Samantha Azan

It is often said that women, once they put their minds to it, can accomplish anything, even the unconventional. Of entrepreneur Samantha Azan, this saying certainly rings true as she is one of Jamaica’s only female manufacturers to occupy the furniture space. Her Waltham Park Road based company – Sam’s Lachet Distributors, under the brand New Moon Furnishings, sells primarily to Unicomer Jamaica Limited. They provide a top selling vintage inspired, natural finish, wooden patio set, kitchen cabinetry, and dining tables and chairs to consumers all across Jamaica. Recently, the company was able to procure its first export order to the United States of over 400 chairs for a hotel in South Carolina. Samantha credits this opportunity to her ability to take risks in business in order to grow.

At first, when she heard of the Unicomer-led supply chain partial grant initiative, she was a little disappointed like others, that it did not provide funding for factory space, or land acquisition, as well as core equipment and machinery. Even though many others dropped out, Samantha, always seeing the glass half-full, realized that there was still an opportunity to learn, as international furniture consultants would be a key part of the training components of the project. “I could not turn that down… I wasn’t too old to learn or take advice on certain things.” Additionally, Samantha’s goal for New Moon furnishings, to become and exporter of well-made, mass-produced, furniture to the world, was always at the forefront of her mind. She believes her company benefitted ‘tremendously’, as they were able to organize their books, process flow for production, insights into budget and costing, payroll and overtime, raw materials and projects, to name a few. It was also through these consultants, that they were able to procure this external order, which is in and of itself a great learning opportunity and preparator for the new lines they want to specialize in. 

When asked what the New Moon brand stood for, Samantha says it is primarily a new beginning or start. As with most entrepreneurs, she wanted to create something different that could sustain her family and step out of the 9-5 work environment. Although an accountant by profession, she had a passion for interior design, which led her into the furniture making business. One surprising fact to many is how hands-on she is in the entire process, taking on jobs from research and design, sanding, cutting, spraying, along with the general management of the business. The company, at its start in 2017 employed 3 members of staff which has increased steadily to 10-12 employees. At the height of the completion of the current project, it has moved temporarily to 22. These workers are a mix of full-time tradesmen and women, young adults, and even enterprising youth of the community, that Samantha does her best to offer employment.

Although she feels very satisfied to have created something that continues to grow, business and particularly business as a woman owner is not without its challenges. Daily she breaks stereotypes as many are not used to seeing a woman performing the jobs and managing this type of company. Many attempt to discount her knowledge, abilities or speak patronizingly. Samantha gives a measured response to them. She says, “I don’t try to be reactive, defensive or rude, but what I am is firm.” She also firmly believes in the mantra, popularized by Priyanka Chopra, ‘Don’t Try to Squeeze Into a Glass Slipper. Instead, Shatter the Glass Ceiling.’ She intends on doing just that.

Samantha, when asked to give her younger self advice said the following:

“Don’t lose sight of the forest for the trees: Oftentimes, we tend to see the surface and fail to see the bigger picture. We see the problems and the dangers, or we’re so busy complaining, that we don’t see the opportunities and the possibilities. 

“Life is happening for you – not to you:  Engage the perspective that everything placed in your path was placed to help you get where you are supposed to be. This way,  challenges are a part of a bigger plan and everything happens at the right moment. With this mind set, you’ll have the tools to acquire the assets to drive success to your business.”

The Development Bank of Jamaica led – Jamaica Business Fund is a component under the Planning Institute of Jamaica’s Foundation for Competitiveness and Growth Project, funded by the Government of Jamaica and the World Bank.