Traditional Kuangen-Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings 'Kuangen Offerings' Item ID: 2671765723

My name is Made Tinon, and I was born in Denpasar in 1998. I grew up in Celuk Village, which is often called 'Silver Village' because of its rich tradition in silver craftsmanship. My parents, both skilled silver artisans, were the ones who raised me and my sibling through their hard work and dedication. They are like unsung heroes who instilled in me the value of perseverance and the importance of appreciating the effort behind every piece of work. As a child, I was immersed in the world of silver crafting. During my childhood, silver crafts were flourishing, and tourists frequently visited Celuk Village to see the artistry firsthand. I often peered through the windows, watching artisans work with passion and dedication. By the age of 9, when I was in elementary school, I showed a strong interest in silver crafts. I attended Elementary School 3 Celuk, where I was actively involved in art activities. Throughout junior high school, I continued to nurture my love for art and culture. When I reached high school, I became more focused on refining my artistic skills and learning silver crafting from my parents. At 17, I began working at Toko Raras, a gallery that sells gold and silver jewelry owned by my parents. Although I started by helping them, my deep love for art and silver crafting soon drove me to pursue it further. I feel a special connection to this craft as it is a part of my heritage in Celuk Village. Surrounded by a supportive family and positive influences, I received the guidance needed to become an innovative silver craftsman. I am incredibly proud to have been born in Indonesia, a country rich in art, culture, traditions, natural beauty, and friendly, tolerant people. However, pursuing a career as a silver artisan has not been without its challenges. With many competitors eager to take over our ancestral craft, and with no prior experience in entrepreneurship, I have had to learn the ropes of running a workshop. I may not have all the experience, but I remain persistent and dedicated to learning. One unforgettable and humorous experience I had was when I interacted with an English-speaking customer. I had no prior experience speaking English, and I made several mistakes, even quoting incorrect prices. Despite the challenges, I am proud of my entrepreneurial journey. Although my business may not be large, I find joy in spending time with my family and girlfriend, sharing laughter and support every week. My success is driven by a mantra I hold dear: 'Amid a challenging life, there is an opportunity to find true purpose and achieve happiness through dedication, creativity, and strong determination.' All of the jewelry pieces I create are challenging in their own way because they require both creativity and innovation. I draw inspiration from my life as a Hindu, combining the culture and art of Bali with the designs I pour into each piece of jewelry. In my business, I work closely with my parents, my older sister, and a team of craftsmen at home. I manage the craftsmen, ensuring they are compensated fairly for their work. The materials I use are primarily sterling silver 92.5, which is readily available, though prices fluctuate based on market conditions. I also use various tools such as scissors, pliers, stoves, sandpaper, and others essential for jewelry making. Silver crafting has the potential to support environmental sustainability. The production process is relatively eco-friendly, using recyclable materials and efficient techniques that minimize environmental impact. In Bali, especially in Celuk Village, silver crafting is not just a livelihood but a way of preserving our heritage. Every piece I create reflects the history and cultural traditions that are part of daily life, such as the temples that inspire my collection for Novica. Despite my busy schedule as a silver artisan, I always make time for my hobby of playing badminton. I am not yet married and do not have children, as I am focused on building my career in the jewelry industry. My goal is to achieve success at a young age so that I can one day make my future wife and children proud. Many of my friends admire my bravery and persistence in continuing my family's traditions. While I haven't received any formal awards, the recognition and support from my parents have been the greatest reward. Earlier this year, a family member introduced me to Novica, and that has opened new doors to share my craft internationally.