Seniman Dan Pengusaha Yang Membuka Galeri Seni Di Dalam Kedai Kopinya | Craftote Gallery & Coffee

Summary

Tio Sujinata, the owner of Craftood Gallery and Coffee, shares the story of his business journey, which began in 2021. Combining a coffee shop and gallery, his aim was to fund and support handmade crafts, especially sustainable products. The company specializes in environmentally friendly crafts, with a focus on traditional Indonesian weaving techniques using banana leaves, bamboo, and other materials. Tio emphasizes the importance of commitment, sustainable practices, and the value of proper business foundations. He credits his success to learning from programs like Jakarta Entrepreneur and striving for both profit and societal impact. His goal is to spread the uniqueness of Indonesian craftsmanship globally.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tio Sujinata is the owner of Craftood Gallery and Coffee, established on October 21, 2021, combining a gallery and coffee shop to fund handcrafted products.
• 😀 The business focuses on sustainable and environmentally friendly products, with a particular strength in weaving, using materials like banana leaves, bamboo, and water hyacinth.
• 😀 Tio’s business philosophy is to create products that are natural, unique to Indonesia, and eco-friendly, setting them apart from other local craftsmen.
• 😀 Initially inspired by helping an orphanage, Tio and his wife decided to create a business providing jobs for orphaned children, with a focus on craftsmanship.
• 😀 Tio’s background in Fine Arts from Jakarta Institute of the Arts influenced his focus on handcrafted products and learning from senior artisans.
• 😀 After early struggles, including a setback with bamboo quality, Tio found a solution through learning from bamboo experts in Cibinong, which improved product quality.
• 😀 Tio credits his business growth to joining Jakarta Entrepreneur, where he learned essential fundamentals of business management.
• 😀 Tio adopted a business philosophy based on three principles: Profit, People, and Planet, ensuring his business supports human well-being and sustainability.
• 😀 Joining Jakarta Entrepreneur helped Tio secure essential certifications like halal certification, and also provided access to intellectual property protection and business training.
• 😀 In 2023, Craftood Gallery and Coffee received the KRI Nusa Award for best natural fiber products, and the product is now competing internationally in Europe.
• 😀 Tio’s goal is to expand the reach of his products globally, showcasing Indonesian craftsmanship and environmental sustainability, while encouraging local appreciation of Indonesia’s natural resources.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Tio Sujinata's business?

The main focus of Tio Sujinata's business is combining a gallery with a coffee shop. The coffee shop generates revenue that funds the handcrafting side of the business, which specializes in sustainable, eco-friendly products, particularly in weaving materials such as banana leaves, eceng gondok, and bamboo.

Why did Tio start his business?

Tio started his business to help an orphanage where he and his wife were assisting by selling frozen food. When the orphanage director asked if there were jobs for the children, Tio saw an opportunity to create a business where the staff could be employed, especially focusing on handcrafting, which aligned with his background in fine arts.

What is the significance of banana leaf weaving in Tio's business?

Banana leaf weaving is a signature feature of Tio's business because it is a natural, sustainable material that reflects the uniqueness of Indonesian craftsmanship. It is a material that is not widely used by other artisans, making it a distinct aspect of his products.

What challenges did Tio face when producing bamboo products?

Tio encountered an issue with the bamboo used for his products being infested with pests, which caused the bamboo to become powdery. After investigating, he learned that bamboo must be cut before 11:00 AM to prevent this problem, as bamboo is sweeter and more vulnerable to pests if harvested later in the day.

How did Tio resolve the issue with bamboo quality?

Tio sought advice from a bamboo expert, referred to as 'Dewa bamboo,' who taught him that bamboo must be harvested before 11:00 AM to avoid pest infestation. By following this guideline, he was able to resolve the issue and improve the quality of his bamboo products.

How did Tio's involvement in Jakarta Entrepreneur benefit his business?

Tio's participation in Jakarta Entrepreneur helped him learn about the fundamental aspects of running a business, such as sustainable practices, intellectual property rights, and certification requirements. The program also connected him with important business networks, providing valuable guidance that strengthened his business foundation.

What is Tio's philosophy for running a business?

Tio's philosophy is based on the concept of '3 P's': Profit, People, and Planet. Profit ensures the business is financially viable, People focuses on creating products that benefit humanity and provide job opportunities, and Planet emphasizes producing eco-friendly and sustainable products.

What recognition has Tio's business received?

In 2023, Tio's business received the KRI Nusa Award for best natural fiber product, which highlighted the excellence of their craftsmanship. The product that earned the award, named Boheme, is now being showcased internationally in Europe.

What are Tio's aspirations for the future of his business?

Tio hopes that his products will gain recognition not only in Indonesia but also internationally, particularly for their environmental benefits and unique Indonesian craftsmanship. He also hopes to inspire a greater appreciation of Indonesia's natural resources.

What advice does Tio offer to fellow small business owners?

Tio advises fellow small business owners that the greatest rewards come from the strongest commitments. He believes that with dedication, success will follow. He also expresses gratitude for the support and guidance received from business networks like Jakarta Entrepreneur, which helped him understand the correct steps to take in business.