Angelyna Luwa Jana, a talented and creative entrepreneur, has embarked on a remarkable journey with her business venture, ‘Lawa by Luwa.’ With a focus on handmade hair accessories, particularly scrunchies, headbands, and hair clips crafted from exquisite Borneo batik textiles, Angelyna has carved a niche for herself in the industry.
Her story is one of passion, resilience, and a deep appreciation for traditional Bornean art.
It all began during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2021. Angelyna’s fascination with handicrafts and her love for Sarawak’s traditional art, in particular, drove her to explore new avenues.
Combining her passion for sewing and her desire to showcase the beauty of Borneo’s cultural heritage, she took a leap of faith and founded ‘Lawa by Luwa.’
Driven by her mother’s encouragement, Angelyna made use of Sarawak batik fabric, including the captivating Pua Kumbu pattern, as the main material for her scrunchies and other hair accessories.
The buttery smooth texture of bamboo viscose and silk scrunchies not only adds colour and texture to any hairstyle but also minimizes hair breakage and tangling, offering a gentler alternative to traditional hair ties.
Despite being a full-time teacher at a tuition centre in Kuching, Angelyna wholeheartedly devoted herself to ‘Lawa by Luwa.’
Her business operates primarily online, utilizing popular social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.
Through these channels, she showcases her meticulously designed creations and reaches out to a wide audience of hair-accessory enthusiasts.
However, Angelyna’s entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Limited resources and a lack of manpower often present obstacles along the way.
Nonetheless, her determination and resourcefulness have allowed her to overcome these hurdles.
From conceptualizing product ideas to the intricate process of sewing and delivering each item, she handles every aspect of the business herself, with occasional assistance from supportive family members and friends.
To widen her reach and connect with potential customers, Angelyna also participates in various events and markets in Kuching and Miri.
Recently, she opened a booth with a friend at the Seni Kita Market, held at the Old Court House in Kuching.
These ventures provide opportunities for face-to-face interactions and allow her to showcase the unique craftsmanship of ‘Lawa by Luwa.’
As the popularity of her handmade hair accessories grows, so do the costs of materials. To ensure the uncompromised quality of her products, Angelyna has had to adjust her prices accordingly.
Nevertheless, she remains grateful for the unwavering support and encouragement she receives from her family, especially her parents and friends.
In addition to social media platforms, Angelyna also utilizes other marketing strategies to promote ‘Lawa by Luwa.’
This includes collaborations with influencers and bloggers who share her passion for handmade accessories and appreciate the cultural significance of Borneo batik textiles.
Through these partnerships, she can expand her reach and gain exposure to a wider audience.
Looking ahead, ‘Lawa by Luwa’ aims to expand its product range and reach a global audience, sharing the beauty of Borneo’s traditional artistry with the world.
Angelyna’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: “Don’t be afraid to try something new. With desire and effort, the results will undoubtedly follow.”
For those interested in Angelyna’s captivating handmade goods, ‘Lawa by Luwa’ can be found on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, where she continues to showcase her exceptional craftsmanship and connect with customers who appreciate the artistry of her unique hair accessories.
By embracing her entrepreneurial spirit and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak, Angelyna is making her mark in the world of handmade accessories and inspiring others to do the same.
