David's AW News: End of an Era

Greetings from Bali, Indonesia

I hope you are doing well and life is treating you well.

Last week I was telling you about our trip to visit "Pacman" one of our long-time artisan suppliers in Bali. We made a Youtube video about it. I'm planning a series called: Meet the Artisans. If you missed the newsletter you can catch up here.

Yesterday was a sad day. The end of an Era.

So only a week ago, Ringo came to see me. He sat in front of me looking incredibly nervous, I could see his hands shaking. What he told me rocked my world. Rocked all of AW.

Ringo has been our Indonesian agent for almost 14 years. Not only that but a good friend and wise council. I can say hand on heart, I don't know anyone as humble, hard working, diligent and caring as Ringo. He taught me so much about the Bali Hindu philosophy, about the Tri Hita Karana which is all about balance, Three way balance between the spiritual, humans (community) and nature. 

Now he is sat in front of me telling me it is time for him to return to his small village in the Bangli regency and ultimately to become a village elder. Long story short his elder brother died about a year ago the village will hold a big ceremony which is his job to organise, after this he must take up a position as village elder to give balance back to the community.  He is, it seems to me, kind of retiring.

Such a shock! It feels like I am losing one of my oldest friends. Of course I fought against it, tried to persuade him to take a few months off and then come back. But he patiently explained why he cannot come back (maybe but unlikely). After telling me - he personally contacted and told everyone he interacted with in AW and then his staff, wishing everyone good health and success in the future.

In retrospect I can see he was planning this a long time, teaching his able assistant Bondhan everything, building a strong accountant team, and an excellent packing team. It was preordained, time to move to the next phase of his life. But it has taken me a week to process this and come to terms with it.

Yesterday was a day of ceremonies, prayers, hugs and tears. We had a meal with the team and everyone wanted to say something for the record. Ringo also.

And at the end without fuss, when no one was looking Ringo quietly slipped away..

The end of an era..

Actually I should not have been here, but fate works in mysterious ways. I needed to renew my KITAS (Indonesian Investor visa) in order to legally run businesses here. Normally a 10 day job, but they just changed the rules and after the local immigration office approves the visa it has to be approved by the Jakarta office, and this coincided with the introduction of a new government digital system that promptly broke down.  They told me I couldn't leave Indonesia whilst in process because that would invalidate the visa. OK, but how long until fixed.. the immigration officer here told me at least a month, maybe two. So that's why I'm still here and not back in the UK as planned.. but that's not so bad (as you can imagine).. and this thing with Ringo.. Thank goodness I'm here to oversee the transition.

So Bondhan, who is pretty good at video editing.. made a record of Ringo's last day. I just uploaded it to our YouTube channel.

Fighting Temu & the loophole traders.

It's actually ridiculous that Temu can fly in 1500 planes a month, sell junk to your customers and not pay taxes in the UK.

Awful carbon footprint, zero trading standards control and they dodge taxes.

Ask your other suppliers if they are supporting this? - word on the line is some are scared to sign.. because well.. China.

You can support here (thank you)

Sooner or later they (our government) have to wake up..and tax and control closing this unfair loophole...

Until then we can fight back by refocusing on quality, UK made and artisan products that people like Ringo are working hard to bring to you.

Check out the deals we have for you below..

Also new stock has just arrived! Check it out here! 

Only 3 weeks to Mothers Day.. and we have the best Season of Love products for you.

Wishing you a great weekend.

David