Meet Lisa SVAN

We recently connected with Lisa SVAN and have shared our conversation below.

Lisa , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

“In Sweden, being different made me ‘odd.’ In Los Angeles, it made me unique. I learned that being the only one in the room means I can be the room.”

Coming from Sweden, one of the most homogeneous cultures in the world, I grew up with the unspoken rule that the safest path was to fit in. To be different was often to be “odd,” something that drew attention but not necessarily admiration. That mindset shaped me early on — I learned to observe, to adapt, and to quietly navigate environments where standing out could feel uncomfortable.

When I moved to Los Angeles, I discovered the opposite was true. In this hyper-diverse city, the very traits that once marked me as “different” were suddenly seen as unique, intriguing, even exotic. Instead of shrinking, I realized I could expand. I learned that being the only one in the room didn’t have to mean feeling out of place — it meant I had the rare opportunity to bring something no one else could.

I began to see myself not just as “in the room,” but as someone who could be the room — creating environments, conversations, and experiences that invited others in. Whether in my studio, through design projects, or by sharing my background, I’ve leaned into making that uniqueness my strength.

As an interior designer and creative entrepreneur, my travels have also been essential. Experiencing different cultures gave me empathy and perspective; it allows me to connect with people from many walks of life because I understand their points of view.

So for me, success has come from flipping the script: difference is not a disadvantage. It’s the defining element that allows me to transform spaces, conversations, and communities — and that’s what makes me effective when I’m the only one in the room.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

The next part of the interview is where we’d love to learn more about you, your story and what you are focused on professionally – whether it’s a business, nonprofit, artistic career etc.
Please tell our readers about what you do, what you feel is most exciting or special about it, as well as anything else you’d like folks to know about your brand/art/etc. If relevant, please also tell our readers about anything new (events, product/service launches, expansion, etc)

I am the Founding Force of The SVAN Organization, a vision-driven company redefining the intersection of real estate, technology, design, and community. My life has always been about creativity — from my Scandinavian design heritage to my years of traveling and working internationally, to now anchoring in Los Angeles. What excites me most is that SVAN isn’t just another business: it’s about building the epicenter of creativity here in Los Angeles, a city already known for diversity and bold ideas but ready for something new.

Under The SVAN Organization, I’ve created three interconnected branches. The SVANsion is our real estate arm — focused on sustainable, forward-looking developments, designed to be the greenest high-rise projects in the world, powered by blockchain. House of SVAN is our cultural and design movement, blending interiors, fashion, and art into what I call “cultural retail.” And SVAN Society is a members’ club for visionaries and tastemakers, a brain trust where innovators can meet, exchange, and move the needle together.

What’s special about this ecosystem is how each piece supports the others — design inspires real estate, community fuels culture, and together they create lasting impact. Real estate is only as successful as its community. My Scandinavian roots give me a strong sense of simplicity, aesthetics, and functionality, while Los Angeles pushes me to think boldly, globally, and inclusively.

What I’m most excited about right now is House of SVAN’s expansion. We are building a collection that speaks to the next generation of cultural leaders — curated interiors, art-driven installations, and experiences that connect people across fashion, music, and design. It’s about making high design both aspirational and accessible, rooted in sustainability and storytelling.

The SVAN Organization is more than a business — it’s a movement. I want people to feel possibilities when they encounter SVAN. That’s the heart of my vision: spaces and communities that are not just functional, but transformative.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three qualities that shaped my journey are: knowing your craft, building networks, and passion. Craft is the foundation — learn it deeply, practice it relentlessly, and execute it with precision. I fell in love with craft early, sewing at five years old, training as a tailor, and later earning my Master in Architecture and Design. That love for detail and perfection has never left me. Networks matter because creativity alone doesn’t scale — you need people to amplify ideas. And finally, passion is the fuel. Approach your work with high-octane energy; let it drive you through challenges and inspire others. My advice: master your craft, connect widely, and let passion set you apart.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The number one challenge I face is raising capital as a woman of mixed heritage in real estate — an industry where only 2% of a trillion-dollar market goes to women. Rather than see this as a barrier, I see it as a call to action: to flip the script, to prove potential where others only doubt, and to open the door wider for those who come after me.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photo Credit: Jason Rivera

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than