IN THE STUDIO WITH AYU NORMA OF PUTRI SIREN

 

You’ve probably seen pics of those super cool mermaid tail swimwear pieces floating around somewhere online, and if not, then you definitely have to check out Putri Siren, a Bali-based company created by Ayu Norma and her daughter Kali Firscha. Ayu recently took the time to tell us all about this unique business venture and the philosophy and ethos behind her creative vision.

Hi Ayu, can you tell us a little bit about your background and how your upbringing has influenced your entrepreneurial spirit?

 

I was born in Surabaya, a vibrant port city of Java in the thriving Chinatown neighborhood. A third born of 5 siblings. My parents are conservative Javanese people but they’re non-conventional to say the least. They named their eldest son born in 1973, Henry Arafat, to celebrate peace and freedom. I spent my early childhood with my two older brothers adventuring, collecting stones and other found treasures. I have been making things since I was very young, clay doll house, paper puppets, anything with leaves and flowers.

I am grateful to have been raised in entrepreneurial family. I grew up daydreaming about things to create, places to go, people to meet. There was never a question of ‘What do you want to be when you grow up’.

 

What do we need to know about Putri Siren your very cool mermaid tail business?

 

Putri Siren is a project with my daughter, Kali. She loves reading and is really into mermaids. So I thought why not create an outlet where we both can put in ideas, develop them, make it happen and have fun along the way? Lots of fun! I’d like Putri Siren to inspire girls to be active and to dream big—even with both legs strapped together metaphorically and literally—and to turn to sisterhood to create a non-competitive healthy friendship among girls and women.

 

How have your children inspired you?

 

My children, Kali who is 13 and Siddhartha who is 11, are the love of my life and an endless source of love, laughter, car pool karaoke, shared meal times and movie nights. We inspire each other and I hope to continue doing so and to travel, have more adventures and to hopefully make the world around us a little bit of a better place.

 

Putri Siren products are designed by you and handcrafted in Bali, why is it so important to you to support artisans and crafters in your local community?

 

I have always been fascinated with art and design. I studied Indonesian traditional textiles for my bachelor’s degree because I’m passionate about Indonesia and its culture. We have so much to share, and so many stories to tell. I believe by keeping the production within the country, we are doing our share to rejoice and keep our stories alive.

 

We love that through Putri Siren you use your mermaid events to educate children about the importance of marine wildlife. Can you tell us more about this?

 

The first step to conserving wildlife is to get to know it. We partner up with local NGOs to enrich the children’s natural curiosity in learning and discovery with marine wildlife awareness. Our marine biodiversity is so rich and in some parts, unique. It really is an amazing world down there.

 

As a successful entrepreneur, what are some of the greatest challenges you face in building your businesses?

 

That would be keeping the faith, to keep believing in what I do. I have had my ideas rejected, doubted and even laughed at. Sometimes all you need to bounce back is some good sleep, a glass of wine with good friends or simply to change seats. It’s very important to surround yourself with passionate people, and with the quality and support you need to take you where you want to go.

 

What is the best piece of advice you can give to other creative founders?

 

To be courageous and be patience. And that takes practice.

 

We feel it is important to shine the spotlight on other creative women. Can you tell us about one lady in your community who inspires you?

 

I am very blessed to have crossed paths with many inspiring women. I’d like to give my gratitude today to Novie Gehlen, the creator of Warung Kecil, a business that serves heartful lunches for families in Sanur, Bali. She has inspiring dedication to healthy food, sustainable farming and her continuing efforts to support less privileged communities in Bali.

Check out Putri Siren mermaid tails and please show your support!

putrisiren.com
www.facebook.com/balimermaids

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