A PIECE OF HUE

By: Louise Beatrice Samson

LIJA (l?-hä) to sand, to refine.

Lija by That One Piece, managed by Luis De Jesus and his wife, Rowen De Jesus, has been thriving for almost two decades in the industry of contemporary lighting and furniture brands. They initially forged their brand's identity under Spring Sheets Enterprise in 2005-2006 before they decided to change its name.

With its team of adept designers and craftsmen, Lija That One Piece has a knack for innovating using natural materials,transforming distinctive handicrafts into pieces that befit the contemporary lifestyle of its patrons. With extensive experience in the design industry, the company has been earning prestigious accolades, such as the G-Mark from the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization, and a KATHA Award in Manila FAME.

LIJA strives to create refined home-decor collections of lamps, lampshades, packaging items, baskets, pots, and other furnishings in vibrant hues, keeping up-to-date with modern trends and using upcycled materials.

Mushroom and Nelson Pendant Lamp Collections from Lija by That One Piece

Its best-selling lamp shades are intricately carved from the finest materials, establishing it as the brand’s flagship product designed to stand out among home decoratives.

As a seasoned Manila FAME exhibitor, LIJA has been exporting to the U.S., South Africa, Europe, and the U.K. In an endeavor to create innovative items, the brand aims to explore new materials while expanding its business globally, focusing on European and South African markets.

Promoting resource-efficient indigenous materials, the brand also envisions a “Filipino-first” mindset by supporting local communities through employment opportunities. Owner Luis seeks to capture more of the ‘Filipino soul’ in LIJA’s designs, making the products unique and special for customers. “Maybe it's the materials that we use and the influence of our culture that stands out in our designs,” he says.