Co-founder and creative director of Tulola Jewelry

My designs have always carried the same constant: each design researches, records, and in some way, evolves the Indonesian handcrafted metal tradition.
Tell us your story – how did you get here?
It’s a very long story! I have spent the last 15 years focusing on learning, understanding, and evolving Indonesian metal craftsmanship. This journey of learning has been infused into our business, Tulola.
Over the years, Tulola has evolved in many ways, but the ‘why” has always remained constant. Tulola started as a passion design project, with the intention of gaining knowledge and understanding of Indonesian silver craftsmanship, heritage, and the artisans and masters that wield those skill sets. My designs have always carried the same constant: each design researches, records, and in some way, evolves the Indonesian handcrafted metal tradition.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am very proud of my design archive over the last 16 years. It presents my life’s work and my contribution to the Indonesian artistic community. I am also very proud of my team members at Tulola. Tulola is a company of many women and mothers, whose dedication and passion I am constantly astounded by.
What impact have you made in Bali?
Tulola’s social and cultural impact is at the core of our purpose. Parallel to creating opportunities for artisans to express their craft, our work has evolved in some way, the quality and design standards for our industry. Tulola’s designs have been widely copied, and have become part of the culture; this is our contribution to the social context and environment we find ourselves in. We work and design within this social context and this is our way of contributing to this social and cultural framework.
Further to what I mentioned above, Tulola is a company founded and built by women and mothers. Our impact is also focused on women by providing opportunities to learn a craft traditionally reserved for men, by creating sustainable and constant work opportunities for women to support their families, as well as allowing flexibility for women to both work and mother their children. The challenge of juggling work and motherhood is a constant theme for us all at Tulola, and we hope to share our support, understanding, and our challenges to the women that are part of our journey.
What do you love most about Bali?
I love the balance of spirituality and the chaos of everyday life. I love the community and family. I love the sun and lifestyle. What is there not to love?!
What do you do whenever you're struggling for inspiration?
My favourite place is actually Nusa Ceningan. The people and the landscape are something I feel very inspired by.
Who is your Local Legend and why?
Happy Salma – she is a renowned Indonesian actress, producer, mother, and co-founder of Tulola.