Meet Ivana Darmawan | Owner, Kasih Co-op

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ivana Darmawan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivana, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
A few habits that have helped me succeed are writing my to-do lists on paper and persevering through challenges.

Growing up, I would always start the year with a New Year’s resolution and keep a yearly journal to jot down my to-do lists. There’s something incredibly satisfying about crossing off completed tasks. To this day, I rely on handwritten daily task lists to manage my business. Although I’ve experimented with digital tools and apps, I consistently return to pen and paper. I now use a weekly journal where I can write down dates and outline tasks, especially when tackling big projects. While I don’t use it religiously, I’ve found that writing things down helps me prioritize what needs immediate attention versus what can wait.

The second habit that’s been crucial is perseverance.

I founded Kasih Co-op to partner with Indonesian artisans and bring their handmade goods to a global market. The journey began in 2012 as a jewelry brand, and in 2016, it evolved into a home goods and lifestyle brand. Over the years, there were moments of doubt where quitting seemed tempting, but I stayed the course. I learned to listen to my customers, adapt to market changes, and develop new designs based on demand. This adaptability led to some recent highlights for our brand: being named a UCLA Bruin Business 100 honoree, receiving a Recognition Award from the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center in Los Angeles, and joining the Nest Guild.

Through it all, I’ve realized that success often comes down to persistence and refusing to give up on your dream.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, Kasih Co-op, partners with Indonesian artisans to create handcrafted, unique home goods and lifestyle items, such as hand-dyed batik bandanas, scarves and more.

One thing that sets us apart is our commitment to empowering women—55% of the artisans we collaborate with are women-owned businesses. Our mission is deeply rooted in preserving and celebrating Indonesian cultural heritage, particularly through traditional crafts like batik and ikat. Batik, a wax-resist fabric-making technique, holds significant cultural importance; it was recognized by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. At Kasih Co-op, we’re passionate about blending this heritage with a modern aesthetic to create products that resonate with today’s customers.

The journey to where we are today hasn’t been easy.

When we launched in 2012, we began as a jewelry brand. In 2016, we pivoted to offering handwoven ikat cushions and poufs, and over time, we expanded our collection to include hand-turned teak wood items, robes. Most recently, we introduced new collections of hand-dyed batik bandanas. Each pivot was driven by listening to our customers and responding to market demands.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability.

Success in this business requires continuous iteration and a willingness to test new ideas. We’ve found that expanding and refining our product offerings is key to staying relevant and meeting customer needs.

Through it all, I’m proud of the way Kasih Co-op has stayed true to its mission: preserving Indonesian craftsmanship while innovating to meet modern tastes. I want the world to know that behind every product is a story of heritage, artistry, crafts, and collaboration with talented artisans who bring our vision to life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here’s a refined version of your response that enhances clarity and flow:

If my best friend were visiting Manhattan Beach and Los Angeles, here’s how I’d plan the ultimate week-long trip.

We’d start with some iconic LA landmarks: exploring Beverly Hills, snapping photos by the Hollywood Sign, and enjoying the lively atmosphere at Santa Monica Beach. For a more relaxed and picturesque experience, I’d take them to the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, where the Chinese Garden is a personal favorite. On a separate day, we’ll venture around where I live to go to Manhattan Beach Pier and we’d also go hiking in Palos Verdes to take in the stunning coastal views.

Food would be a major highlight of the trip.

For a taste of upscale Middle Eastern cuisine, we’d dine at Bavel in the Arts District. Osteria Mozza would be our go-to for a delicious Italian feast. I’d also introduce them to some hidden gems, like Borj Star in Gardena for incredible shawarma, and Tan Cang Newport Seafood in Santa Ana for their famous garlic fried lobster. Of course, no trip to LA would be complete without some Korean BBQ at Park’s BBQ in Koreatown.

To satisfy our sweet tooth, we’d stop by Sweet Lady Jane for their legendary Triple Berry Cake.

Throughout the week, we’d balance sightseeing, food, and downtime, ensuring they experience both the iconic and off-the-beaten-path sides of LA.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a special shoutout to the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) in Los Angeles for their unwavering support of Kasih Co-op.

ITPC Los Angeles is a non-profit trade development agency under Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade. Their mission is to promote Indonesian products in the U.S. market, facilitate trade inquiries between Indonesian exporters and U.S. importers, and support trade-related initiatives.

They’ve been instrumental in helping Kasih Co-op grow. In July 2024, we were honored to receive an Appreciation Award from ITPC LA for our ongoing commitment to promoting Indonesian products. Beyond this recognition, they’ve sponsored our participation in trade shows, giving us valuable opportunities to showcase our handcrafted Indonesian products to a wider U.S. audience. ITPC has also advise us on how to grow our business and introduced potential customers to Kasih Co-op.

ITPC LA’s support has played a vital role in our journey, and I’m deeply grateful for their dedication to fostering trade and cultural exchange between Indonesia and the U.S.

Website: https://www.kasihcoop.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kasihcoop/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kasih-co-op/

Twitter: https://x.com/kasihcoop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KasihCoop/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kasihcoop

Image Credits
credit: Kasih Co-op