Co-founder of Utama Spice

My mother started Utama Spice as a hobby after she noticed that all the medicinal herbs and knowledge that went along with them were being lost.
Tell us your story – how did you get here?
I guess you could say I was born into it. I have a unique background, being born in Bali to an English mother and Balinese father. Growing up, I was immersed in both Western and Balinese cultures, which greatly influenced my perspective. My mother started Utama Spice as a hobby after she noticed that all the medicinal herbs and knowledge that went along with them were being lost, since Bali was quickly being pulled into the modern world.
My journey to where I am today has been marked by resilience and determination. When I took over my mother’s business, I faced numerous setbacks and failures, but I never gave up. I was determined to transform it into a successful venture. It felt like changing tires on a moving bus, but I embraced the challenge. I was young and sought the freedom that Bali offered, and that drove me to invest my time and effort into building Utama Spice.
My team is also a vital part of the success; they have supported me, they carried me, they also pick up on things I miss or handle situations that I cannot. A few of my close friends and family also helped support me when things got hard. Without them, I would not have gathered the strength to pick myself up when I felt like it was all too much.
For Utama Spice, I wanted to continue my mum’s legacy, but I also wanted to make a product that didn’t use harmful ingredients or test on animals. I also wanted to make sure that the ingredients we bought were sustainable and natural. We don’t use palm oil because it affects the environment, killing rainforests and the animals living in them. These types of decisions that do some good for the world are what keeps me going.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
One of my proudest accomplishments is the ongoing construction of our factory. It’s been a decade of hard work, dreaming, and saving, and we’ve finally reached this milestone.
What impact have you made in Bali?
Our commitment to Bali extends to supporting local women and the Munti Gunung Foundation, which provides employment opportunities to people in the Munti Gunung region, reducing the need for begging. We also engage with communities beyond Bali. Environmental responsibility is at our core, and we ensure our products are not only safe for the skin but also biodegradable. We prioritise sourcing ingredients that empower communities, such as our kukui oil from Sumatra, which helps combat poaching and deforestation. Additionally, we support sustainable coconut oil production in the Semelu Islands. Our plastic-free refill programs in-store and at home provide consumers with eco-friendly options.
What does the future look like for you?
Our vision for the future centres on producing safe, eco-friendly products while continuing to empower local communities. As manufacturers, we hold the power to select ingredients that are not only safe but also make a positive impact on the people involved in their production, harvesting, and use.
What do you love most about Bali?
Bali is my home, where I grew up. It holds a deep sense of familiarity and comfort. What I love most about Bali is the profound connection between spirituality, nature, and the divine.
What do you do to de-stress and unwind?
To de-stress and find inner peace, I enjoy hiking or taking long walks in nature. Additionally, I cherish days spent at home, creating a tranquil environment.
Who is your Local Legend and why?
My Local Legend is Nyoman Sumartha, the founder of Bali Zen. He has made significant contributions to local communities by empowering farmers and sourcing fair-trade products for his company. Nyoman’s dedication to ethical and sustainable practices aligns with our values.