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Indri Irawati

"I dream of becoming well-known around the world for my handbag designs. It is a big dream! I hope people will come to love my handbags.

"I'm Indri from Madura, and I have always had this fascination for handbags. When I finished university I started selling batik, and then I started thinking about applying batik to create original handbags.

"I have a relative who specializes in batik, in fact she is dedicated to promoting Indonesian batik and now lives in the United Kingdom, where she's set up her own venture. She has helped me develop my ideas and with her knowledge of batik and my passion for handbags we've ended up working together.

"People say I'm a talkative person, and that I'm helpful though at times indecisive. When we first started this venture I found it to be challenging. Promoting the bags across the country looking for clients and stores was difficult because I was inexperienced. However, I have always believed in the design and quality of our handbags, and it inspired me to overcome whatever difficulties came our way. Sometimes people thought batik handbags were old fashioned, but they would soon change their minds when they'd see our designs.

"I largely had to learn on my own, from websites and magazines. I've learned to master this craft and I'm always conscientious about quality. I enjoy creating innovative designs for new collections.

"The materials that I prefer to work with are pandanus leaves, rattan and leather because they are neither too easy nor too difficult to work with. I always prepare all of the materials first, before I process them, as it is easier for me to maintain them. I also work with different batik styles and techniques including hand-drawn batik, chop combination batik, and printed batik.

"I can assure you that the bag that you will receive will meet your expectations. Our motto is 'Eastern traditions wrapped in luxury to meet western quality.'"