The Storyteller's Collective
Help us complete a creative studio dedicated to inspiring collective action, empowering leaders and amplifying impact through storytelling.
Project Description
We invite you to The Storyteller’s Collective—the new home of EMBER MEDIA and a gathering place for creatives that desire to make a meaningful difference through their work.
As a Creative Agency, our mission is to inspire collective action through the power of story. And we don’t want that mission to end at an organization’s ability to pay for our services. We're proud to partner with worthy causes to give rise to empowered minorities, impactful leaders, enlightened youth, and resilient communities.
We are currently in a season of early development, fundraising to make some much needed updates to our historic loft space in Chinatown Honolulu and purchase essential production equipment to continue doing what we love and cultivate a community of change-makers.
In the future we look forward to expanding our network of creative contractors, hosting workshops, mentoring youth and producing “Sponsored Stories” to amplify the impact of nonprofits and purpose-driven organizations.
ABOUT THE LOCATION:
We discovered this hidden gem above a Noodle Factory in the heart of Chinatown Honolulu. A historic loft space with great bones, a lot of potential BUT a desperate need for some TLC! When I signed the lease earlier this summer there was graffiti on the interior walls, damaged floors and ceilings, and a lot of work to do. Since getting the keys, we've painted over graffiti, restored the brick walls, installed a bathroom door, a heavy-duty AC unit, deep cleaned, added some fresh paint and made a lot of needed repairs. It's close to complete but not quite there! With help from our community and generous donors like YOU we're excited to upgrade our studio setup (with lights, audio and additional photography equipment) as well as add a library enclosure for break-out rooms, meetings and writing workshops.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER + VISIONARY BEHIND THE PROJECT:
Leila Jaffuel is the Creative Director and Founder of EMBER MEDIA. After completing degrees in Advertising, Journalism & Multimedia in 2017, Leila was fortunate to hit the ground running in Hawaii's marketing industry, working under some incredible mentors in a fast-paced environment that supported her professional development. When business came to a sudden halt during the pandemic, she leveraged the unanticipated downtime to complete her Masters in Social Impact, with the intention of developing her own nonprofit organization or social enterprise one day. In that same year, she also established her creative marketing agency, EMBER MEDIA, to better serve some of her freelance clients. Despite economic uncertainty, EMBER has not only seen consistent growth since it's launch, but has also been able to support a variety of small sustainable businesses and purpose-driven organizations to adapt and even scale up operations during some of the hardest years Hawaii’s business owners have ever faced. Now, she’s determined to design a Storyteller’s Collective that can continue to tell stories that will shape our economic future and benefit communities for generations to come.
ABOUT THE STORYTELLER'S COLLECTIVE:
The Collective itself represents a sustainable way for us to expand our nonprofit marketing services without breaking the bank! The Storyteller’s Collective will generate revenue in 3 ways:
- Renting the space - That’s right! You’ll be able to rent the space for intimate gatherings, meetings, photoshoots, workshops, etc. All fees will go directly to the SC, most of which will be reinvested in our creative workspace and equipment.
- Fundraising - No donation is too small to help is make a meaningful difference for our community.
- Ember Media’s Clients & Contracts - Any client that enrolls in our “Radiate” Premium Package for one year will be able to pick a nonprofit of their choice to “Sponsor a Story” for! That “Story” can be a video, a campaign, a refreshed website, brochures or any particular media component that will best serve their organization at that time. We are flexible here but some restrictions may apply.
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is there Parking?
A: Unfortunately, we have no dedicated stalls here in the heart of Chinatown, but we are conveniently located near some of the most affordable parking lots in the area - the closest one being Kekaulike Courtyards Municipal Parking ( - turn right into parking entrance from Maunakea. Maunakea Street is a one-way going toward ocean.)
📍Entrance is: 1016 Maunakea Street
Please note: Prices vary at different times, but often range from .75 cents to $1.50 for your first hour and the lot accepts CASH ONLY upon exit.
STREET PARKING: After 6:30 PM every day and all day on Sundays we often have ample open street parking (FREE) on North King directly outside of our building.
Q: What is The Storyteller's Collective and how is different from EMBER MEDIA?
A: Ember Media is a creative marketing agency that proudly serves a variety of purpose-driven clients, but The Storyteller's Collective will seek to leverage community support so that we can continue to serve more nonprofit clients and social enterprises that often lack the budget or resources to share their inspiring stories and scale operations.
To support the Storyteller's Collective!
Date: September 9, 2022 (Aloha Friday!)
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM (HST)
Location: The Storvteller's Collective | Chinatown Honolulu
Kick off our Open House Celebration with a fun informal guided paint session for all skill-levels! Art supplies and first two glasses of wine are on us and you are welcome to BYOB.
More details about the artist and inspiration image coming soon!
NOTE: For those interested in participating virtually, we will also have a livestream option - please email [email protected] to register.
DATE: Saturday, September 10, 2022
TIME: 10 AM Start time
LOCATION: The Storyteller's Collective | Chinatown, Honolulu
Spend the morning learning how to tie Lei Po'o (Hawaiian-style flower crowns) with us! Professional lei-maker, Kehaulani, will be bringing an abundance of florals and foliage for you to work with, guiding you every step of the way!
Supplies is provided BUT please bring your confidence and besties because there will be a fun photo booth FREE for use when you complete your masterpiece:) We can also add-on professional photography for additional cost.
DATE: Saturday, September 10, 2022
TIME: 12:00 NOON
LOCATION: The Storyteller's Collective | Chinatown Honolulu
Welcome the Full Moon as we join in a circle for a moment of meditation. We will use this space to be more intentional about where we channel our energy and what we manifest in weeks to come.
Then, Ayumi Ueda will raise our vibration as her voice harmonizes with the therapeutic healing sounds of crystal singing bowls to create a blend of New Age, meditative music.
DATE: Saturday, September 10, 2022
TIME: 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
LOCATION: The Storyteller's Collective | Chinatown, Honolulu
Followed by 90's trivia, we'll be playing some of the best (and worst) throwback music videos on the big screen! Sing and dance along. Prizes will be given to the best dressed and best performance of the night! Light snacks and refreshments will be provided - BYOB or alcoholic beverage
Join us for a nourishing day of self care!
DATE: Sunday, September 11, 2022
TIME: 12 - 4 PM (flexible start and end times for each individual)
LOCATION: Chinatown Honolulu
The package will include access to:
- Guided Visualization and Journaling session led by Aloha Dreamboard Founder and Life Coach Tiare Thomas Harris
- Mini massages with one of our personal favorite massage therapists Eimi! She'll spend 20 minutes on an area of your choice.
- Natural Beauty Bar - Discover Honua's Hawaiian Skincare Ritual with a selection of face masks and products to experience.
- Enjoy therapeutic herbal teas
- Charcuterie and Champagne
- Free Access to the evening event: Movie Night!
- *BONUS* FREE Gift to take home! ($50+ value)
Date: Sunday, September 11, 2022
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: The Storyteller's Collective | Chinatown, Honolulu
Life Coach & Founder of Aloha Dreamboard will lead us through a Guided Visualization and Journaling Session to take the first step toward clarifying your vision and pursuing your dreams.
DATE: Sunday, September 11, 2022
TIME: 5:30 PM Open, Movie Starts at 6:30 PM
LOCATION: The Storyteller's Collective, Chinatown Honolulu
Get cozy! We'll be playing a movie on the projector screen - Film title TBD*
Enjoy:
- Popcorn
- Pizza
- Board Games
- We'll have an abundance of floor pillows and cushions out, but feel free to bring a sleeping bag or fold-out chair based on your preference.
NOTE: We will be holding a vote on social media one week before Open House Events, so YOU can help us decide what movie(s) to play.
DATE: Saturday, September 10, 2022
TIME: 10 AM Start time
LOCATION: The Storyteller's Collective | Chinatown, Honolulu
Spend the morning learning how to tie Lei Po'o (Hawaiian-style flower crowns) with us! Professional lei-maker, Kehaulani, will be bringing an abundance of florals and foliage for you to work with, guiding you every step of the way!
Using one of our staged scenes or backdrops, we'll capture you wearing your masterpiece! Photo sessions will be between 15 and 20 minutes and you will receive a minimum of 5 of your best edited images from the event!
Rewards
To support the Storyteller's Collective!
Date: September 9, 2022 (Aloha Friday!)
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM (HST)
Location: The Storvteller's Collective | Chinatown Honolulu
Kick off our Open House Celebration with a fun informal guided paint session for all skill-levels! Art supplies and first two glasses of wine are on us and you are welcome to BYOB.
More details about the artist and inspiration image coming soon!
NOTE: For those interested in participating virtually, we will also have a livestream option - please email [email protected] to register.
DATE: Saturday, September 10, 2022
TIME: 10 AM Start time
LOCATION: The Storyteller's Collective | Chinatown, Honolulu
Spend the morning learning how to tie Lei Po'o (Hawaiian-style flower crowns) with us! Professional lei-maker, Kehaulani, will be bringing an abundance of florals and foliage for you to work with, guiding you every step of the way!
Supplies is provided BUT please bring your confidence and besties because there will be a fun photo booth FREE for use when you complete your masterpiece:) We can also add-on professional photography for additional cost.
DATE: Saturday, September 10, 2022
TIME: 12:00 NOON
LOCATION: The Storyteller's Collective | Chinatown Honolulu
Welcome the Full Moon as we join in a circle for a moment of meditation. We will use this space to be more intentional about where we channel our energy and what we manifest in weeks to come.
Then, Ayumi Ueda will raise our vibration as her voice harmonizes with the therapeutic healing sounds of crystal singing bowls to create a blend of New Age, meditative music.
DATE: Saturday, September 10, 2022
TIME: 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
LOCATION: The Storyteller's Collective | Chinatown, Honolulu
Followed by 90's trivia, we'll be playing some of the best (and worst) throwback music videos on the big screen! Sing and dance along. Prizes will be given to the best dressed and best performance of the night! Light snacks and refreshments will be provided - BYOB or alcoholic beverage
Join us for a nourishing day of self care!
DATE: Sunday, September 11, 2022
TIME: 12 - 4 PM (flexible start and end times for each individual)
LOCATION: Chinatown Honolulu
The package will include access to:
- Guided Visualization and Journaling session led by Aloha Dreamboard Founder and Life Coach Tiare Thomas Harris
- Mini massages with one of our personal favorite massage therapists Eimi! She'll spend 20 minutes on an area of your choice.
- Natural Beauty Bar - Discover Honua's Hawaiian Skincare Ritual with a selection of face masks and products to experience.
- Enjoy therapeutic herbal teas
- Charcuterie and Champagne
- Free Access to the evening event: Movie Night!
- *BONUS* FREE Gift to take home! ($50+ value)
Date: Sunday, September 11, 2022
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: The Storyteller's Collective | Chinatown, Honolulu
Life Coach & Founder of Aloha Dreamboard will lead us through a Guided Visualization and Journaling Session to take the first step toward clarifying your vision and pursuing your dreams.
DATE: Sunday, September 11, 2022
TIME: 5:30 PM Open, Movie Starts at 6:30 PM
LOCATION: The Storyteller's Collective, Chinatown Honolulu
Get cozy! We'll be playing a movie on the projector screen - Film title TBD*
Enjoy:
- Popcorn
- Pizza
- Board Games
- We'll have an abundance of floor pillows and cushions out, but feel free to bring a sleeping bag or fold-out chair based on your preference.
NOTE: We will be holding a vote on social media one week before Open House Events, so YOU can help us decide what movie(s) to play.
DATE: Saturday, September 10, 2022
TIME: 10 AM Start time
LOCATION: The Storyteller's Collective | Chinatown, Honolulu
Spend the morning learning how to tie Lei Po'o (Hawaiian-style flower crowns) with us! Professional lei-maker, Kehaulani, will be bringing an abundance of florals and foliage for you to work with, guiding you every step of the way!
Using one of our staged scenes or backdrops, we'll capture you wearing your masterpiece! Photo sessions will be between 15 and 20 minutes and you will receive a minimum of 5 of your best edited images from the event!