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Cristin Carolin

"My name is Cristin Carolin, and I was born in Bali in 1973. What I do now evolved from my interests as a teenager. A family near my house made homespun clothes, and I was very impressed by the way they spun cotton, using traditional techniques. I sat there for hours just to watch how they worked. They suggested I begin by working at a renowned local garment company, where I would learn much about the trade while weaving and making dresses. So, I took their advice and worked there for almost two years, learning everything I could.

"When I felt confident enough to start my own workshop, I did so, and now, several years later, four other people work with me. We primarily make hand-woven clothes featuring traditional ikat fabrics and patterns.

"I have a funny story to tell you, of an experience that I will never forget for the rest of my life. When I was in the third year of elementary school, I went to stay with my uncle in Lombok, an Island next to Bali. Five years later, my uncle wanted me to marry his son. I was so terrified of getting married at such young age that I ran away! Someone found me and took me to my parents' home. The next day, my uncle arrived. He asked me to return to stay with his family again, and to finish my studies there. He promised never to ask me to marry his son again. When I graduated from high school, I returned to Bali, as originally planned, to be with my parents and sisters again."