Who we are

WE are a local based small business that specializes in the Fidelis (Faithful) Lei and other handmade crafts to meet your keepsake and gifting needs. We work with our customers to create memorable customized items that will last for years to come. The satisfaction of our customers is of the upmost importance to us at Fidelis Leis. We want to make sure we capture that 'special something' in your gift and promise to work with you along the way to craft a gift that exceeds your expectations.

Hello,

My name is Shanika Olivero and I'm the Owner of Fidelis Leis. I was born and raised in Santa Clarita and have been a resident...eeh...emm, since the goats used to graze in the hills of what is now Stevenson's Ranch! Needless to say, I have been here a long time. I grew up in Val Verde, went to Castaic (the brick one) and graduated from Saugus High school. #SaugusStrong! I married my HS sweetheart who is also a Marine (retired) and Saugus alumni. I'm also the proud mama of a Marine who graduated from West Ranch High School and UCSB.

I've had the pleasure of growing up around many different cultures and continued this fascination throughout adulthood. Over the years I have become culturally rich in not only my own African-American heritage but has been greatly involved in the Polynesian cultures as well. So much so that I became a professional Polynesian performer and have been dancing for over 20 years. During this time, I have gained an appreciation for a culture that is very similar in style, heritage, and legacy to my own. I have learned not only the art of dance, but various fleeting crafts of the islands.  ew Paragraph

For most of us, the lei is a symbol of aloha given at a luau or when you've purchased the Ali'i package with Hawaiian Air.. But there is a deeper meaning to the traditional lei.

Most adornments in both African and Polynesian cultures will include something worn around the neck, head, wrists, and ankles. In both cultures the neck adornments are a symbol of wealth, royalty, societal rank, warriorhood, marital status, etc.; with its story told through the types of materials used (foliage, feathers, beads, barks, grasses, shells, minerals). Even colors have a significance. With this understanding, I have learned how to create Polynesian inspired lei as well as traditional African jewelry art such as the Ankara rope necklaces of Ghana. As a result, I created a company that will allow me to share my love for both the African and Polynesian cultures while creating products customers can enjoy for years to come.