Hello, I’m Jey, currently interning with the Human Resource team at Bukit Vista. You might have come across my previous blog posts and articles, where I’ve shared insights about our company culture and stories from our dedicated employees. Today, I’m excited to introduce you to one of the inspiring speakers from our recents All Hands meeting on November 14th, 2023 – Ayu Sudana, founder of Bali Beans.
In the enchanting landscapes of Bali, where the scent of coffee intertwines with the spirit of the island, Ayu has embarked on an extraordinary journey. The founder of Bali Beans, she recently graced our All Hands session, bringing her inspiring tale to our community. Her narrative weaves through the verdant hills, not just as a coffee entrepreneur but as a champion of empowerment and change for Bali’s women farmers.
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayu-sudana-80aa5691/overlay/photo/
Bali Roots and Global Horizons
Ayu’s tale begins in Plaga, a village in Bali, where the natural rhythm of life harmonizes with the surroundings. In 2005, faced with challenges in Bali’s tourism sector, Ayu ventured abroad, first to the Maldives and then Dubai. These experiences served as a crucible, shaping her skills and fortitude, setting the stage for her entrepreneurial journey.
Returning to Bali with a refined perspective and a steadfast vision, Ayu laid the groundwork for Bali Beans in 2018. This was more than a business endeavor; it was a conscious effort to redefine Bali’s coffee narrative. Bali Beans is more than a coffee brand; it’s an ode to the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
Ayu’s vision sought to elevate local coffee quality, challenging the stereotype of Bali as merely a producer of commodity coffee. Tradition met innovation as she fused Balinese coffee growing practices with a contemporary approach to serving, offering a unique experience for coffee enthusiasts.
Ayu’s Vision as a Leader of Bali Beans
At the recent All Hands session, Ayu Sudana, the visionary CEO/Founder of Bali Beans, shared her ambitious vision. She aspires to be a trailblazing Balinese Womanpreneur, steering Bali Beans to the pinnacle of the coffee industry, both domestically and internationally.
Passionate about promoting Bali’s agriculture as a unique tourism activity, Ayu strives to ensure local farmers receive their fair share of income. Her commitment extends beyond profit margins to the heart of Bali’s communities, particularly its women farmers.
With a remarkable commitment to empowering women farmers through the magic of coffee, Ayu is determined to disrupt the conventional food chain. Her mission involves selling Bali Beans’ range of processing methods/roasts directly to customers without the involvement of middlemen.
Ayu also the Managing Partner of Bali Beans, where embodies the rich legacy of Balinese coffee farming. Born the same year the family plantation saw its first coffee harvest, Ayu’s childhood was immersed in the world of coffee. As a child, her mornings were spent helping her parents pick ripe coffee cherries, and weekends involved gathering fresh wild Luwak droppings for potential pocket money.
Growing into her role, Ayu’s parents entrusted her with the day-to-day supervision of the plantations. Her immersive coffee farming experience, coupled with her parents’ values, now propels Ayu’s dream of bringing premium Balinese coffee to the world sustainably.
The Essence of Subak Abian
Nestled within the details shared on Bali Beans’ official website, it is revealed that the coffee produced by Bali Beans is cultivated utilizing the time-honored ‘Subak Abian’ method. This local co-operative approach sees Balinese farmers seamlessly working together, embodying a communal spirit that extends beyond the fields, where support, knowledge, and resources are shared generously. Echoing the Balinese philosophy of ‘Tri Hita Karana,’ emphasizing the sacred interconnection between Man, Nature, and God, this practice at Bali Beans serves as a testament to their commitment to the environment and the spirituality embedded in their cultivation methods.
Delving into the intricacies of Bali Beans’ approach, the understanding of this relationship with nature is not just theoretical but is diligently put into practice through the consistent adherence to the ‘Subak Abian’ farming method. This information gleaned from Bali Beans’ official channels underscores the brand’s commitment to transparency and aligning their practices with the principles deeply ingrained in Balinese culture.
When one opts for the Bali Beans way of cultivating coffee, it isn’t merely a choice rooted in agriculture; it becomes a conscientious decision. Drawing attention to the source, it is essential to note that this valuable insight is sourced directly from Bali Beans’ official website. It is an affirmation to reject the usage of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and harmful chemicals, and instead, harmonize with the natural cycles of coffee production. This commitment isn’t just a sustainable farming practice; it’s a pledge to consumers—a promise of enjoying premium-quality coffee cultivated with meticulous care and a deep respect for the environment. As this information finds its way from the Bali Beans website to our awareness, it not only enriches our understanding of their cultivation methods but also adds a layer of authenticity to the coffee we savor.
Conclusion
Bali Beans, under Ayu’s stewardship, isn’t merely brewing coffee; it’s crafting a narrative of empowerment, education, and community development. In a world often fixated on profits, her approach stands as a testament to conscious entrepreneurship. Bali Beans isn’t just a coffee venture; it’s a catalyst for positive change, brewing success for Bali’s women farmers and redefining the global perception of Balinese coffee. Grab your fresh coffee here and be a part of the empowerment effort from Bali Beans. If you’re inspired by Ayu’s journey and interested in reading more about inspirational figures, visit our All Hands page.