Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Bali: A Look at Successful Businesses Owned by Indonesian Women
As we approach International Women's Day on March 8th and the upcoming Kartini Day in April, it's important to celebrate the contributions of women in Bali. From running successful businesses to juggling motherhood and careers, women in Bali are proving that they can handle anything that comes their way.
In this article, we highlight some of the successful businesses owned by Indonesian women in Bali, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to empowering women in their communities. While there are many women-owned businesses in Bali, we've narrowed it down to a few of our top picks:
Bali Buda - Ubud
As the co-founder of Bali Buda, Brenda Ritchmond, having permanently moved to Bali wanted to have readily available organic products for her family. She had leaned towards a healthier and natural lifestyle due to her unfavorable health condition as a child.
For over 27 years, Bali Buda has been serving delicious, nutritious, and handmade food. Helping people live healthily and reduce their impact on the planet.
Jl. Jembawan, Mas, Ubud
Open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +62 361 978 963
Website
Instagram
Bali Bidadari Batik - Denpasar
Made Pon Mediani founded Bali Bidadari Batik in the hopes of introducing the making of batik to travelers. She would accept a customized drawing, should the customer request for it to be drawn on the fabric or t-shirt that they bought. Empowering housewives and villagers where the boutique is located, Made Pon Mediani became interested in batik and began studying batik in Pekalongan, Solo, and Jogjakarta, before deciding to develop batik in Bali.
Jl. WR Supratman, no. 343, Kesiman Kertalangu
Open daily from 8.30 AM to 6 PM
Phone: +62 361 462 798
Biku - Petitenget
Biku is a popular restaurant and tea house owned by Ubud's royalty, Mrs. Asri Kerthayasa. She met her husband, the prince of Ubud, during a holiday trip to the island and got married in the 70s, she has since settled in Bali with her family.
Biku's tarot reading session is also popular among visitors, however, a reservation is required in advance. Do not miss trying Biku's Tea Time menu, with selections of traditional or Asian High Tea, and also a special menu for your little one. A choice of Biku's limited edition teas is also up for grabs at an additional price.
Open daily 8am – 11pm
Jl Petitenget No.888, Seminyak
Phone: +62 851 0057 0888
Email: [email protected]
Website
Instagram
gle - Sanur
gle's founder Grace Francisca, also known as Gecer, founded the brand from trying to find simple yet stylish ready-to-wear items for her day-to-day outfit. Not just a boring basic, gle is an array of comfortable yet sophisticated wear that will be just right for any occasion, handmade by a local seamstress in Bali. Every material is carefully selected to suit each design to emphasize simplicity.
Jl. Danau Tamblingan, Sanur
Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +62 811 850 277
Website
Instagram
Niluh Djelantik - Kerobokan
Although nowadays Niluh Djelantik's time is mostly spent on social media on a quest to track down foreigners who are behaving badly on the island, she is first known as a successful businesswoman. Born and raised in Bali, Niluh always had a love story with shoes.
With the help of two local shoemakers, she founded "Nilou" in 2003. Gisele Bundchen noticed her little Bali boutique, and Nilou was quickly sold throughout New Zealand, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Nilou was renamed as Niluh Djelantik in 2008 to bring it more in line with the objectives and passions of the founder.
Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM
Jl. Raya Kerobokan, no. 144
Phone: +62 858 4782 6531
Website
Instagram
Paulina Katarina - Canggu
The brainchild of two sisters, Surya Paulina and Ratna Katarina, features a diverse, feminine, and elegant, with a variety of style. Transitioning from stylish, easy-to-wear items to a classic and timeless outfit made easy. The sisters have built a strong brand that is known internationally. Don’t forget to take home a couple of dresses, a notebook for your journaling, or candles and diffusers.
Paulina Katarina
Jl Batu Bolong, Gang Nyepi, Canggu
Contact: +62 878 6227 2573
www.paulinakatarina.com
IG: @paulinakatarina
Tulola - Seminyak
Founded by Sri Luce Rusna, Franka Franklin, and Happy Salma, Tulola was inspired by the talents and skills of silversmiths to preserve traditional Indonesian handicrafts, and elevate them in a modern way.
The three founders of Tulola delved through Indonesia's rich history to create complex gold, pearl, and gemstone pieces. Their modern selection of hair accessories, rings, bangles, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets is made with passion and quality right here on the island.
Tulola Seminyak at Made’s Warung
Open from 11 AM to 8 PM
Jl. Raya Seminyak
WhatsApp: +62 81 2385 9524
Website
Instagram