Founder Of Dubai-Based Resort Boutique Tutus Kurniati: "I Have Big Dreams"
by L'Officiel Singapore
Tell us about yourself. Where are you from and how long have you been living in Dubai?
I was born into a middle class family in Bali. It is a tropical paradise. The foam of the waves, sunsets, seashells on the shore still inspire me to this day. My family moved around the country. First, to Surabaya, a major city in Indonesia, and then to the capital, Jakarta. My mom owned a small clothing boutique and I helped her after school. I grew up watching women try on and buy clothes. They were always so happy! I've always loved fashion, it has been my passion since childhood, it lives inside me! Over time, I opened my own boutique in Bali, and then in Jakarta. My husband's business made us move to Dubai 7 years ago. I fell in love with its vibes, which brings together innovation, deep culture, beautiful landscapes and luxurious lifestyle.
Tell us about your family.
I am a mother and wife. My husband is my business partner and an excellent financier. But I founded my business on my own money, which I earned from the merger of the companies of my husband and my boss. It sounds a little odd, but this is the reality of it.
What famous women inspires you in business or in your personal life?
Three strong women who have built a business empire under their own names. Women of incredible beauty and strength: Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, Huda Kattan. They are my role models. They smartly handle many projects, take care of their family, have built a successful business (sometimes several!) and have succeeded in all areas of life.
Left: Earrings Epajewel At Tutus Kurniati, Dress Amatoo.
What do people need to know about you?
I have big dreams and I work hard to achieve it. I believe in myself more than anyone else. Everything should start with an inner belief in success and dedication - the rest will come.
Tell us about your beauty routine. What do you recommend?
Indonesian self-care culture is all about oils. I prefer coconut oil for skin care and castor oil for hair care. Natural products work best. I would never leave home without sunblock for face. And moisturizer is a must!
You look great! How do you keep yourself so fit?
Boxing and Muay Thai. I work out in the morning after I take my son to school. Work outs keep me energized for the whole day! There are many things to do ahead that require maximum efficiency. Active, contact sports help keep both body and mind in good shape.
Name your Top five skin care products.
Huda Kattan face scrub, Fenty face toner, Fenty moisturizer , L'occitane body lotion, and Huda Kattan thirst trap juice serum. I love these products, they have amazing ingredients.
Do you supplement your health with vitamins?
Every morning I start with a green juice. It is a difficult period for immunity now, so I take vitamins C and D daily. In times of COVID-19, this is especially important.
You are a popular personality, Instagram influencer and businesswoman. With just 24 hours in a day, how do you manage to keep up with everything?
I have a daily routine. In the morning I wake up, have breakfast with my son, and then go to the gym. Then comes the time for meetings and negotiations. Then I again return to my family matters - to my son and husband. I just need to remind myself of each role: I am a mom, wife, boss and businesswoman. I should switch between these roles at the appropriate time of the day.
Tell us about your boutique. What is the idea behind it? What brands do you work with?
My boutique is a concept store. We represent more than 44 international brands with bright, bold, unusual designs. We do not sell basics. My store is different from all boutiques in the Persian Gulf - and from those all over the world. Resort fashion is represented here - and I make women look amazing! I was inspired by my love for Dubai, its magnificent coastline and lifestyle. And, of course, I offer women everything they need in any resort town around the globe. From head to toe! And even more. I am especially proud of the ERES brand . Fashion designer Alexander Vautier creates couture collections. This is the same level as Dior, Chanel, Valentino.
You've created your perfume. What is it called, what is the fragrance and where can we buy it?
I love perfume and use it 3-5 times a day every day. I have perfumes from several brands in my personal collection. But I love perfume so much that I created my own!
The Sweet Star perfume will remind you of the scent of spring. This is the morning freshness and sweetness of blossoming flowers. Top notes: rose, cinnamon and lemon. It's a delicious warm sparkling scent! You can buy the perfume now: it is already available in our boutique. And, of course, order online at the Nakheel mall - shipping is available worldwide.
What's your personal rule for success?
Balancing and focus shifting. I am convinced that flexibility is very important to get successful results. New ideas and persistence are also vital. My father had his own electronics store. A big-screen TV and PlayStation awas in our household earlier than in many others. When my father opened the cinema, it greatly influenced me. I just saw how ambition makes business competitive. Unfortunately, when my father had a stroke, he could no longer conduct business as before. Life changed completely. It was a signal for me that I needed to be strong on my own, grow and earn money. You can never give up. Nor getting stuck - you should be always in motion.
Nowadays the fashion business is based on collaborations. Do you have any plans to collaborate?
Yes, I really love joint projects. This is an opportunity to exchange ideas, experience, experiment. I always do it! But now all the forces are focused on my big dream. I am focused on creating my own clothing line - my brand. Therefore, there will be collaborations after the flagship collection that I am working on now is released.
Your boutique is very beautiful. How did it all begin? Was it difficult to open up in a year when the coronavirus was ruining businesses?
This is madness! (laughs) I started at the worst possible time - in the year of COVID. We opened in January and no one imagined that the quarantine would simply close all stores. It was terrible for everyone and for me too. The people of my team are of great importance - we are all in the same boat. When we were under quarantine, we focused on online sales. Now we are glad that customers visit the boutique offline. We are supported by popular influencers on social media - this is an important part of our marketing strategy. I'm optimistic and I'm not going to give up! Ideas - lots of ideas - are needed! - and just choose the best one. We are learning from mistakes. Only the strong will return.
Any favorite countries and resorts to visit? What is so special about them?
I often fly around the world, discovering new brands, new countries and beaches. But my favorite countries are France, Italy, United States, Singapore. These are the places where people love and understand fashion. I can't wait to open a new boutique in their coastal cities.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have time for hobbies?
Oh, I'm a foodie. So, I love discovering new restaurants. I always try new dishes when traveling. I like archery and golf. They develop focusing skills.
Where do you your get inspiration from?
Everywhere and anywhere. Inspiration starts with imagination. I live in a resort city, I see an inspiring coastline, gorgeous women, I travel a lot. All these are opportunities and new experiences.
Check out Tutus Kurniati at www.tutuskurniati.com or on Instagram at @tutuskurniatiofficial
Source: L'Officiel Singapore