Joy Hau’oli Lee Sutherland
LVH Connect, Founder & President
Joy Hau’oli Lee Sutherland: Visionary Entrepreneur, Artist & Philanthropist
Joy Hau’oli Lee Sutherland is a visionary entrepreneur, multidisciplinary artist, and philanthropist whose life and work are deeply rooted in faith, resilience, and creativity. Born and raised on the island of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, Joy’s rich multicultural heritage—Hawaiian, Korean, Portuguese, English, and Chinese—has shaped not only her vibrant artistic voice but also her expansive, global business perspective.
Launching her first business at just 20 years old, Joy quickly established herself as a bold and capable entrepreneur. By her early 30s, she built a successful legal industry venture in Las Vegas, demonstrating grit, innovation, and a relentless commitment to uplifting others. She is widely recognized for merging creative intuition with strategic business acumen—mastering online marketing, e-commerce, and digital technology to reach and impact global audiences.
Currently completing her certification through the prestigious Billy Gene is AI’s Certified Genius Program, Joy is at the forefront of using artificial intelligence to elevate marketing, storytelling, and customer experience. She views AI as a transformative tool for purpose-driven innovation and meaningful connection in a rapidly evolving world.
In her latest venture, Joy co-founded Smooth Droid LLC, an advanced AI and robotics company dedicated to creating “Character to Love” and shaping the future of intelligent automation and human-robot interaction. The company brings together more than 25 years of hands-on expertise in robotics engineering, AI systems, and technology integration—paired with over 100 years of combined experience in advertising, marketing, media, and talent acquisition.
Joy launched Smooth Droid alongside an exceptional team of visionary leaders: Diego Balarezo (Dragon & Bots, Robots Crate), Arlene Weiss (99 Lives Production), and Simon Sahouri (Jackson Family Foundation & LVH Brands), an international business strategist and humanitarian renowned for his work in global media, real estate development, and cultural diplomacy. Together, they form a powerhouse of creativity, innovation, and strategic foresight—committed to making meaningful contributions to the evolving world of AI and robotics. Learn more at smoothdroid.ai.
Joy also leads Jet Slate, a full-service web design and digital branding company serving clients who expect excellence, innovation, and results. Jet Slate offers top-tier services in 2025, including custom website design, e-commerce integration, brand identity development, SEO optimization, digital automation, AI-enhanced user experiences, and mobile responsiveness across all platforms. Whether you’re a startup seeking a sleek online presence or an established brand needing a full digital transformation, Jet Slate delivers with precision. What sets Jet Slate apart is its people-first approach: we listen, we collaborate, and we deliver outcomes that convert. Flexible pricing packages are available to suit every stage of business. Learn more at JetSlate.com.
Art has always been the heartbeat of Joy’s journey. As a multidisciplinary artist, she creates across mediums including digital art, acrylics, watercolors, mixed media, and jewelry making. She is currently expanding into oil painting under the guidance of renowned Hawaiian nature artist Patrick Ching, blending her love for environmental preservation with vibrant, community-based storytelling. Learn more at patrickching.com.
Joy is also deepening her creative toolkit through the Color Expert Certification Program, led by Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. Often referred to as the “international color guru,” Leatrice is a world-renowned colorist, author, educator, and speaker whose work has shaped global understanding of color across design, fashion, branding, and psychology. This advanced training aligns perfectly with Joy’s intuitive design approach, equipping her with a deeper understanding of color symbolism, emotional resonance, and visual harmony. Each palette Joy crafts now carries even greater intention—transforming her creations into emotionally powerful and visually unforgettable experiences.
Her long-standing partnership with global leader Simon Sahouri has also led to her current role as Chief Operating Officer of the Jackson Family Foundation, JFFG, LVH Connect, and several mission-driven organizations. Together, they champion the advancement of arts, culture, education, and philanthropy on an international scale—building bridges across industries and communities, and elevating creative talent around the world.
Beyond business and art, Joy is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She is actively working to expand mobile spay and neuter clinics across Hawaiʻi and underserved regions—helping reduce pet overpopulation and providing compassionate care through privately funded, community-focused initiatives.
At her core, Joy Hau’oli Lee Sutherland is a builder—of brands, communities, ecosystems, and dreams. Her journey is guided by purpose, powered by passion, and grounded in service. Whether through business, art, innovation, or philanthropy, she continues to inspire transformation and connection—leaving a legacy of creativity, compassion, and impact that transcends generations.
When she’s not leading ventures or painting in her studio, Joy finds happiness in life’s most grounding moments—playing with her beloved dog, Lilikai, caring for her two charming skinny pigs, Piggalee & Patoti, and developing her upcoming eBooks, which reflect her heart for storytelling, creativity, education, and inspiration.