"There is nothing more gratifying, nothing that gives me more of a feeling of Victory than helping other women realize their dreams."
"I have been fortunate to have my own personal victory in that joy and work have been synonymous in my life. And, I have been able help other women achieve their own dreams. For many years, I worked with carvers in Bali creating Buddhist images for shops in North America and Europe. I worked with amazing people, carvings and materials in one of the richest creative atmospheres in the world. The time came when I felt the need to retire and step away from the business. I missed the creative atmosphere and working with artisans in the carving workshops. I needed something new to inspire me.
"In 2010 that inspiration became a perfect partnership with my friend Saktut. I knew Saktut was brilliant in many ways and her talents were not being utilized working all day in a friend's shop. Saktut was eager for something creative that would allow her to work independently and provide for her three sons and their future university education.
"She had previously worked with batik artists and tailors and wanted to start again, but was unsure of which designs would sell well and where to sell them. I was of course already very familiar with Novica and I knew that they support local artisans, making it possible for them to create and sell in many countries, without the expense of opening a shop. They also make it possible for women to be with their children during the times of the day when they are needed as well as work."
"I took a computer class to improve my skills and Victoria brought in ideas for some new kimonos. That's how we started and together we presented some designs to Novica," recalls Saktut. "I mostly run operations now, such as meeting with the tailors and finding new batik patterns. We create the new designs together.
"Many of the people we work with are women, so they can also make a living and care for their children. There is nothing more gratifying, nothing that gives me more of a feeling of victory than helping other women realize their dreams."
