Our Story

Co-founder · farmer · musician

Paul Izak

Paul was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu. In Hawaiʻi, he was able to explore a healthy, conscious lifestyle, which led him to find his passion for yoga, gardening, and music.

When installing a garden at Waimānalo Health Center in 2008, Paul came up with the idea of combining what he loves most and sharing it with the community. After years of vision questing and brainstorming with Kelly and their friend Crystal Smith, Yogarden Music Gatherings were brought to life in October 2010.

Paul sees Yogarden as an opportunity to share regenerative farming practices through creative expression and community involvement. He has worked on urban backyard gardens and organic farming for more than a decade and holds a 200-hour yoga certification through Aloha Yoga Kula.

You can find Paul playing music across Oʻahu, sharing the vibration of music.

Co-founder · farmer · chef

Kelly Stern

Kelly grew up in the small beach town of St. Augustine, Florida, where she learned the importance of taking care of the beaches and keeping the land and water clean. Her passion for sustainability grew through consciously choosing what foods to eat and understanding where they came from.

Kelly began teaching yoga in 2007 on the island of Maui. She loves to share her passions for yoga, organic farming, and healthy eating with the community. She is a whole-foods, plant-based chef sharing her love for food, a yoga instructor, and an avid organic farmer.

“The most sustainable way of eating comes with growing the food ourselves, creating a relationship with the seed, the plant, the water, and the journey of life.”

Kelly feels blessed to be co-founder and backbone of this Yogarden ʻohana.