Wow! Wow! How is it December already? The month of November flew by just like that. It was mostly spent preparing for all the exciting and big things happening in December—one of which will be included in this post. This year started out pretty rough, but it has developed into an amazing year for me and I cannot be more grateful that it will end with a bang. Gosh, I’m so excited for you guys to experience it too! Stay tuned to the end of this post to know what I’m talking about.
Last Saturday I was invited by Slow Fashion Indonesia to become a speaker for their event, Swappiness—a.k.a. Swapping Clothes with Happiness. It is essentially a clothes swapping event that is open to the public. The event opened with a little talkshow in which I was to talk about slow fashion, clothes swapping as an alternative to shopping new and promote my book Take It Slow for further learning. It was so nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time as it was my first experience as a live speaker.
Wow! Wow! How is it December already? The month of November flew by just like that. It was mostly spent preparing for all the exciting and big things happening in December—one of which will be included in this post. This year started out pretty rough, but it has developed into an amazing year for me and I cannot be more grateful that it will end with a bang. Gosh, I’m so excited for you guys to experience it too! Stay tuned to the end of this post to know what I’m talking about.
Last Saturday I was invited by Slow Fashion Indonesia to become a speaker for their event, Swappiness—a.k.a. Swapping Clothes with Happiness. It is essentially a clothes swapping event that is open to the public. The event opened with a little talkshow in which I was to talk about slow fashion, clothes swapping as an alternative to shopping new and promote my book Take It Slow for further learning. It was so nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time as it was my first experience as a live speaker.
First Time for Everything
If you follow my Instagram, you might already know that this wasn’t actually my first time being a speaker—in fact, it was my third. However, it is the first time I would speak at an offline event and one where I was only a small part of it the rundown.
This wouldn’t have happened it wasn’t for Jane—the founder of Sisa Kain Mama—who, apparently, found my book a year ago. I first interacted with Jane when she attended my first speaking gig and she recently bought my book. She ended up liking the book so much—thank you!—that she invited me to be a speaker at this event. I said yes, initially thinking I was only one of the speakers at the event.
The event took place at MULA in Kota Tua. It was a small co-working space located in what used to be an old bank, which has a gorgeous 19th century charm about it. The location was also super strategic—right across the street from the Museum Fatahillah bus stop, where I got off.
The building also houses one of my favourite coffee shops, Sunyi Coffee. Too bad I didn’t bring my own coffee cup, so I couldn’t grab a latte as they use only plastic to-go cups. Since this event is held in collaboration with Tukar Baju from Zero Waste Indonesia, it wouldn’t do well if I were to appear on stage with a single-use coffee cup in my hand.
If you follow my Instagram, you might already know that this wasn’t actually my first time being a speaker—in fact, it was my third. However, it is the first time I would speak at an offline event and one where I was only a small part of it the rundown.
This wouldn’t have happened it wasn’t for Jane—the founder of Sisa Kain Mama—who, apparently, found my book a year ago. I first interacted with Jane when she attended my first speaking gig and she recently bought my book. She ended up liking the book so much—thank you!—that she invited me to be a speaker at this event. I said yes, initially thinking I was only one of the speakers at the event.
The event took place at MULA in Kota Tua. It was a small co-working space located in what used to be an old bank, which has a gorgeous 19th century charm about it. The location was also super strategic—right across the street from the Museum Fatahillah bus stop, where I got off.
The building also houses one of my favourite coffee shops, Sunyi Coffee. Too bad I didn’t bring my own coffee cup, so I couldn’t grab a latte as they use only plastic to-go cups. Since this event is held in collaboration with Tukar Baju from Zero Waste Indonesia, it wouldn’t do well if I were to appear on stage with a single-use coffee cup in my hand.
A few things I found out when I arrived. First of all, it turns out I was the only speaker at the event. The talkshow would exclusively feature me, with Jane as the moderator. I don’t know why I thought there would be others. No mention of any other speaker was ever made (lol). That got me ten times more nervous than I already was. But, thankfully, Jane and everyone else were very friendly and welcoming—which brings us to the second point.
Secondly, I didn’t realise how meaningful it would be to really meet people who enjoy or want to read my book. Jane has apparently raved about my book to the rest of the team. Now two more of them wanted to get their hands on it. Then, during the Q&A at the talkshow, three people who asked the question were given my book too. They looked really excited when they received them. Plus one more person who came up to me specifically to purchase my book—and ask to have it signed. I can’t believe these many people that I didn’t know are this excited to own something that I made! Crazy!
The event actually went on until 3pm, and I originally wanted to hang around until the end. However, since I didn’t bring any clothes to swap—there were already a lot of items in my hands—I ended up taking my leave not too long after lunch. Afterwards, I just took a long stroll on my own around Kota Tua, under the unforgiving sun, taking some more shots of my outfit of the day. I really love this area, what with all the charming architecture, so I wanted to soak it all in while I was there. It was still hours before my next thing—this special wedding in the evening.
Hand-me-down t-shirt // thrifted skirt // old socks + boots + hair bows// Mount Island mask //
event photos by Slow Fashion Indonesia
A few things I found out when I arrived. First of all, it turns out I was the only speaker at the event. The talkshow would exclusively feature me, with Jane as the moderator. I don’t know why I thought there would be others. No mention of any other speaker was ever made (lol). That got me ten times more nervous than I already was. But, thankfully, Jane and everyone else were very friendly and welcoming—which brings us to the second point.
Secondly, I didn’t realise how meaningful it would be to really meet people who enjoy or want to read my book. Jane has apparently raved about my book to the rest of the team. Now two more of them wanted to get their hands on it. Then, during the Q&A at the talkshow, three people who asked the question were given my book too. They looked really excited when they received them. Plus one more person who came up to me specifically to purchase my book—and ask to have it signed. I can’t believe these many people that I didn’t know are this excited to own something that I made! Crazy!
The event actually went on until 3pm, and I originally wanted to hang around until the end. However, since I didn’t bring any clothes to swap—there were already a lot of items in my hands—I ended up taking my leave not too long after lunch. Afterwards, I just took a long stroll on my own around Kota Tua, under the unforgiving sun, taking some more shots of my outfit of the day. I really love this area, what with all the charming architecture, so I wanted to soak it all in while I was there. It was still hours before my next thing—this special wedding in the evening.
Hand-me-down t-shirt // thrifted skirt // old socks + boots + hair bows// Mount Island mask //
event photos by Slow Fashion Indonesia
Where Did I Go Right?
You know, this blog is probably the only consistent thing in my life over the past 10 years. For whatever reason, I kept going back to it, writing about all sorts of things that piqued my interest. Funny thing is: I barely ever get paid for it—I can count with one hand the number of sponsors I’ve gotten over the years. Though I didn’t realise it before, my consistency to keep writing here will eventually lead somewhere.
Because, it turns out, if I never wrote this blog and found my passion in ethical fashion and sustainable living, I may never write the book I was invited to talk about. If I stopped blogging, I may never meet so many amazing and inspiring people who have given me wonderful opportunities to put myself out there and share what I’m passionate about. I’ve always believed that I was on my own—and always have been—but the truth is, I have always been so lucky to be surrounded by the right people. And that includes you guys who constantly support me on this little corner of the internet, so thank you so much, truly!
For the greater part of a decade, I have always felt like I was playing catch up with the rest of my peers. Having started uni late and graduating from it even much later, I couldn’t help but to feel like I was constantly lagging behind. When my friends graduated, I was just continuing uni. When they got a job, I was only halfway through. By the time I graduated, they were getting promotions. It’s no wonder I’ve struggled with impostor syndrome.
The syndrome pushed me to go above and beyond to make sure I was making up for lost time. I had a side gig since the early semesters of uni, while my friends were struggling merely with assignments. I networked like nobody’s business, branching out on the people I reach out to and the media I consume. I always make sure I’m juggling at least 3 things at once, crossing “idle” off my dictionary. And, yeah, I’ll admit: it is overwhelming at times—I wish I knew what it means to truly relax. But this year—finally—it all seems to pay off. Finally, I feel like I’ve arrived.
You know, this blog is probably the only consistent thing in my life over the past 10 years. For whatever reason, I kept going back to it, writing about all sorts of things that piqued my interest. Funny thing is: I barely ever get paid for it—I can count with one hand the number of sponsors I’ve gotten over the years. Though I didn’t realise it before, my consistency to keep writing here will eventually lead somewhere.
Because, it turns out, if I never wrote this blog and found my passion in ethical fashion and sustainable living, I may never write the book I was invited to talk about. If I stopped blogging, I may never meet so many amazing and inspiring people who have given me wonderful opportunities to put myself out there and share what I’m passionate about. I’ve always believed that I was on my own—and always have been—but the truth is, I have always been so lucky to be surrounded by the right people. And that includes you guys who constantly support me on this little corner of the internet, so thank you so much, truly!
For the greater part of a decade, I have always felt like I was playing catch up with the rest of my peers. Having started uni late and graduating from it even much later, I couldn’t help but to feel like I was constantly lagging behind. When my friends graduated, I was just continuing uni. When they got a job, I was only halfway through. By the time I graduated, they were getting promotions. It’s no wonder I’ve struggled with impostor syndrome.
The syndrome pushed me to go above and beyond to make sure I was making up for lost time. I had a side gig since the early semesters of uni, while my friends were struggling merely with assignments. I networked like nobody’s business, branching out on the people I reach out to and the media I consume. I always make sure I’m juggling at least 3 things at once, crossing “idle” off my dictionary. And, yeah, I’ll admit: it is overwhelming at times—I wish I knew what it means to truly relax. But this year—finally—it all seems to pay off. Finally, I feel like I’ve arrived.
From Day to Night
After the fun event earlier that day, I planned to go to Agung‘s best friend’s wedding in the evening. Since the wedding would take place in Central Jakarta, it made more sense for me to stay put somewhere nearby and wait for Agung to come meet me. We thought we could even visit a popup market event in the area. But then…it started to rain. And just as Agung took off too. Needless to say, he got drenched in the downpour. It was all really awful.
Somehow, though, we still made it to the wedding. Agung got to see all his friends from his previous office before he met me. I met them all only once before, but I’ve heard so much about them before and since. This was like his inner circle, so I was happy to see them reunite. Agung isn’t the easiest to catch—and I should know—so I thought the least I could do was make sure he would be there on this special moment. Sure, it could’ve gone better—without Agung getting sick afterwards, for a start—but I think it was good that they were all there.
Last week may be fun, but this week will be so lit! This Friday to Sunday I will be part of the artists’ exhibition at Uncorruptfest by Indonesia Corruption Watch. Three comic artists—Maghfirare, Nadiyah Suyatna and yours truly—will be showcasing the stories we made covering different aspects and impacts of corruption, based on cases we have surveyed in Makassar, South Sulawesi. Not only that, there will also be talkshows, musical performances and stand-up comedy shows. So, please do come and stop by to check us out!
After the fun event earlier that day, I planned to go to Agung‘s best friend’s wedding in the evening. Since the wedding would take place in Central Jakarta, it made more sense for me to stay put somewhere nearby and wait for Agung to come meet me. We thought we could even visit a popup market event in the area. But then…it started to rain. And just as Agung took off too. Needless to say, he got drenched in the downpour. It was all really awful.
Somehow, though, we still made it to the wedding. Agung got to see all his friends from his previous office before he met me. I met them all only once before, but I’ve heard so much about them before and since. This was like his inner circle, so I was happy to see them reunite. Agung isn’t the easiest to catch—and I should know—so I thought the least I could do was make sure he would be there on this special moment. Sure, it could’ve gone better—without Agung getting sick afterwards, for a start—but I think it was good that they were all there.
Last week may be fun, but this week will be so lit! This Friday to Sunday I will be part of the artists’ exhibition at Uncorruptfest by Indonesia Corruption Watch. Three comic artists—Maghfirare, Nadiyah Suyatna and yours truly—will be showcasing the stories we made covering different aspects and impacts of corruption, based on cases we have surveyed in Makassar, South Sulawesi. Not only that, there will also be talkshows, musical performances and stand-up comedy shows. So, please do come and stop by to check us out!
Do stop by Kala di Kalijaga on 9, 10, 11 December 2022!
Let’s celebrate World Anti-corruption Day together!
Do stop by Kala di Kalijaga on 9, 10, 11 December 2022!
Let’s celebrate World Anti-corruption Day together!