Up close with owner Muhsin Adi Putra
Bali’s buzzing with new creatives and artists right now, so we were excited to meet Indonesian entrepreneur, home wares, and interior designer, Muhsin Adi Putra, at his new concept store Satunama in Seminyak.
We love the fresh vibe of your new concept store. Why Satunama?
In Indonesian ‘satu’ means one and ‘nama’ means name. I wanted to bring together some exciting new designers alongside my own pieces, hence Satunama.
You have items from New Zealand in store. How did your collaboration with New Zealand designers come about?
I was actually a student in Christchurch in New Zealand and every day I would pass a well known home wares store named Freedom, which had outlets all over Australia and New Zealand. The store sold lots of artifacts from Indonesia, which inspired me to think that I could do something like that too, being Indonesian myself. I come from a family of successful business people, so it felt natural that I would launch something of my own.
How did you get started?
I approached Indonesia’s largest home wares exporter and asked them how to sell to foreign companies! I think that they were so surprised by my direct approach and bags of enthusiasm that they decided to help me. To do business on an international level I needed to set up a company and have my own factory. That’s how my company Bravura was born.
What did you produce in those days and who bought it?
I developed a brand called B Home which manufactured and distributed items such as bathroom amenities, kitchen ware and decorative items for both homes and hotels. My clients were based far and wide, from America, Europe and of course Asia, in outlets such as Habitat in the UK and Zara Homeware. One of my best sellers by far was the lacquered wooden bowls which now feature in Satunama.
So tell us about the concept behind the new brand Satunama?
I wanted to create a concept store idea which could work all over the world. The aim is to open new outlets across Bali first, then Asia wide and further afield. Stores will have a contemporary edge, but will be neither too modern nor traditional. I’ll be sourcing great new design talent along the way to collaborate with on each store, highlighting the natural resources and creative flair of each country and adhering to our eco friendly principles.
What does the new store Satunama stock and what are your influences?
We stock a contemporary collection of screen printed cushions, decorative resin pineapples, fragrance scented candles with funky lid designs, striking black and white photography with a local focus and my brightly lacquered wooden bowls. I was inspired by traditional Vietnamese ones and saw that nobody seemed to be working in wood. You’ll find rosewood, mahogany and recycled teak in store.
Any advice and tips for budding entrepreneurs and designers?
Always try to stand out from the crowd. Islands like Bali are full of copycat creations, so try to make your designs refreshing and unique. Also, if you’re creating home wares, then try to design a range which can be both decorative and functional. Finally, keep the passion alive!
Thanks Muhsin!
Satunama, Jl Kayu Aya, Seminyak, Bali 80361.p. +62(0)361 737799. Open Daily 8am-10pm.
All images taken by Radhika Rao. After 15 years of running a successful photography business in Hong Kong, Radhika now calls Bali home. Contact: [email protected]
