“The creative process feeds my soul,” shares Amerjit Ghag, when asked what keeps her going every day. As a founder and owner of Island Bungalow Hawai‘i, she fulfills her appetite with a wide selection of home décor and clothing — everything designed with heart and made by hand.

Stepping into either the Kaka‘ako or Kailua boutique is a textile lover’s paradise. From fruit to flora, each piece fashions itself as a work of art, marrying the beach lifestyle with the bohemian spirit.

The brand was inspired by Ghag’s trip to India in 2008. The local furniture and its charming, rustic style caught her eye, and two years later, the textile-forward company was born with a simple concept: Interpret the best of island living using Indian block-printing techniques.

Right away, shoppers will notice nature as a big inspiration: papaya, banana leaf, pineapple, plumeria, breadfruit, ferns and more — a diverse range of prints elegantly placed on products like bedding, pillows, dresses, tote bags and pajamas.

Matching the island aesthetic is the reputable quality of the materials. The long, staple yarns of the Indian cotton, for example, allows it to be a very fine weave and still be durable to withstand regular washes.

What’s also fun are the hands-on workshops. Over the last few years, the boutique has hosted on-demand workshops for various occasions including birthdays, bridal showers and corporate retreats.

“They can get in, learn how [block printing] is done, and go home with something they can use or gift to somebody,” says Ghag. “I love seeing how they take creativity to another level. Some of them have made the most beautiful things.”

When creative hunger strikes, Ghag satisfies it accordingly. “Whether it’s being in my garden and kitchen or designing textile art, I have to create,” she says. Oftentimes, this equals fresh inventory; in fact, customers can look forward to new blocks and small giftables for the upcoming holiday season.

After more than 25 years as a textile designer, her main goal remains the same: Produce items that make people happy and comfortable.

Real food for the soul.