Not everyone dares to take risks and start a business from scratch. However, for Wahyuningtyas Sri Banardani, the owner of Omah Kreashe Banardani, these challenges fueled her spirit and creativity.
As an inspirational entrepreneur in the fashion industry, particularly in batik made from recycled materials, Tyas has demonstrated that one can build a successful business with hard work, innovation, and strong determination.
This UGM Faculty of Agriculture alumna has been passionate about fashion since childhood. She often played with paper dolls and made clothes for them.
This continued into adulthood, even though she initially pursued a different major in college due to parental guidance.
After graduating, Tyas worked in various fields, including as an elementary school teacher.
However, she decided to return to Jogja and began learning to sew at the Yogyakarta Work and Productivity Development Center (BLKPP) in 2016.
Starting from scratch, Tyas was initially hesitant to take orders. However, her perfectionist mother’s support and blessing encouraged her to continue learning and improving her skills.
2019 was a turning point for Tyas. She began receiving orders for masks made from Shibori eco-print fabric she created during the pandemic. From there, she continued to hone her fashion design skills.
Tyas even participated in various fashion designer training programs and was selected as one of the designers to showcase her work at the Jogja Fashion Parade.
Tyas’ concern for the environment led her to use natural and waste materials to create her designs.
“With the tagline ‘Embrace the Earth, Love the Nation,’ I encourage people to be more mindful in choosing clothes and reducing textile waste—the fabrics I use often come from biodegradable natural fibers. Additionally, I use a zero-waste pattern to avoid fabric scraps,” she explained.
Omah Kreashe Banardani, a platform founded by Tyas, provides employment opportunities for anyone, allowing them to produce fashion products from their homes.
The products are created through a slow production process and handmade, making them feel more special.
Starting with Shibori eco-print production, Omah Kreashe has become a hub for preserving traditional art and fashion that extends beyond the island.
“I’ve made Omah Kreashe a holistic art and education platform. It’s holistic because our products are connected to nature and society, and educational because we educate people on using natural materials and adopting zero-waste processes,” said Tyas.
Although still relatively new in the fashion world, Tyas’s creations have been recognized and have been featured in various prestigious fashion events.
Her success is rooted in hard work, dedication, her drive to keep learning and innovating, and her parents’ blessing.
Tyas’s extraordinary story can inspire people to continue pursuing their respective fields.
She creates and develops job opportunities and social support for all groups, aligning with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Tyas also contributes to realizing the environmental pillar of the SDGs with her eco-friendly products.
Post-editor: Lintang