Nanihoku Events
Chanel Vanzant Garrand
After surviving the tragic loss of a child, grief brought clarity to what truly matters. She and her family are building Nanihoku Events to reimagine weddings, elopements, and celebrations as intentional ceremonies with a heartbeat—spaces where people can alchemize, heal, and celebrate life's moments with meaning.
They've broken ground on the physical building, but three hurricanes, a job layoff, and redirected savings have slowed their launch.
Read more below.
Chanel Vanzant Garrand of Nanihoku Events
What inspired you to start your business?
I could say my whole life has been leading me to this moment — launching this business with my family, who I couldn’t do it without. But truly, what inspired Nani Hoku Events is grief. Last year, we survived the sudden and tragic loss of one of our children. Grief has a way of clarifying what matters most — it brings truth to the surface and reminds us of the sacredness of every moment.
Through that experience, I felt called to create spaces where others can heal, celebrate, and move through life’s meaningful moments with intention. Nani Hoku Events curates ceremonies and gatherings — weddings, elopements, anniversaries, birthdays — that become touchstones of connection, remembrance, and joy.
What were your biggest fears or doubts before taking the leap — and what gave you the courage to go for it?
Our biggest fear was how we would make it all happen. After losing our child, our home and land were hit by three hurricanes. We had to redirect the savings meant for our business into repairing our property and restoring the land we live and work on. But we kept going. Our courage came from our “why” — the love we have for our family, for the people we serve, and for creating spaces that honor life’s fullness even in the face of loss.
If chosen for this grant, how would it help you continue building your business?
We’ve already broken ground on the building that will host our future events, but construction has paused as we work to rebuild and recover. This grant would allow us to continue developing that space, purchase equipment, and bring our vision of a sanctuary for intentional, heartfelt celebration to life.
About Nanihoku Events
Nanihoku Events is a family-run event design and curation company creating intentional and sacred celebrations that honor life’s milestones with meaning, beauty, and connection.
Stay connected
Website: https://www.nanihokuevents.com
Instagram: @nanihoku_events