At Kasih Co-op, every handcrafted piece tells a story—a story of heritage, skill, and the incredible hands that bring our creations to life. The heart and soul behind our mission is our founder, Ivana Darmawan, whose journey began in Indonesia and was shaped by a deep connection to her cultural roots.
Ivana’s purpose is rooted in empowering women, especially Indonesian women, to improve their livelihoods. Her inspiration comes from her mother, a successful businesswoman in Indonesia who faced significant challenges in her career because of her gender. Watching her mother's determination and perseverance instilled in Ivana a deep sense of responsibility to create similar opportunities for other women.
The name "Kasih" means "love" or "care" in Indonesian, which perfectly reflects the brand's dedication to uplifting communities through artisanal craftsmanship and a commitment to preserving traditional crafts like batik and ikat.
Ivana, who now calls Los Angeles home, started Kasih Co-op in 2012 as a jewelry brand. Over time, the business evolved into a home goods and lifestyle brand, driven by her passion for sharing the beautiful handmade products she grew up with. She learned to listen to her customers and adapt to market changes, which led to the expansion of the product line to include home goods, and eventually, the hand-dyed batik bandanas that have become a customer favorite.
The brand's commitment to quality and ethical practices is a core part of its mission. We partner directly with 18 different Indonesian artisan partners, and over 50% of them are women-owned businesses. By working closely with these artisans, Ivana ensures that every product is thoughtfully designed and crafted to honor the centuries-old art forms of Indonesia.
