Part V: Honoring the Journey and the People Who Made It Possible

As 2025 approaches, I reflect on the incredible journey of bringing The Mythical Figures of Bali™ to life. This project has been a labor of love, and now, as we prepare for the grand launch, I want to pay tribute to the people who played pivotal roles.

First and foremost, Ngurah Gde Putra, a local expert and friend, was instrumental in guiding my early research. His deep understanding of Balinese mythology helped me navigate the complex stories behind the figures. Along with Putra and Tris from Suparsa Homestay, their combined knowledge ensured that the representations of these figures stayed true to Balinese culture, providing a solid foundation for the collection.

Next, Mateus Avarenga, the jewelry designer in Portugal, who transformed the 3D digital designs into prototypes, was a vital collaborator. Despite the production delays due to wildfires in Portugal, Mateus worked tirelessly to bring my vision to life with exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

A heartfelt thanks goes to Anton at Bali Jewelry Studio. His expert silver casting and finishing were integral to making the final pieces shine, from the sterling silver casts to the engraved logo. Anton's skill ensured that every figure in the collection was meticulously crafted, capturing the intricate details I had envisioned.

A special acknowledgment must be given to Brigitte Fritsch from Germany, whom I met in Bali a few years ago. Brigitte’s deep knowledge of Balinese culture and her female perspective were invaluable throughout the design process. We discussed and reviewed the progress of the designs several times a week, and her insights on both cultural authenticity and aesthetics helped refine the collection into what it is today.

Of course, I can’t forget Jose Cardone, from the Colombian company who was instrumental in creating the initial 3D designs. Jose’s team took my research and vision and turned it into stunning 3D models, capturing the essence of each mythical figure with precision and creativity. Without their work, the project would never have progressed to the level of detail that it has today.

I’m also immensely grateful to Dian Efendi, my partner in Bandung, for working alongside me on the packaging and branding. Together, we designed sleek black tubes, embossed with a silver logo I created with the help of AI. The design wasn’t just about function; it needed to reflect the elegance and cultural significance of the jewelry inside. Thanks to Dian’s sharp design eye, the packaging became a beautiful extension of the collection, including the velvet cushions inside the tube and the carefully crafted five-page leaflet that explains the story of each mythical figure.

Additionally, I want to thank my international design team of IMAGINIF: Ksenija Martić, Ognen Petrovic from Belgrade, Serbia, and Sohan Dilusha from Sri Lanka. Their advise and work on the promotional images and videos added a level of professionalism that perfectly captured the essence of The Mythical Figures of Bali™. Their artistic contributions helped us create marketing materials that tell the story of the collection in a visually compelling way, allowing customers to experience the richness of the mythology before even touching the jewelry.

Last but not least, I extend my gratitude to Kartika IdaAyu from Hujan Locale in Ubud. Her continuous feedback on the designs, especially from a cultural and aesthetic point of view, helped guide the project in its final stages. Her insights were invaluable in making sure the figures stayed true to their Balinese roots while also appealing to an international audience.

Now, as we prepare for the collection’s grand launch, I’m also finalizing the consignment agreements with 50 luxury hotels across Bali. I’ve selected custom black glass displays—standing at 160 cm tall and 50 cm by 50 cm wide—that will showcase the jewelry in a setting that reflects its premium nature. These displays, complete with velvet cushions for the bracelets and posters that tell the story of the figures, will be the focal point of the hotel’s souvenir shops. The goal is to ensure that each buyer experiences more than just a transaction—they’ll leave with a piece of Bali’s soul.

In early 2025, I’ll personally visit these hotels to ensure their shops align with the high standards of the collection. This careful curation will allow me to showcase The Mythical Figures of Bali™ in an environment that does justice to the jewelry’s cultural and artistic significance.

Alongside the physical stores, I’m finalizing the webstore, which will provide an equally immersive online experience. With 30 years of retail and business model experience, I know the importance of seamlessly integrating both online and in-person experiences. The website will offer customers around the world a chance to learn the stories behind the figures, explore the rich symbolism, and choose the piece that resonates with them personally.

Looking back, this journey has been an incredible collaboration of creativity, culture, and craftsmanship. From Bali to Portugal, Germany to Belgium, and Sri Lanka to Serbia, everyone involved has contributed something unique. As we enter the final stages of launch preparation, I’m filled with pride and excitement for what’s to come.

This project has been about more than just creating jewelry—it’s about sharing the cultural richness of Bali with the world. And while we’ve accomplished so much, I know the best is yet to come. More to follow as we move into 2025 and beyond...