Bisnis Anak Muda - Jeli Melirik Bisnis Keramik

Summary

Kandura Studio, founded in 2006 by ITB alumni, has become a leading creator of high-quality ceramic tableware. Despite starting with limited resources, they have successfully tapped into Indonesia’s growing culinary industry. Specializing in unique, handmade ceramics, Kandura emphasizes both design and quality. Their products, including mugs, plates, and bowls, appeal to mid-to-upper-class consumers, especially in the restaurant and café sector. Their success has extended beyond Indonesia, reaching markets in Asia and Europe. Kandura's ongoing commitment to innovation and quality has helped them establish a solid reputation and steady growth in the ceramics industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kandura Studio, founded in 2006 by ITB alumni, specializes in creating unique ceramic tableware, starting with a small investment and growing into a successful business.
• 😀 The company began with a passion for ceramic art, transitioning into a business after successfully selling their products at an art market event.
• 😀 Kandura Studio’s initial success was propelled by projects outside ceramics, including artwork for public spaces and major restoration projects, such as the Bank Indonesia building.
• 😀 Social media and gallery exhibitions were key tools for promoting Kandura’s unique ceramic products and expanding their market reach.
• 😀 While initially focused on local sales, Kandura’s products have successfully reached international markets in Asia and Europe, aided by careful online marketing and reputation management.
• 😀 Kandura differentiates itself by producing high-quality handmade ceramics, unlike cheaper mass-produced alternatives in the market, focusing on both design and functional use.
• 😀 The production process is highly meticulous, with each product undergoing multiple stages of firing and glazing to ensure quality, which takes around 21 days to complete.
• 😀 The company primarily uses neutral color designs, like cream, white, brown, black, and dark gray, with a focus on functional tableware, though they also create decorative pieces for exhibitions and galleries.
• 😀 Kandura’s customer base is mainly middle to upper-class individuals, as well as small-scale businesses like cafes and restaurants that require custom-designed tableware.
• 😀 With a monthly turnover of around 200 million IDR, Kandura produces approximately 700 ceramic products each month, including mugs, cups, bowls, and plates, meeting the growing demand for quality tableware in the culinary industry.

Q & A

What was the initial goal of Kandura Studio when it was founded in 2006?

The initial goal of Kandura Studio was not focused on business. It was to hone the skills of working with ceramics. However, over time, the founders realized they could make a business out of it.

Who were the founders of Kandura Studio and what was their background?

Kandura Studio was founded by three alumni of ITB (Institut Teknologi Bandung): Fauzi Prasetya, Tisa Granisia, and Batseba Satya. They all had backgrounds in ceramics and design.

What was the first major project undertaken by Kandura Studio?

Kandura Studio's first major project was the restoration of a building for Bank Indonesia in Kota Tua, which helped strengthen their business by generating income.

How did Kandura Studio initially promote their products?

Initially, Kandura Studio promoted its products through social media and by participating in art exhibitions and galleries, which proved to be an effective way to reach consumers.

What sets Kandura Studio's ceramic products apart from others in the market?

Kandura Studio's ceramic products stand out because they are handmade, feature unique and creative designs, and are crafted with a high level of attention to quality, ensuring both aesthetics and functionality.

What were some challenges Kandura Studio faced in the early stages of their business?

One of the challenges was the difficulty in sourcing consistent materials. Due to their small scale compared to large factories, the quality and consistency of the materials could vary. They had to adapt and experiment with their processes to maintain quality.

What types of products does Kandura Studio primarily produce?

Kandura Studio mainly produces tableware such as mugs, cups, bowls, and plates. They also occasionally create decorative items like vases and centerpieces.

What impact does the growing culinary industry in Indonesia have on Kandura Studio?

The growing culinary industry in Indonesia has provided a steady demand for quality ceramic tableware, which has been a key factor in the success of Kandura Studio, as more restaurants and cafes seek unique and high-quality items for their establishments.

What role does design play in Kandura Studio’s products?

Design plays a significant role in Kandura Studio’s products. They focus on creating functional designs with a simple yet elegant aesthetic, often using neutral colors like cream, white, brown, black, and gray. The design also reflects the specific needs and concepts of their business clients, such as restaurants or cafes.

How does Kandura Studio approach innovation and the future of their business?

Kandura Studio continuously embraces experimentation and innovation in both design and production. They are focused on improving their processes, expanding their product range, and investing in new equipment to increase production capacity and maintain high-quality standards.