Ari Hartini: Her Decorative Lighting Business with Unique Bali Living Has Paid Off
DENPASAR - Bali, is not only a stunning tourist destination with its natural beauty and culture, but also a world-renowned center for handicrafts. The island offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and the boundless creativity of its local people.
Every corner of Bali offers breathtaking views. From white sandy beaches overlooking crystal clear blue seas, to the verdant rice terraces of Ubud, to the breathtaking views of volcanoes, it's no wonder Bali is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of tourists each year.
However, Bali's charm extends beyond its natural beauty. The island is also known as a center for the production of a wide variety of artistic and high-quality handicrafts. Balinese handicrafts encompass a wide range of products, from wooden sculptures and stone carvings to silver jewelry and traditional textiles to bamboo and rattan crafts. Each craft reflects the skill and dedication of Balinese artisans, passed down through generations.
Villages such as Ubud, Celuk Mas, and Batubulan are just a few examples of places in Bali renowned for their handicraft production. Ubud, for example, is known as the center of Balinese arts and culture. Here, tourists can find various art galleries, art markets, and handicraft workshops showcasing local artwork. One such workshop is Unique Bali Living, owned by Ari Hartini, which offers handcrafted lamps.
Ari Hartini has dedicated herself to the decorative lighting business for 12 years under the banner of Unique Bali Living. The company focuses on home decor, specifically creating decorative lamps such as bedside lamps, floor lamps, pendant lamps, and wall lamps in a variety of artistic and elegant designs.
Based in the Ubud area of Denpasar, Unique Bali Living has a 500m² workshop and a 200m² shop. This space serves not only as a production center but also as a source of inspiration for her creative work. Approximately 60 percent of Unique Bali Living's products are exported to countries such as the United States, Brazil, Mexico, France, and Mauritius. The remainder is marketed domestically and is widely used in cafes, hotels, and restaurants throughout Indonesia.
Ari Hartini's journey in the decorative lighting business began in 2013. Initially, she started the business from home because she lacked confidence in facing the numerous competitors. However, with perseverance and a clear vision, in 2016, Unique Bali Living began to show significant growth. The company grew to 10 full-time employees and collaborated with dozens of artisans outside of her workshop.
Before founding Unique Bali Living, Ari gained valuable experience working for several private companies, including a cargo forwarder and a handicraft manufacturer. This experience provided her with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage her own business.
Not only successful in business, Ari Hartini is also active on the Central Executive Board (DPP) of the Indonesian Furniture and Craft Industry Association (HIMKI). She was appointed Head of the Australian Regional Marketing Division, a strategic position that allows Ari to promote Indonesian furniture and craft products in the Australian market.
Under Ari Hartini's leadership, Unique Bali Living continues to grow and create high-quality decorative lighting products that illuminate spaces and provide a unique aesthetic touch. Her success story is an inspiration for many young Indonesian entrepreneurs who want to start businesses in the creative industry.
Why did Ari Hartini choose home decor related to lighting or lamp housing as her primary business? She said it's because lamps are synonymous with bright light. "Honestly, I really like things that are bright or luminous. Bright light is like something that gives me strong hope in life. That's why I chose a business related to lamps: so that it can provide a glimmer of hope in my life, business, and family," Ari said in a conversation with Bisnistoday on Sunday (July 7).
Ari said that Unique Bali Living has been registered and recognized by the Provincial Department of Industry and Trade and the Badung Regency Department of Cooperatives and SMEs, Bali. This has provided a bridge to obtaining assistance in the form of product exhibition facilities, as well as soft loans and KUR (People's Business Credit) from a state-owned enterprise.
Bali is a perfect example of how natural beauty, rich culture, and artisan craftsmanship can combine to create a unique and captivating destination. This island not only delights the eyes and soul but also inspires with its beautiful and valuable works of art. Bali, with all its charm, truly deserves to be called a tourist paradise and a center of craftsmanship. (Red)
