Welcome to Our Journal!

Changemaker

Astri Puji Lestari, Content Creator

 

Get nerdy with us and read about our journey throughout the years, stories from our tight knit community, exciting news and more by clicking through the tabs below. Sharing with you all our nerdy facts so you can follow the stories of our Ibus and more.

  • Nerd Up
  • Fewer, Better
  • Weddings
  • Process
  • Changemakers
  • News & Partnership Stories
  • Community

Nerd Up

Cotton Planting Season
Here in Indonesia, the monsoon season is in full force. After a long drought last year, it feels like life...
SukkhaCitta Taking the Lead in Tackling Climate Change - Validated by Science-Based Targets initiative
Sometimes it’s okay to remain neutral. Like do you really wanna get involved when your in-laws are fighting over the color...
1% for Biodiversity
In 2024, we go beyond planting trees. Trees are amazing. They provide us with oxygen, filter the air, store carbon...
Choosing Light in Darkness: D’s End of Year Reflection
It’s hard for me to feel positive these days.Every time I open the news, it feels like everything is going...
Do you know who needs a makeover? The electricity grid!
I came to COP28 mainly to make progress on early coal retirement issues. Because our Java-Bali electricity grid is producing...
A letter from a friend
Creating something new, turning ideas into reality, sitting with our own imagination, envisioning a different world, paving the way to...
The Scent of Time: The Story Behind Seribu Bunga
As we enter October, I want to take this time to look back and reflect on the month before. September...
Showing Appreciation to Women Artisans in Indonesian Villages
When working with our Ibus, we learn a lot from their way of life, which is different from ours in...
Endgame #153 | Our CEO Joins the Series “Gangbusting on Sustainability” with Gita Wirjawan, Tanah Sullivan & Gita Syahrani
This is the second time Denica joins Endgame with former Indonesian Minister of Trade and visiting scholar at Stanford University,...
Celebrating #7YearsofChangingLives
As we celebrate #7YearsofChangingLives, things have never felt harder. Yes, we did achieve some major milestones – yet the last...
Fewer Better
  A new way of thinking about how we buy. _ We are drowning in clothes. Every year, a staggering...
How can fashion achieve its 2030 climate goals?
How can fashion achieve its climate targets by 2030? What’s clear is that just one company doing it is not...
Threads of Hope
Meet the women that makes your clothes so meaningful. Through living wage and access to education, we are changing lives...
Passion vs. Purpose
Every end of the year, Bertram and I retreat from the busy-ness of life. To look back and reflect -...
SukkhaCitta on Endgame with Gita Wirjawan
Instead of making ourselves the "next China" or the "next Singapore", we need to decolonise and rebuild our Indonesian identity...
What we can learn from India’s Khadi movement
For this year’s World Cotton Day, we look back at one of the world’s biggest socio-political movements—that happened to have...
Healing Nature, Healing Ourselves
It felt like entering an oasis. My perpetually busy mind slowly dissipated. Turning into a childlike awe, as I walked...
KAPAS - From Farm to Closet
We've lost touch. With where the things we buy come from. And the true cost our choices have on the...
What if your clothes can heal the Planet?
What does salt, clove and a cow have to do with your clothes? Well, as it turns out quite a...
The Courage to Stop
Did you ever take a day just for yourself?As a recovering type-A, I find it really hard to let go....
Meet My Sustainability Hero
When it became clear that COP26 wouldn’t really get us anywhere, I set out to write an article about simple...
Fashion and Deforestation
Image Source: Fashion Revolution. 120 million trees disappear into clothing every year. And it’s on track to double in the...
What do clothes have to do with our food?
Hey guys, this is Denica. I just came back from a fieldtrip and wanted to share what I saw on...
Your Clothes and Climate Change
Whenever you hear climate change, your clothes are probably the last thing that come to mind. It seems to be...
Protecting our Rivers, Protecting Ourselves
Rivers have been major drivers of human civilisation. It’s where tribes would settle and thrive – fishing, trading and cultivating...
The Story Behind ANGKASA
When was the last time you looked up to the stars? It’s one of my favorite things to do when...
What is sustainable fashion?
It seems like everyday, everything we buy is being marketed as sustainable. But who really walks the talk? Consider this. Company...
What if your clothes can change lives?
I often get asked why ethical fashion costs more. Some tell me they love our pieces but the price is just a bit...
Celebrating #5YearsOfChangingLives
Ideas are something really fragile. They need time to develop and grow; to be nurtured and protected. Against those who...
Denica meets Korean Drama... and learnt this
I'm the most unlikely person to talk about Korean movies, but last week (with a lot of convincing) I watched...
6 Things Anyone Can Do for a Plastic-Free Ocean
From plastic straws blocking the nose of an innocent sea turtle to tons of invisible microplastics reaching the oceans every...
The True Cost of Our Colorful Closets
I’ve shared a lot about the issue of synthetic dyeing, and today I’m inviting you to watch this powerful documentary...
A Motherhood Journey
Our #MadeRight clothes are built from connection, between you, our Ibus, and the Earth. Each is a reminder of how intertwined our...
UNDP: Providing Livelihoods in the Crisis
Hi you, Yesterday was a really special day for us and our Ibus. It started with a chat from one of our...
#MadeRight Mini: Clean Water for Families in Sumba
Hey guys, Denica here :) Remember the story behind #MadeRight Mini? These small clothes with big impact were crafted to...
Impact Reflection: 2020
I will never forget the fear in her voice. That phone call with our Ibus in Gesikharjo back in March....
Rituals for Gratitude
Sometimes it just all gets too much. My mind is filled with worries – fueled by a never ending stream...
Op-Ed: The End of Business as Usual
Op-Ed written for Forbes Indonesia on building a world we believe in. Click here to read the piece. _ Over...
The story behind our Hope mask
It started with a heartbreak. Working with villages directly, I knew from the very beginning that our Ibu-Ibu (Indonesian for...
A forest in your name
As you know, protecting the environment of our artisan communities has been a top priority for us from day one. We...
The Secret Life of Everyday Objects
Hey you, I initially wrote this more for myself as I try to make sense of the new reality we’re...
The Story Behind Our #MadeRight Mini
We exist to impact lives. 4 years ago, I started SukkhaCitta with one mission: to end exploitation in all its...
Our Artisans' Coffee Design Challenge!
We need your help: Be the judge in our first-ever design and storytelling challenge!   2 months ago, we had a...
The Truth About Your Handmade Clothes
Here’s an inconvenient truth: Batik is a really dirty business. My first encounter with this issue was when I saw...
Why we use natural dyes
That was a question one of our #MadeRight Tribe asked when she came by our booth last weekend. As a...
The Story Behind Our Design Philosophy
As you all know, we started SukkhaCitta not to be another fashion brand but to be a catalyst for positive...
Help us get better!
Dear #MadeRight Tribe, We are so proud and grateful of everything we have accomplished last year, both the highs and...
New Year Reflections: You Are Not Small
As we enter the last hours of the year, I am drawn to take a moment to reflect on what...
True Luxury is #MadeRight
From the beginning, SukkhaCitta was never meant to be another fashion brand. As you may know, I am a trained...

Field Notes

Ethically Handcrafted™️: What it means to Ibu Moen
Meet the women who make your clothes so meaningful! Through education and access to a living wage, your #MadeRight clothes...
Ethically Handcrafted: What does it really mean?
Most women who make your clothes are hidden between complex layers of outsourcing. With virtually no legal framework to protect their...
When Things Don't Go As Planned: Finding Hope In Setbacks
I was holding on for dear life as our car slowly ascended the mountain slopes. Two hours ago, the paved...
Field Notes | Natural Dye Training
It is already close to midnight when we finally arrive in East Java. We are tired from the five hour...
A Program For The Weavers' Wives
After our trip last month, we have been testing different initiatives in the village to find what works. This week,...
Spending Eid in #MadeRight
Eid Mubarak! Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Eid and a joyful celebration 💝 The time to celebrate...
How to Style HARA
Wonder how you can mix and match the new HARA pieces together? Especially with the earthy colorways that truly reflect...
4 Hijab Friendly Looks by Astri Puji Lestari
We first met Atiit at our Mindful Styling Session in our flagship, where we bring communities interested to learn more...
Fewer, Better: Denica's Capsule Wardrobe
Are you dreading that moment in the morning, when you open your closet and are greeted with a pile of...
#AskAnaAnything: The Making of ANGKASA Sinar
Last time, we asked our followers on Instagram to DM us with any questions they might have for Ana, our...
How do I find my size?
About Our Sizing Hi, Ana here! We wanna help you find the right fit, rather than just the right size....
Your 2023 Gift Guide
You’ve got enough to worry about with all the end of year plans coming up. So, we thought that preparing...
5 Looks with the PAGISENJA Little Black Dress
Bev, or more commonly known as @odetoless on Instagram, shows us how she’d style her favorite #MadeRight piece, the Little...
What You Get With Your #MadeRight Purchase
We get a lot of query from people interested in buying our #MadeRight pieces, but they first want to know what they...
How to Create the Fewer, Better Wardrobe
Let these five points be your decision-making guide to creating the fewer, better wardrobe. Get to know your style. Start...
The Story Behind KAPAS Tumpang Sari Collection
When Denica first explained Tumpang Sari to me, my mind was immediately transported into my 3rd grade classroom. Ceiling fan...
How to Wear: ANGKASA Knot Skirt
Hi, Ana here! Would like to share you my current favorite: the ANGKASA Knot Skirt! I'm inspired by sarung/sarong, a...
How to care for your mask
Last week, the German Medical Association suggested that citizens find or make a simple fabric mask when out in public...
How to Make your own DIY Mask - and stay safe
In times like these, we all scramble for security, a feeling of safety. One obvious thing to cling to are...
Living with Less
From the start, my intention was to build SukkhaCitta as a platform for positive social change. Perhaps this is why...
How to create a wardrobe you actually love
Beginning of the year, I stared into my closet and thought, what the hell is going on here? I had...
Sustainable Weddings: Irene & William
For their most meaningful day, Irene and William wanted to celebrate the right way. Their wedding was purposely designed to...
How to Plan a Meaningfully Sustainable Wedding
For some, weddings are a dream come true. The day you’ve been waiting for all your life. You still remember...
A New Heritage: Amanda & Nara
For their most meaningful day, Amanda and Nara chose to honor their heritage by wearing traditional Indonesian Kebaya and Kain....
Sustainable Weddings: Dessy & Sebastian
This entry is submitted by Dessy. She is wearing a custom TITIK Raw wedding dress with embroideries. Sebastian is wearing...
Sustainable Weddings: Ayu and Galih
Hi Ayu! Congratulations on your wedding, it's as if we can feel all the emotions in the pictures. Tell us,...
Sustainable Weddings: Tressabel & Yovan
Hi Tressabel! First of all, congratulations on your wedding. Please do share more about your love story. How did you...
Sustainable Weddings: Putri & Iqbal
Hey Putri! First of all congratulations !!! You guys look really happy and the pictures are heartwarming. How did you...
Zero Waste Wedding | Aisha & Dimas
Dimas and I first met in 2012 through Instagram. I was captivated by his artwork and asked my cousin to...
#MadeRight Wedding | Irma Astrid
SukkhaCitta (SC): Hi Irma! Could you tell us a bit about yourself? Irma Astrid (IA): I run a communications consultancy...
Farm to Closet: ThreeBark™ Red
The most auspicious hue from the Earth. Our rare red hue is crafted from the most delicate blend of three...
Farm to Closet: SappanPink™
For generations, Sappan wood has been used in the Archipelago for its medicinal properties. This herbal medicine is believed to...
Farm to Closet: SweetIndigo™
SweetIndigo™ is our signature plant dye that colors your favorite SukkhaCitta blue hues. From the lightest blue all the way to...
Farm to Closet: Natural Dye Brown
You know why we use natural dyes. But is using natural dyes always sustainable? It all depends on how it...
Behind Our Craft: Batik Process
The roots of Batik are ancient and difficult to trace. No one knows exactly when, or where, people began to...
Bandana Tewari, Cultural Journalist & Sustainability Advocate
“The ultimate fashion statement for me, which I write about is you go and buy something from a culture, buy...
Astri Puji Lestari, Content Creator
““I learnt that knowing your enough is the true luxury in life."” As a mother, housewife, architect, and content creator,...
Gita Sjahrir, Impact Investor
“People always equate goals to results, when actually the process itself can already be seen as a goal.” As we...
Kamila Andini & Garin Nugroho, Film Directors
“No matter how small the role of that profession is when an output becomes part of an ecosystem, whether that...
Tjok Gde Kerthyasa, Practitioner of Holistic and Homeopathic Medicine
“[SukkhaCitta] supports the villages as their "factories", not factories as the villages. That means they maintain the integrity of one...
Tiza Mafira, Environmental Law Activist
“The most sustainable solution is going back to those items we already own. There's nothing more sustainable than that.” Environmental...
Helianti Hilman, Purpose-driven Entrepreneur
“I realize how rich Indonesia is and how this should actually be Indonesia's icon and branding on the world stage.”...
Andra Alodita, Holistic Practitioner
“What's amazing is when I decide to follow my heart and purpose, I feel whole.” As a content creator-turned-holistic practitioner,...
Anandita Makes, Impact-driven Entrepreneur
"I'm not only paying for the clothes but I'm paying for the optimism, the hopes, the smiles of the Ibus...
Fellexandro Ruby, Entrepreneur and Content Creator
"We advocate something that others wouldn't possibly imagine – that others feel is impossible. Through a network of people and...
Driando Ahnan, Tempeh Sciencepreneur
"In running the Tempeh Movement, we're trying to explore ways in which its form and values can be integrated in...
Feby Dayono, Sustainability Practitioner
"Until the end of time, people would wear clothes. So, we should do it the right way." Feby Dayono or @febylous...
Happy Salma, Artist and Entrepreneur
"(Tumpang sari) signifies how amazing our universe is, and the endless humility of nature." Happy Salma loves Indonesia's traditional crafts lives...
Farwiza Farhan, Environmental Activist
“I hope, one day we will arrive at the point where we don't need to protect the environment because that...
Andini Effendi, Senior Journalist
"(Sustainability is) not about ‘the nature’, it’s about us." Andini Effendi wants it all, and does it all. Starting as...
Nadine Alexandra Dewi, Actress and Activist
"At the end of the day, as humans, we’re all interconnected, one way or another."   The former Puteri Indonesia...
Silvia Halim, Civil Engineer
"You know, it’s not just for you."    Since joining PT MRT Jakarta, Silvia Halim has been the sole woman...
Hannah Al Rashid, Actress
"This is not business as usual, this is a movement." SukkhaCitta Changemakers From a tiny seed for meaning, to a...
Sandrayati Fay, Musician
"There is so much wisdom in going back to the Earth."   Folk musician Sandrayati Fay is a third-culture Indonesian....
Ayu Kartika Dewi, Peacebuilder
"I think we need to move to a more circular model where a business sells not only products, but also care and...
Andhyta Firselly Utami, Environmental Economist
"I think we need to move to a more circular model where a business sells not only products, but also care and...
Marsha Timothy, Actress and Model
"I'm learning to create meaning in my life."  SukkhaCitta Changemakers From a tiny seed for meaning, to a global movement...
Carina Hardy, Artist and Impact Entrepreneur
Hi Carina! So happy we’re finally doing this as I’ve been a huge fan of your work. First, can you...
SukkhaCitta x Yo-Yo Ma: Culture as a Climate Solution
  “I’m from a small village. I didn’t go to high school, life as an artisan was never easy. But...

News

Limited Offer: Free International Shipping to the US
You can use the code: USHIPPING0424 – during checkout on our website or get our Happiness Team to help you out. Terms & Conditions...
Reconnect this International Women’s Day 2024
For International Women’s Day 2024, we collaborate with LUMINE Singapore to share the value of reconnection.  During an interview between...
SukkhaCitta on the March Issue of Selvedge Magazine
Selvedge magazine was established by Polly Leonard whose passions and interests in the culture of cloth and textile led to...
2023: Our Ibus to the World!
As we bid farewell to 2023, we want to reflect on a year filled with remarkable achievements, sustainable initiatives, and...
We've planted 4,799 trees in your name this year!
4,799. That’s the total number of trees you’ve helped plant this year through your purchases. That’s the number of trees...
Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards: Celebrating Our Ibus With the World
Today in Paris, our founder Denica Riadini-Flesch received the honor of being awarded first place at the Cartier Women's Initiative...
SukkhaCitta wins the DBS Foundation Social Enterprise Award
We are honored to represent Indonesia for DBS Foundation's  Social Enterprise Award. This unique program is one of its kind...
We Won B Corp Best for the World™!
Around the world, people are feeling the heat fuelled by the climate crisis. With everything going on, it's been a tough...
SukkhaCitta recognized as leading social enterprise that empowers women
Today, we had the honor to be invited to share SukkhaCitta's sustainable impact model with Ibu Sri Mulyani Indrawati, the Minister of...
SukkhaCitta is B-Corp Certified!
Together, we made history. This Earth Month, we’re proud to be B-Corp certified! This global certification is awarded to companies...
Global Leadership Award for Sustainable Fashion
We are humbled to receive the prestigious Sustainability Leadership Award from Common Objective. The first in Indonesia! Dedicated to building a...
SukkhaCitta recognized by SEED Awards for driving eco-inclusive impact
OK - this is kinda a big deal: In the midst of navigating the difficulties of the second wave here...
Thank you - 2,650 times.
Update: In August 2020, we shipped another 700 masks to East Nusa Tenggara thanks to your support. I was holding...
SukkhaCitta on Deutsche Welle!
Not all natural dyes are equal You've heard how dirty the way your clothes are made - so you wonder...
World Changing Idea Award by Fast Company!
Ok, I know there is a lot going on in the world right now. But it is time for a...
SukkhaCitta on World Economic Forum Agenda
We entered the new decade with an unexpected honour!World renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who is also in the Board of...
t'angan: SukkhaCitta x Yo-Yo Ma
Together with world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, we proudly open our first exhibition t'angan: The Hands Shaping Indonesia's Culture on 7...
Rumah SukkhaCitta - Indonesia's First Craft Schools
After more than two years of planning, designing and re-designing, finding the right locations and securing the budget, an idea...
Our founder named Forbes 30 Under 30!
This weekend, the team is celebrating: Our founder, Denica Flesch, is part of Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia! Each year, a selected...

Partnership Stories

SukkhaCitta for Ed Sheeran
We’re excited to share that, in the span of just half a year, we were able to collaborate twice with...
SukkhaCitta for MENARD
It’s always interesting to connect with brands and organizations that align with our values and are working towards a common...
SukkhaCitta for Amartha
We’re excited to share our collaboration with Amartha, an Indonesian microfinance marketplace that allows anyone to invest in impact-driven Small...
SukkhaCitta for Ibu Arsitek
In celebration of Ibu Arsitek’s fifth birthday, we were honored to become their official merchandise partner to represent the power...
SukkhaCitta for Warner Music Indonesia
When Warner Music Indonesia reached out, we knew this was a very special project. We were brought together by the...
SukkhaCitta for BUAISOU Japan
From Java to Japan! Connected by the spirit of #MadeRight, our master weavers in Central Java have customized the most special raw cotton...
SukkhaCitta for Yo-Yo Ma
Lines of Bach, 2019. A custom designed poster for Yo-Yo Ma's Bach Project in Indonesia.Took us a month to craft...
SukkhaCitta for Boston Consulting Group
BCG Indonesia wanted their end of the year gifting to be extra special. They wanted their hardest working partners and...
SukkhaCitta for Mercedes-Benz
We were flattered when Mercedes-Benz got in touch. Mother's Day was coming in Indonesia and the luxurious car brand wanted...
SukkhaCitta for DBS Singapore
Treasures is DBS Bank Singapore's most premium segment. They came to us to brainstorm about creating a meaningful item that embodies...
SukkhaCitta for BEAU Artisan Bakery
Uncompromisingly natural. That's the underlying core value that BEAU strives to achieve with each of their handmade pastries. They wanted...
A Movement of Speaking Up
Throughout the past seven years of SukkhaCitta’s existence, we’ve had the pleasure of connecting with so many impact-driven individuals. From...
SappanPink™ took over this year's Earthshot Prize in Singapore
We're so excited to see our SappanPink™ making a splash in this year's Earthshot Prize.Our very own Changemaker, Farwiza, made a statement on...
#7YearsofChanging Lives: A Birthday Soiree
On Wednesday, August 30th, 2023 we held a birthday soiree to celebrate #7YearsofChangingLives at our Flagship! We’re still brimming with the...
#7YearsofChangingLives: Community Celebrations
Celebrate our #7YearsofChangingLives milestone with us! We want to hear from you. Participate in our online challenges throughout the entirety...
Ibu Tur's Story
When was the last time a total stranger did something kind for you? Or maybe you witnessed a random act of...
The Story Behind SukkhaCitta’s Flagship Store
SukkhaCitta has always been about purpose. So when we had the opportunity to open our first Flagship store in Ashta...
#MadeRight Tribe | Dominique Diyose
Denica (D): Hi Domiii!! So excited we’re finally doing this! Tell me all about you! Dominique (Domi): Hi Denica :)!...
SukkhaCitta x Monita Tahalea
The origin of our new story launch, ALUNAN, is almost three years in the making. It began from a conversation...
Meet the Ibu | Lilik
Meet the women who make your clothes so meaningful! Through education and access to a living wage, your #MadeRight clothes...
#MadeRight Tribe | Irene Yuliana
This interview is part of our Wellbeing series, where personal practices from our community that helps ground them in these uncertain times. In this session,...
#MadeRight Tribe | Ayu Larasati
SukkhaCitta (SC): Hi Ayu! Do share a bit about yourself, what made you take the conscious decision to become a...
#MadeRight Tribe | Vanessa Budihardja
This interview series is made in collaboration with From Tiny Islands, where we sit down with three remarkable young women...
#MadeRight Tribe | Fatriana Zukhra
This interview series is made in collaboration with From Tiny Islands, where we sit down with three remarkable young women...
#MadeRight Tribe | Jessie Setiono
This interview series is made in collaboration with From Tiny Islands, where we sit down with three remarkable young women...
#MadeRight Tribe | Lessa Gresh
SukkhaCitta (SC): Hi Lessa! You started your career as a litigation and corporate lawyer - and yet you now run...
#MadeRight Tribe | Anina Mutter
SukkhaCitta (SC): Hi Anina! Can you tell us a bit about yourself: What inspired you to start Blossik? Was there...
Meet Maesy | The Print Keeper
SukkhaCitta (SC): Can you share a bit of your story why you started Post? What are you fighting for with Post?...
Meet Militza | The Accidental Environmentalist
SukkhaCitta (SC): Hi Militza! We know that your background is a fashion designer. Could you share why you started Little Green...
Meet Helga  |  The Plant Evangelist
SukkhaCitta (SC): Hi Helga! Could you share your story and the events that led to the birth of Burgreens? Helga...
Meet Azri  I  The Urban Gardener
SukkhaCitta: Hi Azri! We know you were trained as an architect. What made you go in the direction of urban...
Meet Samantha  |  The Farmpreneur
SukkhaCitta: Can you share the story behind Blueboots Farm? What drove you to leave your engineering career dream to build an...
Meet Santi  |  The Purpose Catalyst
SukkhaCitta: You used to be working in one of the most prestigious interior design firm in the US. Can you...