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BRUNNA CO by Helga Ida Ayu

Brunna Co is a California-based environmentally & socially sustainable fashion accessories and apparel made in Bali and the Indonesian archipelago. Brunna Co was founded and owned by Helga Ida Ayu, an Indonesian immigrant who resides in California. Each of our collection is handcrafted by select artisans, mostly women, from the comfort of their home while playing their essential roles as mothers and housewives. Our objective has always been to create meaningful pieces using locally harvested plant-based materials, recycled, organic & other eco-friendly materials that leave a positive impact to our environment. Seen in: British Vogue, Vogue, Conde Nast Traveler, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, NYLON, WhoWhatWear, Oprah Magazine, Coastal Living magazine & more. 

"I think creating for Brunna Co is my way to express how much I miss my home country. I miss the fragrant scent of Balinese flower offerings at my Niang’s (Grandma in Balinese) home, the serene ambiance of walking through warm beaches of Bali, padi fields, forests in Ubud, as well as all the joy of dining under the moonlight in Jimbaran with family. I create each of my pieces for those precious moments."

HELGA IDA AYU | BRUNNA CO

Mini Interview with Helga Ida Ayu

Why have you decided sustainable collections?
In Bali, we love to use nature-based items for our daily life, such as banana leaves as food wrapper, rattan plates, straw baskets for grocery bags, and so on. It was something normal for us, and I never knew how unique these things are until I moved to the US. That’s when I decided to create a sustainable nature-based collection, because I really want to share the joy of living closer to mother nature, as well as to take a part in nurturing our environment.

What are the inspirations for your creations?
Balinese & Indonesian life in general. I think creating for Brunna Co is my way to express how much I miss my home country. I miss the fragrant scent of Balinese flower offerings at my Niang’s (Grandma in Balinese) home, the serene ambiance of walking through warm beaches of Bali, padi fields, forests in Ubud, as well as all the joy of dining under the moonlight in Jimbaran with family. I create each of my pieces for those precious moments.

Why did you choose Indonesian local artisans for your production?
As an Indonesian, this is a way for me to contribute to my roots, especially now that I live far away from my home country. I look to do everything I can to share the immense potential of our artisans in Bali and Indonesia while hopefully creating a positive impact to support their economy, especially in these challenging times.

What cause is particularly important for you?
Sustainability and woman-empowerment.

Describe yourself in a hashtag.
#balineseincali

What is your favorite time of the day?
Around 9 PM - 3 AM when everyone’s asleep. It’s the most quiet time of the day, just the perfect time to focus on my ideas and being inspired.

What is your dream country to visit?
It’s really funny that I always feel like I’ll never be done exploring my own country, Indonesia which is comprised of so many islands. I really want to visit Raja Ampat, West Papua. Besides that, I always wanted to visit India.

Vintage or new?
Vintage.

Window or aisle seat?
Window! I love the view from the top.

What is the biggest learning experience you have had?
Being too hard on myself, which made me to be too hard on others too. I’ve been learning to take things easier and more accepting to others too.