Folk Art-Themed Reversible Cotton Tote Bag from Indonesia 'Sides of Indonesia' Item ID: 2671765469

My name is Maura Marlyna, and I was born in 1971 in Medan, a city known for its vibrant and diverse culture. One of the things that makes Medan unique is its food—rich in spices and full of bold flavors. The city is also incredibly heterogeneous, home to a variety of tribes and religions. When people think of Medan, they often think of the Batak people, a group that includes several tribes such as Batak Toba, Simalungun, Mandailing, and Karo. My father worked as a private employee at a shipping company, while my mother was a housewife. They taught me valuable life lessons: to always respect others, regardless of their social status, to do good, and to be open to learning new things that are both useful and beneficial. As the first child of four siblings, I was fortunate to have a loving family, and I'm still incredibly grateful for their care. Since I was the first grandchild on my mother's side, I was especially cherished by my parents and grandparents, which is why I earned the nickname 'Baby,' a name that sticks with me to this day. Growing up, my parents sent me to a private school near our home, where I worked hard and achieved good grades. Thanks to my dedication, I was able to attend one of Medan's top schools for both junior and senior high school. At the age of 14, I began working in the world of fashion show modeling. Even while still in junior high, I was active in modeling and fashion shows, which helped me pay for my college education. After graduating from college, I worked as a private employee at a bank, eventually becoming a director at a private hospital in Medan. However, after moving to Bali and settling here with my husband, I decided to pursue a new path in the world of weaving. I've always had a deep love for local Indonesian fabrics, drawn to their beauty, colors, and intricate patterns. Whenever I bought something, I was always drawn to items with Indonesian elements, not just because of their visual appeal but also because of the craftsmanship behind them. My experience as a model, being immersed in fashion from a young age, also contributed to my passion for this field. I am a sports enthusiast, regularly swimming and jogging with my husband. Jogging along Bali's southern coast is one of my favorite activities. My husband, who previously worked as an employee, left his job to support my workshop. Together, we have one daughter and three sons who have brought immense joy and positivity into my life. Throughout the challenges I've faced, my husband and I have been partners not only in life but also in our artistic endeavors. We've supported each other through thick and thin, with a bond built on understanding and mutual respect. One of the most memorable moments in my journey was when I had to make multiple trips in one day to my weaver to meet an urgent order. It was difficult but it taught me the importance of perseverance and commitment. My guiding principle has always been: 'Keep The Faith.' I believe that confidence and belief in what we do are essential. Whatever we do, we must first believe in our hearts, if we do not have faith we will be easily shaken. In my business, hats and bags are some of the most challenging products to create, but I find great joy in combining colors to design these items. I take an active role in every aspect of my work—from selecting the motifs and colors for the woven fabrics to designing the products that will be launched. I have five artisans who work with me—four men and one woman. We use materials like Balinese woven fabric (endek), leather ikat woven fabric, webbing, natural leaves, and canvas, all of which are easily sourced. Our main tools are sewing machines and carving knives. By using traditional woven fabrics, we ensure that our products are environmentally sustainable. Each product is 100% handmade using natural dyes made from plants. Traditional weaving has a rich history in Bali, dating back to the time of the kingdoms. In the past, the kings of Bali wore these woven fabrics, which were crafted with motifs and colors used for both everyday clothing and religious ceremonies. Each region of Bali has its own unique characteristics, so the motifs and colors can vary from one area to another. We are proud of the fact that our products are handmade using traditional looms, ensuring that each piece is one-of-a-kind. I consider myself an optimistic, serious, and determined person.