Lampshades

In 1990, Ibu Monika and her family left Java in pursuit of a more prosperous life in Bali. However, it became more difficult than they had imagined as it took Ibu Monika a very long time to find a job. She found work in a garment factory where she sewed beads onto garments. The paycheck brought a little relief but it was not what she had anticipated. She tried to improve things by starting a button production business.

Though business starting up her own factory for button production. Although it was her own business, Ibu Monika did not feel that it would satisfy her need for a more comfortable lifestyle. Business was slow, she became constantly anxious and so she ceased business. Later, a friend invited her to join him in the lamp-making trade. She developed a natural talent for creating original and unique lamps and in 1999, she felt confident enough to start her own business again. Ibu Monika generated capital by selling her car and any valuable personal belongings she had to establish a small retail store in Denpasar. Business began to flourish and her designs were being noticed. In 2003, she rented land space to build a factory and living area for her family. Ibu Monika had a steady number of buyers and two agents to help her find potential buyers.

However, problems began to arise when she found out that her agents have been taking a large percentage of the deposit money- she receives only 10% of each deposit paid by customers, leaving the rest in the pockets of her agents. Other problems she faced included a group of buyers from Italy who refused to pay her a reasonable price for the goods. The lack of a profitable income caused her to close the store. With only the factory left, she had no choice but to rely on the cunning agents to find new buyers. She turned to the Wahana Kria Putri Foundation for assistance and have had her products on exhibit around Bali. Ibu Monika hopes to establish a business relationship with France and Australia, expand the business and generate enough profit to give her freedom. She would also like to gain enough capital to purchase raw materials in cash instead of credit, which costs her 50% more in interest charges. With enough money, she plans to open another retail store in Ubud, find buyers on her own abilities and be completely self-reliant.