Joy Ishihara Labrador, Artisan

Joy Ishihara Labrador has always had a flair for design and fashion. Born and raised in Hawaii, Joy could be found decorating the windows of her family’s Waipahu home for holidays and occasions. Her keen eye for fashion and design were apparent early on when she began creating ensembles for her Barbie dolls and sewing her own clothes.

Clockwise from top: "Hot! Hot! Hot!" "Kiss Me," and "Gold Butterflies"

Ishihara Labrador graduated with a degree in fashion merchandising at the University of Hawaii and continued to study fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. After graduating, she remained in the Big Apple to pursue a successful career in fashion design, working for various women’s and children’s clothing manufacturers. Hawaii beckoned and Joy found herself planning a return back to the islands. She began designing decorative pillows that are sold at local stores and craft fairs.

"Silver Tree" and "Musubi Pillows"

The 2005 holiday exhibit at the Laser Eye Center of Hawaii was the very first collection of wreaths and trees that Ishihara Labrador has ever created. This special collection of wreaths, trees and signature pillows featured themes ranging from traditional to contemporary to island-inspired novelties.