By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.

Tongan creative artist and handicraft maker, Lu'isa Nau, is determined to utilize locally sourced materials, to maintain the authenticity of Tongan craftsmanship.

"I've always wanted to make sure that my products had an element that is green or eco-friendly so, we've already started slowly by completely eliminating plastic from our products," she said this week.

Lu'isa is the owner of Culture Fusion Tonga, a home-based creative operation in Nuku'alofa, that was recently awarded a GGGI Grant of USD 5,000 (approximately $11,900 pa'anga) after winning the Business Plan Competition in the Tonga cohort of the 2023 Pacific Greenpreneurs Program.

Her business plans align with sustainable development goals.

Lu'isa, the artistic force behind Culture Fusion, plans to serve the tourism market with authentic Tongan souvenirs. Initially starting with fridge magnets painted with Tongan designs, the business expanded into crafting eco-friendly products, including jewellery, handbags, pocket mirrors, key chains, and ornaments. Over time, Culture Fusion has aligned its creations with sustainable practices by eliminating plastic from its products.

Lu'isa was encouraged to start her creative business in 2012 after joining a mentoring programme offered by the NGO  "WISE" (Women in Sustainable Enterprises), with her mentor, Chris Egan of the Blue Banana Studio. It started with a realization of the demand for quality souvenirs, where Lu'isa and three other artisans, including her sister 'Ilisapesi launched Culture Fusion and its signature product, artistic magnets. At the time, they went on to win a small amount of seed capital under a business development programme run by the Emerging Pacific Leaders Program.

Using that opportunity, the three young Tongan entrepreneurs went on to win $4,000 investment capital for their creative business venture “Culture Fusion”, receiving the top award in Tonga’s Women in Business Be Your Dream 2012-13 programme. Each business in the programme, had to overcome common issues in finance, human resources, hiring, the technology, marketing issues, and dealing with competition.

Now, 11 years later, Culture Fusion is continuing to promote the development of local art and artisans, while practising sustainable and eco-friendly production integrating traditional Tongan art into its crafts that appeal to tourists. Lu'isa believes that Culture Fusion brings a dynamic, fun, and different perspective to the retail market, offering products with a "heart and soul."

While primarily catering to tourists, Culture Fusion was impacted by the border closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the loss of tourism following the HTHH volcanic eruption in 2022.

Lu'isa welcomed the opportunity to join the GGGI 2023 Greenpreneurs Network Incubator & Accelerator Program, which she said was a crucial ally, providing the necessary support for Culture Fusion to weather the challenges. Winning the GGGI grant on 24 November, has been instrumental in revitalizing and sustaining the business.

Lu'isa plans on establishing a shop for Culture Fusion in  future. As a passionate artist and entrepreneur, she expressed her gratitude for the grant, emphasizing the tremendous impact it will have on her business.

Imported products

Despite its growing success, Culture Fusion and other local artisans are facing the challenge in the marketplace, seeing an influx of imported goods that are copies of locally crafted products. She said the imports not only affected the authenticity of Tongan art but also undermined the hard work and pride that local artisans had invested in their creations.

"We're up against imported souvenirs, that aren't made in Tonga," she said, "it downgrades what we've been working hard for."

She believes that it is important to preserve authentic local art, expressing dismay over the counterfeits. "It's not as beautiful as it used to be because back in the days everything was hand-made in Tonga."

Lu'isa remains committed to utilizing locally sourced materials, and maintaining the authenticity of her Tongan craftsmanship.