Coquette-Core Matte 18k Gold-Plated Ribbon Button Earrings - Sunshine Ribbons

Artisan Organization: Anjali Kothari

Country: Bali & Java

"I am Anjali Kothari, born in 2001 on December 13 in Jakarta. When I was 9 years old, my mother and I moved to Bali and lived there for 15 years. We frequently traveled back and forth between Jakarta and Bali, but I preferred the beautiful and peaceful atmosphere of Bali, which made me fall in love with the place and inspired me to create works of art. However, Jakarta also played a significant role in shaping my jewelry business. The dazzling capital city, with its fast-paced characteristics, motivated me to keep creating.

"Perhaps because both my parents were involved in the art world, I inherited this talent and wanted to express it as well. As an only child, it doesn't mean I am spoiled when it comes to life challenges — I am a courageous person with a strong curiosity. This trait has allowed me to develop interests in multiple fields. I moved schools frequently as a child due to my parents' jobs. I attended schools where most students were either Indonesian or foreigners, which made me accustomed to socializing with people from different backgrounds.

"I started my jewelry business at the age of 16, recognizing the high demand for jewelry in Bali, and I have been dedicated to it ever since. In addition to managing this business, I also have a talent for the food industry, as my educational background is in food science and nutrition.

"Amid my busy creative work, I also have hobbies that are quite different from my business, such as writing poetry, theater arts, and engaging in extreme activities like riding roller coasters, diving with marine animals, and various water sports. Since I am still single, there are many things I want to achieve. My interest in showcasing my identity as an Indonesian with an artistic spirit drives me to explore and share my work internationally. Exposure to international communities has pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to learn about various fascinating and unique foreign cultures. Perhaps this is why I have become someone who is curious, loves traveling, and enjoys immersing myself in the sights, scents, and flavors the world has to offer.

"This international exposure has also made me a nationalist at heart. Experiencing diverse cultures has opened my eyes — diversity makes us unique, so it is important to carry our identity with pride and understand how to unite different ethnicities under one ideology: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).

"I once struggled with a tough decision — should I continue my studies and leave my business, or drop out of school to focus on my business? In the end, I chose to pursue both because I believed they were equally important for my future. Although balancing both was challenging, I managed to do it successfully, graduating with cum laude honors and even earning a scholarship.

"Two years ago, my business was invited by the Indonesian Embassy to participate in a fashion exhibition abroad. While I was excited, I also felt immense pressure to present myself professionally in front of customers and attendees. The exhaustion of standing for hours and the overwhelming sleepiness finally got to me — I ended up taking a nap under my booth table, using a cloth cover for privacy. When my booth started getting crowded, a customer caught me sleeping under the table, and everyone laughed. Although it was embarrassing, it remains one of the funniest moments of my life.

"In building this business, I have faced financial difficulties, and I deeply hope that my jewelry business can support both myself and those around me. Amidst uncertainty, I found solace in creating and selling jewelry. The creative process became my escape, while the sales unexpectedly became a source of livelihood that has sustained me to this day. I have learned that even in our hardest moments, something created from the heart can bring blessings. Even now, I am grateful every day for the jewelry business that continues to provide for me.

"In life, I hold onto the vision: 'Your faith has to be greater than your fear.' These words have always guided me because I believe that faith in God will bring good things, even in difficult situations.

"As a business owner, I am directly involved in designing and managing everything, including quality control. Our tagline is 'Jewelry Inspired by the Universe' — everything the universe offers. This is my way of admiring God’s creation. The materials I use include brass coated with 18-karat gold. The tools I use consist of a torch, soldering tools, clamps, a jewelry saw, a bench block, a hammer, pliers, sandpaper, a grinding machine, a polishing machine, a ring mandrel, a laser cutter, a drilling machine, and an electroplating machine.

"My business also contributes to charitable causes. We support various initiatives, including environmental conservation, animal protection, and aid for those in need.

"I learned about Novica from my mother, Anita Jo, who is an artisan at Novica. I hope Novica can support me and help expand my knowledge while promoting my craft to the international market.""