Leilani has been acting since she was a child. She grew up in a family of ten children, which meant her time was spent performing to gain attention. Leilani started her acting 'career' by putting on self-written musicals in her backyard, directing her unwilling siblings, dragging along anyone who would listen, and charging them $2 for the pleasure.

Leilani went on to study acting at Brisbane's prestigious Actors Workshop where she graduated in 2003. She was coached by master teacher Lyn Kidd and majored in Film, TV and Theatre Acting. After she graduated from drama school, Leilani continued to gain on the job training by completing as many independent films as possible.

Fresh out of acting school, in 2004 Leilani was cast in her first lead role in a feature film titled 'Ozferatu' where she played a murderous vampire vixen. Since then, she has worked consistently in TV commercials and Feature Films.

Her accolades include being nominated as a finalist for the Best Actress Awards in 2004 for her performance in 'Malaise Cocoon', and in 2007 for 'Tunnel Vision' in the Queensland New Filmmakers Awards (Australia). The Queensland New Filmmakers Awards recognizes young talented professionals for their excellence in Australian Independent Film.