BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
In the growing world of Solomon Islands fashion, one name is quietly making a strong impact. It is Maliha, a home-based fashion business known for its hand-printed fabrics and unique designs. Behind this brand is a story of creativity, hard work, and faith. It is also a story of a woman who turned her passion into purpose.
Maliha is founded by Laaloa Liligeto, a Samoan woman living in Honiara with her Solomon Islander husband and their three children. Through her small business, she is helping to grow local fashion while also creating opportunities for others. Her journey shows how simple ideas, when mixed with dedication, can grow into something meaningful.
Maliha’s story is one of patience, faith, and creativity. It shows that small beginnings can grow into something meaningful when guided by passion and belief. Through her work, Laaloa Liligeto is not only building a brand but also inspiring others to dream, create, and keep going.
Laaloa says her business started from a deep love for creativity and family. Before moving to Solomon Islands, she worked in Samoa at SPREP in the Finance Department. She was a full-time working mother and wife, but she always carried a strong interest in design and handmade art.
“I’ve always had a passion for design and creating things with my hands,” she says.
When she settled in Honiara, she began thinking seriously about starting something of her own. She wanted a business that could allow her to work from home while also using her creative skills. That is how Maliha was born.
For Laaloa, Maliha is more than just a business. It is a personal expression of who she is.
“It wasn’t just about business,” she explains. “It was about building something that reflects who I am, and creating opportunities not just for myself but hopefully for others in the future as well.”
Maliha focuses on hand-printing fabrics and turning them into custom clothing. Each design is made carefully, often based on the ideas of customers. Laaloa enjoys most the moment when a client sees the finished product.
“Seeing the confidence and happiness on a client when they wear something made just for them, that’s what I love most,” she shares.
To her, every piece tells a story. It is not just fabric and paint, but a creative journey from idea to reality. This personal touch is what makes Maliha special in the local fashion space.
However, building the business was not easy. Like many small business owners, Laaloa faced many challenges. She learned through trial and error, slowly improving her skills and understanding the market.
One of her biggest achievements has been the growth of Maliha’s online presence. More people are now following the brand, placing orders, and trusting her work.
“Seeing more people engage with our page, place orders, and trust us with their vision has been incredibly encouraging,” she says.
Even with progress, she knows success does not come quickly. She believes patience and consistency are very important.
“Things don’t happen overnight, but if you stay committed and keep improving, progress will come,” she emphasizes.
She also encourages herself with simple personal advice: “Keep practicing, keep trying, the only person you’re in competition with is yourself. You can be better than who you were yesterday.”
Running a creative business in Honiara also comes with real difficulties. One of the biggest challenges she faces is limited access to materials, especially fabrics. Sometimes, she cannot find what customers request, which makes it hard to complete certain designs.
“I’ve learned to adapt by being creative and making the most of the materials that are available, while maintaining the quality and uniqueness of each piece,” she says.
Another challenge is building trust. Some people do not always take small businesses seriously. But Laaloa remains focused and professional. She continues to serve her customers with honesty and care.
“I’ve overcome these challenges by simply reminding myself that we serve a living God, and that gives me the strength to keep going,” she says.
Faith plays an important role in her journey. Before she starts printing or sewing, she takes time to pray. This helps her stay calm and focused.
“That quiet time helps me stay focused, grounded, and intentional in what I do, so I can bless others with my God-given talent,” she explains.
Looking ahead, Laaloa has big dreams for Maliha. She wants to expand the business and also train others in hand printing and design. She believes many young people in Solomon Islands have hidden artistic talent.
“I truly believe that those who can draw or paint on canvas can also transfer those skills onto fabric with the right guidance,” she says.
Her long-term goal is to build a sustainable business that supports her family and also helps others earn income. She hopes to create training opportunities for people who are unemployed or out of school.
“This can build confidence, create income opportunities, and contribute to the growth of our local fashion industry,” she says. “We want to help fill the gap in hand printing and open more pathways for creativity and opportunity within the Solomon Islands.”
Laaloa believes the success of Maliha comes from consistency, support, and prayer. She is thankful for her family, especially her in-laws and close friends who support her journey.
“Having people who believe in you and are willing to help when needed makes the journey much easier,” she shares.
She also values her customers deeply. Their trust keeps the business growing. For her, every order is a sign of confidence in her work.
At the heart of everything she does is her faith. She believes her talent is a gift from God and should be used with purpose.
Her advice to young entrepreneurs is simple but powerful.
“Start with what you have and don’t wait for everything to be perfect,” she says. “Use your skills, be consistent, and don’t be afraid to start small. There will be challenges, but don’t let that stop you.”
She also reminds them to stay grounded in purpose. “Remember your ‘why’, because God has given us our hands and minds to do His work.”
