Young Entrepreneur, Alice Maelasi Preserves Culture
BY JOY OFASIA
For Alice Elia Maelasi, every handmade dye-printed lavalava is more than just clothing. Each piece reflects family, culture, creativity and the beauty of the Pacific. Through her small home-based business, Aly’s Aelan Print, Alice is turning a childhood passion into a growing business while continuing her university education.
Although Aly’s Aelan Print was officially launched in 2025, Alice’s love for handmade crafts started much earlier. She grew up watching her mother create and sell handmade dye-printed lavalavas, beddings and other crafts. From a young age, creativity became a natural part of her life.
At just 11 years old, Alice joined her mother at markets and exhibitions organised by the Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA). There, she helped sell handmade products during special events around Honiara while learning valuable lessons about business.
“That was where I started learning about creativity, handmade work and small business,” Alice said.
Her parents encouraged her to work hard, stay patient and never give up on her dreams. Those lessons inspired Alice to continue the family tradition by creating her own dye-printed lavalavas with fresh island-inspired designs.
What began as a hobby soon became a business after family and friends encouraged her to start selling her work.
Each lavalava is carefully handmade, making every design unique. Alice draws inspiration from the colours of the Pacific. Bright yellow, orange and pink represent beautiful island sunsets, while shades of blue and green reflect the ocean, forests and natural beauty of Solomon Islands.
“The creativity comes through in how I choose and apply the colours. Every design carries a piece of our Pacific spirit, culture and story,” she said.
One of the moments she treasures most is seeing customers wear her handmade lavalavas during important celebrations, including weddings.
“Knowing that something I created with my own hands becomes part of someone’s important memories motivates me to keep growing,” Alice said.
Running a business while studying has not always been easy. Alice recently returned to the University of the South Pacific’s Laucala Campus in Fiji to complete her studies. Because of this, she mainly accepts orders during school holidays when she returns home to Solomon Islands.
Finding enough materials and equipment also remains one of her biggest challenges as she works to grow the business.
Looking ahead, Alice hopes to create more customised designs for weddings and other special occasions. She also hopes to improve access to equipment and materials so she can expand her work.
Beyond business success, Alice wants to encourage other young women to believe in themselves and use their talents.
“My advice is to start with what you have, believe in your ideas and don’t be afraid to begin small. Stay patient, keep learning and trust your creativity,” she said.
She also believes more training, mentorship and support should be available for young entrepreneurs, especially women in rural communities, so they can turn creative ideas into successful businesses.
Through Aly’s Aelan Print, Alice is preserving an important part of Pacific culture while proving that passion, persistence and creativity can open new opportunities for individuals, families and communities across Solomon Islands.
