Guided by the motto “passion is a profession,” Dessy Nur Anisa Rahma turned her love for handicrafts into PUKA. This business thrives in the handicraft industry and advocates for inclusivity by empowering individuals with disabilities. The name “PUKA” is derived from Pulas Katumbiri, a Sundanese phrase meaning “rainbow scratches,” symbolizing the vibrant and colorful handicrafts created by PUKA artisans.
The brand proudly carries the tagline “From Disability to Artability,” encapsulating its mission to shift societal perceptions of disability by celebrating the creativity and artistry of disabled craftsmen. Dessy, an alumna of SBM ITB’s MBA program and the founder of PUKA, shared her entrepreneurial journey as a guest lecturer for the Operations and Supply Chain course at SBM ITB on Wednesday (30/10).
As a MBA program graduate, Dessy combined her business acumen and entrepreneurial passion to establish a meaningful platform for disabled artisans. Since its inception, PUKA has achieved remarkable milestones.
Founded in 2015 as a small, self-operated venture, PUKA has since evolved into a platform that empowers individuals with disabilities by providing opportunities to showcase their talents through high-quality handmade products. Collaborating with local special education schools (SLB), PUKA recruits and trains disabled artisans, fostering an inclusive community where they can hone their skills.
PUKA offers various vibrant accessories, including bracelets, necklaces, keychains, bags, and shoes. Each product is meticulously crafted creatively and precisely, demonstrating its appeal lies in quality and design rather than pity.
The journey, however, has not been without challenges. Managing production capacity has been a significant hurdle, given the physical limitations of some artisans. Nevertheless, Dessy views this as an opportunity to expand the workforce and create more job opportunities. PUKA has embraced digital strategies to further its reach and partnered with online marketplaces such as Tokopedia, TikTok Shop, and Shopee.
Looking ahead, PUKA aims to amplify its impact by recruiting artisans from other cities and participating in international events to showcase its products globally. The company also plans to boost revenue by diversifying its sales channels and adopting sustainable practices, including crafting beautiful products from recycled materials.
Dessy’s story inspires current MBA students, illustrating how entrepreneurship can blend with social impact to drive meaningful change. Through PUKA, Dessy exemplifies the power of inclusive business practices, challenging societal norms and uplifting marginalized communities.
