Lisha Sablan
Designer, Samoa
Growing up in Samoa, Lisha Sablan was immersed in the vibrancy of Samoan cultural arts from a young age, learning from her mother while working in their family’s first retail store, Janet’s.
“Mentorship is extremely important,” says Sablan. “My mother and father started this business 35 years ago. From these formative experiences, I acquired a profound understanding of the transformative power of turning ideas into reality and the hard work required to ensure a business thrives.”
They now have six stores in Samoa, and Sablan runs the business with her brother, Christopher.
As Lead Designer for various brands, as well as Creative Director, Sablan’s design philosophy revolves around a harmonious blend of cultural creativity, functionality and meticulous attention to detail.
“As a self-taught graphic artist, I am deeply passionate about translating my visions into tangible expressions. Creativity, for me, extends beyond a skill; it is a life philosophy shaping how we interact with the world.”
She credits her family for their success: “Having a supportive family really pushes you to do things and extend yourself into areas that you never thought possible.”
She also says her parents taught her how to cultivate a strong mindset: “Ten doors may close, and one opens. You know, you only need that one door to open. You always need to look forward. You know, failures will always be there, but you only need that one golden opportunity.”
She says discipline is one of the most important things that has propelled her forward. “I wake up every morning, I exercise because I have found through experience that if you commit to something and you have discipline in any one area of your life, be it a sport, be it a hobby, that will translate into your business life as well. You cannot be disciplined and do well in business if you have no discipline over yourself.”
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