Putu Suryawan

Artisan Organization: Putu Suryawan

Country: Bali & Java

"My name is Putu Suryawan and I was born in Gianyar, Bali in 1969. I am the first son of my family. When I was born, my family was a poor family; my father worked as a merchandise seller. Yet we lived happily because my father worked hard to provide for his family. I am proud of his hard-working mentality. And because I am the first son, I helped him by doing anything I could.

"Even though my parents had not been able to do so, I finished my education through senior high school. I went to government schools since primary school, because the government school was cheaper than other schools. After graduating from senior high school, I went to Kuta to find a job. I worked in a shop from 1990-2000, and quit when I was about to marry. I quit because I had a plan to open a shop with my wife.

"Together we started making handicrafts; we have been making handbags from rattan that we think are awesome. We have one daughter, and we love her so much. Becoming a father changed my life; I have more responsibility to think about and more pride in myself. My father told me to always give thanks and be patient with everything. And I remember that advice today, and I will pass that advice to my daughter eventually.

"Thank God, one of Novica’s agents came to me and said that my handbags are awesome and invited me to join. I hope you can help me promote my handbags. Now I have the chance to show the world the quality of these natural materials." "