Meet Lea Cayanan

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lea Cayanan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lea, how do you think about risk?
“A bird doesn’t land on a branch trusting that the branch won’t break, but rather trusting in its ability to fly away”

I think life is about taking risks. On the other side of risk is potentially your dream life, your happiness, your purpose. While risks can be daunting, I think as long as you trust yourself, your capabilities, and your resiliency, you will never fail. Your “failures” will merely be lessons and building blocks on your journey.

I took a huge risk when I opened up my heart and my life on ABC’s reality dating show, “The Bachelor”. I knew that it would open up a world of criticism and judgement into my life, but also connectivity, adventure, and opportunity- and I will always choose to focus on the latter. My journey didn’t necessarily go as I envisioned, transitioning to a life in the public eye was extremely challenging on my mental health and self-identity. However, I knew this was an associated risk, and at the end of the day, it is up to YOU to choose what you do with the cards you are dealt. I’ve chosen to push through the noise, continue to share my journey of entrepreneurship and content creation, and create a community I can call my own.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am extremely excited to announce the upcoming 2025 launch of LEI swimwear, a luxury swimwear company dedicated to empowering women, building community, and giving back.

I was born and raised on the island of Oahu, the daughter of two Filipino immigrants leaving their home country in pursuit of a better life. Growing up, I was immersed in a unique mix of my filipino culture, and native Hawaiian culture and practices. I grew up dancing hula and canoe paddling- learning and adopting a lot of the familial and community based culture that is so prevalent in Hawai’i. LEI is an extension of that culture – aiming to uplift my communities, bring strong women together, and create a space for empowerment, confidence, and self expression.

Despite being at the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey in fashion, I had previously owned a cosmetics company, specializing in eyelashes and beauty accessories. I learned so much about marketing, operations, finance, and myself during that first business venture. It has absolutely prepared me for my next steps as a business woman.

In addition to my upcoming brand launch, I currently work in the creative industry modeling, acting, and content creating. I have learned so much about dedication, self expression, and creativity in these spaces. I have been so inspired by other Filipino-American’s paving the way. It has been so special to see Asian Americans show up in these spaces loud and proud and sharing our culture and identities with the world in a powerful way.

If I can share anything with the world, it is to be big – to take up space. To show up as your most authentic self and celebrate the roots in which you come from. Being from such a culturally rich background, and not seeing much of it represented in the media, in high fashion, etc. can be discouraging – but I like to look at it as even more of a reason to pursue my dreams. Be the change you want to see in the world, take up space.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have absolutely fallen in love with so many of the hidden pockets in LA. My ideal Los Angeles trip starts with coffee and some of my favorites are La La Land Kind cafe, Community Goods, DAMO, and Upper Cafe. For brunches, I love Jon and Vinny’s, Arden, Dialogue Cafe, Fratelli’s, Society Kitchen, and Laurel Hardware. For a nice dinner spot, we’re eating at BOA steakhouse, Ospi, La Boheme, Delilah’s, and Toca Madera. I also love taking people to The Broad, The Getty, a concert at The Greek Theatre, a day trip to Malibu, LACMA and Century City Mall!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be where I am today without my mom. She has been my rock and guiding compass. I am so proud and honored to have a role model so full of resilience, grace, faith, and compassion. She is an OR nurse, a Filipino immigrant, she is my mom and my best friend.

We aren’t allowed our phones during the filming of the show and my mom had reached out to all of my friends and family members and collected letters of love and encouragement to send me off with. Those singlehandedly got me through the filming process. I had about 40 letters full of love, support, and encouragement – that box of letters is one of my most prized possessions today.

Throughout this whole journey, my family and friends have really held me up, pushed me forward, and kept me so grounded. I would not be who I am and where I am without my people.

Instagram: lea.cayanan

Other: Tik Tok: lea.beyaa

Image Credits
Suzanne McKenzy, Star B Relm Matthews Ray Raymundo