- BALI
7 Mom’s Who Rock Bali & Lombok – Meet These Amazing Moms On The Island!
Entrepreneurs, Founders, & CEOs Making Waves Everywhere They Go In Bali And Lombok
To celebrate womanhood, Little Steps Asia has spoken to some of the most extraordinary moms who are rocking Bali and Lombok! They’ve shared some personal insights into their lives, things they love about the tropical Hindu island, and their tips to achieve a better work-life balance. Little Steps LOVES moms who inspire those around them. Read on to discover why!
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Paula Huerta: Founder Of Bambook Studio
Paula and her Swedish husband built a home on Lombok Island and moved their lives over a decade ago. She has one 7-year-old son. Originally from Spain, she's traveled for much of her life and lived in Madrid, Chicago, San Fransisco, Singapore, and now Lombok. She's an architect specializing in sustainability, net-zero architecture, and circular economy. She's a very proactive and dedicated professional with her architectural firm, Bambook Studio. Paula has dedicated much of her work to pro-bono social projects and initiatives to improve her now-home-island environment. She's a climate activist and suffers for what's coming; she always feels she's not doing enough.
WHY LOMBOK? What Do You Love Most About Lombok And Raising Your Kids Here?
Bringing up her child in Lombok is bliss; she enjoys connecting to nature and the low-density, simple present life. One of her highlights is the lack of advertising and the constant bombardment of consumer ads touting fashion, trends, and marketing. You can live without the constant social pressure on professional women, without the need for makeup and heels, and the benefits of children playing outside instead of being addicted to their screens and video games. Living in Bali is more connected to nature, less artificial, costly, and digital. She thinks bringing up your kids a healthier way, particularly during their early years.
OUTINGS: What are 3 of your favorite things to do in Lombok? Any secret finds?
Paula loves relaxing at home with her family, reading, or listening to podcasts. She enjoys Lombok because of the lack of traffic, endlessly large beaches, and fewer people than the rest of the island.
ME TIME: How Do You Spend Your "Me Time"?
Peaceful times at home and practicing Ashtanga yoga give her great mental strength.
FAVORITE THINGS: a. Favorite Book b. Favorite Superpower (yours or one you would love to have)
Her favorite all-time book is The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuściński, and the latest book, The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, by Elizabeth Kolbert. Her superpower would be grit!
FAVORITE THINGS: Please send us the links to 1-3 Spotify Songs that inspire you / have inspired you?
- All too well by Taylor Swift, Leiva, Gaby Moreno - Con El Pañuelo En los Ojos, and Rosalía by Despechá.
ADVICE: What words of wisdom would you pass down to your younger self?
Paula says if you trust your instincts, work hard, and be a good person... karma will be nice!
The Links!
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Aska Hamakawa: Founder Of Earth Company and Mana Earthly Paradise
Aska is the founder of Earth Company; the foundation chooses one impact hero who is an exceptional changemaker who inspires the world to make a difference. They work together for three years to realize social change for future generations. She's also the founder of Manu Earthly Paradise. In these award-winning eco-villas, sustainability is at the heart of regenerative tourism.
She has lived in Bali for the last nine years; she chose Ubud because of the abundant nature, Balinese culture, beautiful traditions, and an international conscious community. She has four children aged between two and 10, two of which were born in the garden of her home.
Aska runs the NGO Earth Company to support exceptional changemakers and educate youth and corporate workers to build regenerative futures. She's raised over $1 million and supports 21 projects and 3 million people in eight countries across Asia Pacific. She and her husband also founded an eco-friendly hotel, which was built without cutting down trees and uses solar power for electricity and rainwater as the water source.
Aska was awarded the Dalai Lama's "Unsung Heroes of Compassion Award" in 2014, featured in Newsweek US's special Davos edition as one of the "Women of the Future" in 2018, featured by Newsweek Japan as "One of the 100 Respected Japanese" in 2021, and selected as one of Asia 21 Young Leaders in 2022.
WHY BALI? What Do You Love Most About Bali And Raising Your Kids Here?
Balinese people are very warm-natured and love kids. It's one of those rare places where she can shop with her baby and try on clothes while the store clerk looks after the little one.
OUTINGS: What are 3 of your favorite things to do in Bali? Any secret finds?
Surfing, yoga, and Nyepi! Nyepi is the Balinese New Year, called the "Day of Silence." The entire island turns off all lights and sounds, stops all traffic (even flights!) and worldly activities, and stays inactive at home and meditates. No one is allowed on the street, and complete silence and serenity reign over the entire island. And the stars... It is the only night in a year when you can see the Milky Way so clearly in the towns of Bali.
ME TIME: How Do You Spend Your "Me Time"?
Aska loves to surf, have massages, and practice yoga. She does Bikram and Hot Power Vinyasa three to four times weekly to keep her mind, body, and spirit healthy. She started surfing last year at the age of 40 and is hooked! Aska tries to go surfing every weekend. It teaches her life wisdom and helps her vibrate with the same frequency as Mother Earth. Regular massages are also a must because she can!
FAVORITE THINGS: a. Favorite Book b. Favorite Superpower (yours or one you would love to have)
Being able to give birth to a new life is Aska’s superpower. She feels blessed to be a woman. She describes the birth of her children as “A rebirth of my soul.”
FAVORITE THINGS: Please send us the links to 1-3 Spotify Songs that inspire you / have inspired you?
- Ibu Pertiwi by Annabel Laura and Krishna Floop - https://open.spotify.com/track/4h9bls5KeTZFxUhddR53Q7?si=52faec7efb7b4191
ADVICE: What words of wisdom would you pass down to your younger self?
Stop worrying. Everything is meant to happen. Every step is leading you to where you wanna go in life. Trust your intuition and read the signs.
The Links!
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Lucienne Anhar: Founder Of Tugu Hotels & Restaurants
Lucienne has lived in Bali for 19 years. Her parents built her first Hotel Tugu on Canggu Beach, the first hotel in the area. She has two children, a 12-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy.
Lucienne has been a hotelier and restauranteur since she graduated from high school. Her family built the hotel to house their collection of antiques and tell the stories of Indonesia's rich art, culture, and history. With her parents and sister, they manage four boutique hotels, eight restaurants, and a coffee plantation. They are currently working on a project in the old town of Jakarta. She's a passionate Balinese and Flamenco dancer who loves food, wine, cocktails, and traveling to exotic places!
WHY BALI? What Do You Love Most About Bali And Raising Your Kids Here?
One of Lucienne's biggest worries is that with the fast-changing world of technology, kids don't have a chance to be 'kids' running around free and safe outside being exposed to a non-sterile environment. Bali is about indoor-outdoor living. As a family, they love going to their hotel in Lombok, which has miles of beautiful beaches, calm turquoise waters, bonfires under the stars, and coconut-lined quiet village roads so the kids can ride their bicycles – its perfect for the kids (and their dad to play golf).
Schools in Bali are more academically relaxed, which is perfect for the kids; Lucienne and her husband want them to learn from real-life experiences. The children travel extensively through hospitality and are exposed to many different cultures and ethnicities.
Lucienne is from the small town of Malang in East Java. She's worked in Bali, Lombok, East Java and Jakarta. She loves that her kids are growing up so close to her roots and exploring a rich melange of cultures from all over the world and have made Bali their home. Canggu has the safety of a small town but feels so rich and global. Bali respects Hindu traditions and spirituality, which is fascinating for kids and adults alike.
OUTINGS: What are 3 of your favorite things to do in Bali? Any secret finds?
Lucienne loves to drive, discover waterfalls and quaint villages, and head north to the rice fields and wild black sand beaches. There are ceremonies for everything! Being blessed with sacred water by the mangaka never fails to give her a feeling of light and peaceful happiness. She also loves staying at home with the kids in their tropical garden, listening to the sounds of Balinese chickens and dogs around us.
ME TIME: How Do You Spend Your "Me Time"?
Massages! She enthusiastically says you can never have enough massages. There is an abundance of excellent therapists in Bali and Indonesia. She also loves staying home and hanging out with her kids and husband.
FAVORITE THINGS: a. Favorite Book b. Favorite Superpower (yours or one you would love to have)
She’s currently reading the book Kopi Dulu, written by her writer friend Mark Eveleigh, depicting his travels across Indonesia over the last few decades. It reminds her of her travels with her father on antique hunting trips.
If Lucienne could have a superpower, it would be to fit in everything she wants to do in a day!
FAVORITE THINGS: Please send us the links to 1-3 Spotify Songs that inspire you / have inspired you?
- Eye of the Tiger
- La Vie en Rose
- Je Ne Veux Pas Travailler
ADVICE: What words of wisdom would you pass down to your younger self?
Take more chances, do not be afraid to fail, and do not postpone trying something new to a later date (she will try it one day...).
The Links!
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Claire Gontard: Founder Of Somewhere Lombok
How long have you lived in Lombok? Where do you live and why?
Claire moved to Bali in 2022 to handle Somewhere Lombok’s pre-opening phase.
Are you a parent? If so, how many kids do you have?
She has two children: a 10-month daughter and a three-year-old son.
Claire was born and raised in Hong Kong and is mom to Atila and Olive. She lives in Indonesia with her family and manages the recently opened hotel with her sister.
WHY LOMBOK? What Do You Love Most About Lombok And Raising Your Kids Here?
Claire and her family love nature as their playground. Her son can ride his bike across large empty fields by the beach, cycle through water buffalo, and walk barefoot and fancyfree. They all feel very relaxed and enjoy the lack of pollution.
OUTINGS: What are 3 of your favorite things to do in Lombok? Any secret finds?
Claire loves exploring the beaches along the south coast; Mawi Beach is their favorite, although access is quite challenging! She and the kids love cycling through the Are Guling fields amongst the water buffaloes, spending lazy days on the beach or at the pool.
ME TIME: How Do You Spend Your "Me Time"?
Opening a new hotel and giving birth hasn't allowed Claire much 'me time,' but as her daughter approaches her second birthday, she's finally finding time to exercise, which feels amazing! She loves going for cocktails and dinner and has the occasional massage and mani-pedi at Ku Spa.
FAVORITE THINGS: a. Favorite Book b. Favorite Superpower (yours or one you would love to have)
Claire is currently reading The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday. She needs more motivation (or time) to read!
FAVORITE THINGS: Please send us the links to 1-3 Spotify Songs that inspire you / have inspired you?
ADVICE: What words of wisdom would you pass down to your younger self?
On your 16th birthday, don't forget your wallet at the bar after the Rugby 7's ;)
The Links!
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Sophia Leonard-Artha: Founder Of Indigo Kids
How long have you lived in Bali? Where do you live and why?
Sophia is mixed Balinese and Australian. She grew up in Bali but was educated abroad. She’s lived in Seminyak with her husband for the last 14 years.
Are you a parent? If so, how many kids do you have?
Three girls! One is 7, and 4-year-old twins.
ABOUT YOU: 1-3 Sentences About You!
Sophia is all about finding a holistic balance between her family, work, and personal life. She loves what she does and has a great team, a supportive husband, energetic little ones, and prioritized 'me time.'
WHY BALI? What Do You Love Most About Bali And Raising Your Kids Here?
She loves for her family the rich cultural aspect of living in Bali. She's grateful that her kids are exposed to the Balinese Hindu rituals and ceremonies, a way of life. There's such a multicultural community and a wonderful island to raise a young family. The island offers beautiful freedom and endless inspiration.
OUTINGS: What are 3 of your favorite things to do in Bali? Any secret finds?
Candi Dasa – They love to snorkel, swim in front of their holiday house, and explore the coast by Jukung fishing boat. They walk along the beach at least three times a week – from Seminyak to Kuta. There's a new beach path that is 6 kilometers from the airport! As a family, they spend a lot of time on the beach, from Sunday surf lessons to sunset pizza sessions. One of her favorite spots is Nusa Dua, with gorgeous clear water. They head over early and order jaffles or nasi goreng to enjoy on the sand.
ME TIME: How Do You Spend Your "Me Time"?
Sophia loves to walk along the beach, get a facial or massage, have long brunches and meaningful catch-ups with friends, or watch the sunset with a fresh coconut with her husband.
FAVORITE THINGS: a. Favorite Book b. Favorite Superpower (yours or one you would love to have)
Little Women
Teleporting
FAVORITE THINGS: Please send us the links to 1-3 Spotify Songs that inspire you / have inspired you?
- Dreams 2004 Remaster by Fleetwood Mac
- Juicy 2005 Remaster by The Notorious BIG
- If I Ever Feel Better by Pheonix
The Links!
- Indigo Kids - https://www.instagram.com/indigo_kids/
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Mari Kambe Darmaja: Founder Of WAKABA Edu Care
Mari is a Japanese single mom to two beautiful daughters. She moved to Nusa Dua seven years ago and has been in the hospitality industry for over 13 years. She established WAKABA Edu Care, which specializes in education programs for children, including cooking classes, Japanese cuisine, and lots of fun and interactive classes.
WHY BALI? What Do You Love Most About Bali And Raising Your Kids Here?
She was intrigued by the beauty and charm of the island. She knew it was home to some of the world's most luxurious hotels, fantastic weather, international ex-pats, and warm local people. Mari was keen to learn additional languages other than Japanese and English. Bahasa Indonesia is now her third fluently spoken tongue. She fell in love with the ease of transitioning to the island's vibrant culture. Her children attend a local school that teaches in Bahasa Indonesia, and English. She wants them to have multiple languages, too.
OUTINGS: What are 3 of your favorite things to do in Bali? Any secret finds?
As a water baby, Mari loves to swim in a refreshing swimming pool, or she takes to the sea. She loves the pace of life and exploring the country and the local charm. Through culture, religion, and respect for the elders, she feels gratitude for the cooperation she's found on the island.
ME TIME: How Do You Spend Your "Me Time"?
Mari walks her dog every morning and strives to walk at least 8,000 steps daily. At the end of each day, she likes to go to the sauna or soak in the Jacuzzi, even for a little while. She likes nothing more than going to bed with a warm body. In her spare time, she practices Radio calisthenics and Pilates.
FAVORITE THINGS: a. Favorite Book b. Favorite Superpower (yours or one you would love to have)
Mari journals her thoughts regularly and writes down her favorite words and her aims for the day. When she has a moment to herself, she enjoys reading a book in a café or on the beach. She also enjoys cooking comfort food for her kids.
FAVORITE THINGS: Please send us the links to 1-3 Spotify Songs that inspire you / have inspired you?
Mari enjoys listening to Michael Buble, Cheryl Lunn, and Gen Hoshino.
ADVICE: What words of wisdom would you pass down to your younger self?
If you are weak, life could well be a battle! Don't run away from yourself and try to be the person you want to be because you only live once. She wants to surround herself and live in a world of bright colors.
The Links!
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Yuni Rizkiah: Founder Of Mami Home Decor & Design Interior
How long have you lived in Lombok? Where do you live and why?
Yuni has lived in Ubud for a year but now works in Lombok; she'll be back in Bali soon!
Are you a parent? If so, how many kids do you have?
Yuni has two young children.
ABOUT YOU: 1-3 Sentences About You!
Hard worker
Charm
Consistency
WHY LOMBOK? What Do You Love Most About Lombok And Raising Your Kids Here?
She loves the culture and the mindblowing views everywhere she goes! She appreciates the local society; everyone is really kind and friendly.
OUTINGS: What are 3 of your favorite things to do in Bali? Any secret finds?
Yoga
Workouts
Hunting for beautiful art
ME TIME: How Do You Spend Your "Me Time"?
Reading
People watching
Singing
FAVORITE THINGS: a. Favorite Book b. Favorite Superpower (yours or one you would love to have)
Harry Potter
Flying! 😊
FAVORITE THINGS: Please send us the links to 1-3 Spotify Songs that inspire you / have inspired you?
- Zombie by The Cranberries https://open.spotify.com/track/7EZC6E7UjZe63f1jRmkWxt
- Someone Like You by Adele https://open.spotify.com/track/3bNv3VuUOKgrf5hu3YcuRo
- Valerie by Amy Winehouse https://open.spotify.com/track/0JCVre18a9qFwQlikDxTqy
ADVICE: What words of wisdom would you pass down to your younger self?
Yuni says that none of us are getting any younger, so we must live the best life.
The Links!
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