Have you ever experienced true love at first sight? It left you in awe of the fact that the world is not only enormous but also filled with amazing things. It gives you the impression that falling in love involves more than just being attracted to someone; it also involves finding things amazing and wanting to do anything to get our hands on them. Let’s say that this may also be part of the reason why people love collecting things. For football fans, collecting club souvenirs is a way to show loyalty; for others, collecting can have an obsessional streak, like stamp collectors who are delighted about rare finds.

 

This is what our friend, Nathalisa Octavia and her partner Jane Odelia Lukman, had in mind when they saw what this world has. They traveled extensively and were excited to see what this world can offer. There were so many things that amazed them in so many ways and people would love to bring anything from their travels. It is to remind them about the precious time they have already spent on the other side of this earth. This little culture that people have inspired Nathalisa and her partners to make From Tiny Islands. It is a jewelry brand that they built since 2013. They made this business because they shared a common interest and approach to jewelry, incorporating travel destinations as the main theme of From Tiny Islands.

 

The founders hope From Tiny Islands can help people to capture the originality and history of a place. Through intricate shapes and carefully selected gemstones, Nathalisa and Jane aim to evoke the essence of each location. “Our intention is for people to feel a deep connection and understanding of the story behind the jewelry they wear, making it a cherished and meaningful piece in their lives,” Nathalisa said. More than just that, she strongly believes that jewelry is a highly personal item, worn as a keepsake or to express one's style and personality—to remind them about beautiful stories that they found from their travels. 

 

For instance, Nathalisa said that they also love to collect various items during her travels, which adds a touch of uniqueness to the brand. “During a trip to India, I brought back a beautifully crafted ceramic tile made using traditional Indian techniques. Whenever we visit the beach, we also collect corals and shells, which we often use as displays in our creations. Additionally, during our visit to Turkey, we acquired a hand-tufted carpet from a local shop, serving as a memento of that special place. These random items hold sentimental value for us and serve as reminders of the places we've been fortunate to experience,” she expressed.

 

Seashells and From Tiny Island's collection

 

Nathalisa also had this one voice about how jewelry is something that people wear daily and can be passed down through generations. Isn’t it beautiful? Especially when their jewelry primarily undergoes a handmade craftsmanship process. They aim to preserve the traditional methods of jewelry making because they provide a personal touch that machine-made jewelry lacks. From Tiny Islands’ jewelry-making process involves wax carving, molding, and meticulous hand finishing. They source gemstones from various locations worldwide, but all of their jewelry is made in Bali, where they have their own skilled artisans.

 

The more interesting part is how the founders made this business through casual conversations; they never created a formal business plan or proposal. It developed gradually from their spontaneity and instinct, incorporating their personal tastes into the brand. Therefore, they strive to create jewelry that is personal and full of intricate details. Their main themes are often inspired by travel or personal identification, such as birth flowers, astrology, or alphabets. They want From Tiny Islands to tell a unique story and hold special meaning for each individual who wears it. 

 

From Tiny Islands has participated as a tenant in Semasa several times, as it is one of the best markets for them to connect with fellow creatives. They knew for sure that all the attendees were a selective crowd who genuinely appreciated their products. “The vibrant atmosphere, the diverse range of people, and the venue itself make it an enjoyable and exciting experience to explore,” she mentioned. 

 

After years of building From Tiny Islands, Nathalisa learned that being a creative entrepreneur is important to embracing creativity. “Trusting your instincts often leads to original and unique outcomes. My partner and I are always spontaneous, following our intuition rather than simply following trends when it comes to creating new collections. By staying true to our approach, we stand out and offer something genuinely original to our customers,” she said.

 

From Tiny Islands has already proved that wearing the gorgeous part of the world can indeed be achieved. So what is your dream? Don’t be afraid to dream big, as long as you believe in it, there is nothing in this world that is bigger that can confront you.