmetal, and pure gold or even buy a collection of Lokai that are influenced by your favorite Netflix shows, such as the Stranger Things Collection.
Giving Back
To go with the meaningful bracelets Lokai creates, founder and CEO Steven Izen also donates about 10% of net profits to Lokai’s partnered charities. A few examples of these partnered charities include: Black Lives Matter (BLM), The Nature Conservatory, Autism Speaks, Save the Children, and The Humane Society of the United States.
Here are a few ways Lokai has impacted the world in effort to remain balanced:
- 7,361 animals rescued
- 201,000 trees planted
- 4 schools built
- 98 water wells built
- 365 days funding mental health hotline
- 70 wishes granted
- 26,000 doses of life-saving medicine
- 5 research grants
These are just a few highlights of what Lokai has been able to accomplish, not everything they’ve done and continue to do.
