I was once taught that social entrepreneurship was ideally a combination of - the incremental builder (manager) - the opportunity seizer (deal maker) and the charismatic visionary (leader) plus effective team support. However, from my everyday encounter with women of thousand abilities such distinction never existed, neither by design nor as long term goal.
These women appreciate their every day opportunities as a chance to work for a better tomorrow. I found this to be very real and soon deeply internalized how entrepreneurship is not only opportunity for women to prove they can do this but also a journey to provide better living conditions for their loved ones. This motivates them to search for uniqueness, to be innovative and to trust themselves.
Despite their everyday work obligations and commitments, their talent, gifts and passion for Lurik remains true. Support and cooperation are essentials to producing quality goods. Women who have been involved in the production process have already used knowledge gained to modify the way they work.
I first met Ni Wayan Lilir at the 2008 Bali Creative Power and soon developed a good friendship with her. With the help of some international friends and colleagues Lilir was able to improve the scale of her natural home and spa products business.
I have witnessed her care, concern and skill as she explores the richness of natural ingredient for our everyday personal skincare. This gave me confident in presenting to the world some of her excellent body treatments using Lurik reusable packages.
Dorkas is a name found in the Bible. It refers to as dressmaker who made clothes for the poor in her village. As one of the program partners for the Wahana Kria Putri Foundation, I am able to tap into the authentic skill of this church-based ‘elderly mothers’ here in Denpasar, Bali. Hand knitting is not simply a skill but an enjoyable and refreshing way to help support their family.
