Our Story

When people ask me about Tehina & Co., the first thing I tell them about is my little sister 'Aioema.

I mention her overprotectiveness of our youngest brother, the way I’m jealous of her freckles and natural red highlights, and her journey of being a cognitively disabled woman in today’s society. 

But what does my sister have to do with my jewelry brand? It all comes down to our name.

The word "tehina" in Tongan is a term used endearingly for a younger sibling or cousin that's the same gender as oneself. Any authentic telling of our journey must start with this special relationship that gave us our name. 

When building this brand, I knew it needed to represent something deeper than aesthetics. I wanted to share a piece of my heart with the world. And in searching for what truly mattered most to me, I kept returning to the one relationship that has shaped my life profoundly: the special bond between big sis and little sis. 

A Personal Journey

I knew in my heart of hearts that I didn't want to create just another generic jewelry line. As a proud daughter of the Pacific, I wanted to design pieces that honored my heritage while speaking to modern sensibilities.

Each design begins as a sketch in my notebook, and I try my hardest to pull inspiration from things like my memories of growing up in Hawai'i, the textures of the ocean, and the flowers that colored my childhood.

My journey into jewelry design was also shaped by a personal frustration: the limited sizing options I encountered when shopping for rings.

Too often, beautiful pieces weren't available in sizes that fit me or many of the women in my life. That's why I committed to creating a size-inclusive brand, with rings ranging from sizes 6 to 13. I believe everyone deserves to wear jewelry that makes them feel beautiful.

Evolution of Our Collections

When I launched Tehina & Co., I focused exclusively on demi-fine jewelry: 18k gold vermeil pieces that offered luxury at a more accessible price point. I wanted to create designs that more people could enjoy without compromising on quality or aesthetic.

As the brand grew, so did my vision. This past year marked an exciting evolution as I began designing pieces in solid gold and silver. These fine jewelry creations represent the next chapter for Tehina & Co.; heirloom-quality pieces designed to be passed down through generations, carrying stories with them.

My Design Philosophy

I approach each design with intention. Whether I'm sketching by hand or working in CAD, I think about the meaning behind every curve and contour. My inspiration remains constant: the natural beauty of the Pacific, the cultural symbols that shaped me, and the relationships that give life meaning.

I believe jewelry should do more than simply adorn. It should connect us to something deeper. When you wear a Tehina & Co. piece, my hope is that it becomes part of your own story, whether it reminds you of a sister, a friend, or simply a moment when you chose something beautiful for yourself.

Looking Forward

As Tehina & Co. continues to grow, I remain committed to the values that inspired this journey: celebrating heritage, embracing inclusivity, and honoring the relationships that shape us. I'm excited to expand our collections while staying true to these foundations.

Thank you for being part of this journey. When you choose Tehina & Co., you're not just wearing jewelry. You're joining an extended family inspired by the tradition of connection and community of my Pacific home.

With gratitude,

Lani Likio, Founder