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How did you come up with the idea for your business?
LOKA.HAUS is the culmination of my graduating project from UT Austin - a sustainable fashion line that I dreamed up over ten years ago. At the time, sustainable fashion did not exist and the beginning of fast fashion was expanding rapidly. I wanted to create a company that changed people's perspective of fashion and how it can positively impact the world, and how each individual choice can be a major agent for change. Today, LOKA.HAUS stands as the realization of that vision, a testament to the power of individual choices to reshape the world's narrative.
What does the average day look like for you now as an entrepreneur (especially compared to past jobs/days)?
I wear so many hats, most days it’s hard to keep track! My background prior to starting LOKA.HAUS has been in tech & hospitality (very long hours, disconnected from true impact and personal wellbeing, and often unfulfilling). As an entrepreneur, I get to create my own reality every day, and I’m constantly working towards goals that excite and motivate me on a daily basis. My normal day usually starts with coffee, walking Kazé (one of our three dogs), and then working on a combination of social media, e-commerce, branding, or product development. My favorite things to work on are always design-related, whether I’m enhancing my web design, working on a new product, or even creating a new label. I also try to fit in research, whether that’s reading about latest trends, checking out competitors, or finding new partnerships. The days can still be long, but I love everything that I do, which makes all the difference! I’m still able to fit in freelance jobs and other income streams: designing, styling, acting, consulting, which definitely helps to break up the weeks or bring different perspectives. I am proud of my company and being an entrepreneur - the flexibility is one of the best parts - and I would never trade that for a corporate job.
What are some of the top things you have learned so far?
I’ve learned so many things being an entrepreneur, and continue to learn minute by minute! The biggest revelation I had as an entrepreneur is that other people’s success, and other companies’ success, does not impact or interfere with - or define - my own success. When you are building a business on your own, it is easy to become ego-driven, judgmental, and overly competitive. I learned to take a step back and appreciate that the more successful small business owners become (especially diverse and/or female entrepreneurs!), the more opportunity there will be for all of us. The impact of these businesses can change the world, and creates space for new ideas. Other things I’ve learned: setting boundaries, knowing when to say no, and knowing when to ask for help. Being a solopreneur can make all of these things very difficult, so it is a constant battle. Something I am working on now is self-promotion! Self-promotion feels very disingenuous to me, but I know that I need to promote myself and my business to garner true success.
Who or what inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
I’ve always gravitated towards being an entrepreneur. I grew up extremely active both in and out of school - always in advanced classes, extracurriculars, working, etc., and was a leader in many of those activities. I love being independent and self-motivated, and strongly dislike answering to another authority. While I’ve worked for others in the past, I’ve typically managed teams or had my own projects on the side. So being a full-time entrepreneur has definitely been my dream!
What have been 1-2 of your proudest moments in creating your business?
My proudest moments in creating my business have been 1) Actually launching the business (wish I’d done it sooner!!), 2) Winning the Alibaba Manifest Grant 2023,, 3) Winning the Geisa Haus Texas Fashion Week 2023 Grant, and 4) Being nominated for New Faces in Fashion at New York Fashion Week 2022. I had been a finalist and semi-finalist in many competitions before, so finally winning two grants was a game changer for me!
What’s the best advice you have received along your journey?
The best advice I’ve received - or in general - is that no one can do what you do, and that you are enough. Meaning, no one has what you have to offer. Your ability is uniquely yours, and everyone has something to bring to the world. As entrepreneurs, we each hold a unique perspective, talent, and capability, and those things combined are the essence of ourselves and our business.
What’s a fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me is that I also pursue acting on the side. I originally started at UT in Theater (musical theater) and was on MTV’s NEXT (before streaming was really a thing luckily!). I’m hoping to get cast for Making the Cut or Next in Fashion eventually!
About The Author:
Lisa Husberg '11
Founder of LOKA.HAUS
Komen