An Inspired Chat with Laihha Organna of Maui, HI

We recently had the chance to connect with Laihha Organna and have shared our conversation below.

Laihha, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
One of the biggest misconceptions about my work is that I just get to draw, make art and be creative all day! This is far from the truth, in fact I spent a lot more time drawing when it wasn’t my job.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Laihha Organna. I create detailed line art illustrations inspired by all that I love – surfing, Hawaii, shouty music, coffee, mental health and more. I create full canvas illustrations, T-shirt designs, surface patterns, lettering, animations and more. In my work you’ll find a fusion of laid back tropical beauty and edgy, skeleton infested danger. My art feels like an extension of me, a little laid back, but also living life a little on the edge. My art has been influenced by my dad who spent his life as a tattoo artist, my deep rooted love for punk music and living and surfing here on Maui. While I’ve always been an artist, I’ve been a full time artist/ entrepreneur for just over 3 years.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My grandmother. I went to live with her when I was 7 and she’s been “mom” ever since. Not only did she raise 4 of her own children while working, but she stepped up to take care of me too, probably at a time in her life when she thought retirement was close. Instead, she was parenting a little kid again! which is already a full time job, but she kept working long and hard hours as a waitress until I finished high school. She taught me to always show up, always do your best, and that being able to give to others is a blessing. She worked hard to take care of me and give everything I ever needed. While I wish she didn’t have to work so hard or for so long, I am forever grateful for the lessons and work ethic she instilled into me.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that all the things that make her a little different or “weird” are not to be feared- they will one day become her superpower!

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe that I needed to be important. I needed to be a respected leader and to pave the way for others. I needed to do all that I could to “make a difference”. I think these thought patterns are a part of being young and driven, but they were naive of me. I had no bad intentions, but I now realize that may have been selfish of me. I mean.. What do I know?! I often reflect and wonder if I really wanted those things or if I just wanted to valued and acknowledged. After transitioning from a very busy life with several leadership roles into a more quiet, independent life as a solopreneur artist- I now achieve many new milestones in my business with no team or peers around to acknowledge them. This has taught me to be proud of myself instead of depending on others to be proud of me and that I don’t need external validation about the work that I do.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I’d stop wasting time scrolling on my phone, comparing myself and my business to others. I’d stop worrying so much about what everyone online says you’re supposed to be doing, and just focus on being present in my real life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://loindaflow.com
• Instagram: loindaflow
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@loindaflow?si=PIYSikp8-mJfdTfp