The Hands Behind the Thread: Over a Decade with Bali’s Bracelet-Weaving Mothers

Posted by Christina Zipperlen on

"For me, this bracelet matters so much. I’ve been working on this since my child was in kindergarten… Although I don’t see the person wearing it, I am very happy." - Nengah Nayun

At Ananda Soul, our pieces are more than accessories—they are stories, woven and soldered strand by strand, piece by piece with intention, resilience, and care. For over a decade, a quiet but powerful thread has run through our braided bracelet collection: the hands of Bali’s mothers.

In this short video, we sit down with four of these extraordinary women—Nova, Nengah, Ketut, and Subagiah—who have been hand-making our braided bracelets for the last 12 years. Their voices, often unseen behind the beauty of our pieces, offer a glimpse into the deeper meaning of their craft.

 

In Support of Bali’s Moms

Our journey began years ago with a simple but powerful mission—to support the mothers of street children in Bali. While the island is a place of breathtaking beauty, it also holds difficult truths, including the presence of street children who are often sent to tourist hubs to beg in order to support their families.

By offering dignified work and fair pay to these mothers, we hope to break the cycle of poverty and offer stability. These women weave not just thread—but strength, intention, and hope—into every bracelet they create.

Meet the Makers

Nyoman Nova, a mother from Bali, has been part of this project since the early days. “Life isn’t always easy,” she tells us, “but with this work, I can support my family day by day. I never imagined I’d be making jewelry, but now, it brings me joy. I feel proud.

For Nengah Ayun, the journey has been one of deep resilience. After falling into a coma and losing her ability to walk, she slowly rebuilt her life—and returned to bracelet-making. “Some days I feel like hiding,” she says, “but this work brings me back. It’s not just about income. It’s about standing back up.”

Ketut Seni lives on Mount Salak and is a mother of two. Her bracelets are a daily act of devotion to her children’s future. “Even when it’s hard,” she shares, “we stay enthusiastic and keep going for our families.

And for Nyoman Subagiah, who recently joined the team, this work is a lifeline. “It helps a lot with daily needs—food, school supplies, small things that really matter when you have a child.”

What These Bracelets Mean

When asked what these bracelets mean to them, the responses are humbling:

This bracelet means happiness that I can get an order and means hope that it can provide for my children and I. — Nyoman Subagiah

The meaning of this bracelet—it provides for my family. I can work at home and take care of my child. — Ketut Seni

There’s a lot of challenges in making it. We have to redo it a few times to make it perfect. — Nyoman Nova

These bracelets are not mass-produced. They are held in the same hands that cook rice for children, soothe fevers, and hold the weight of family dreams. Every braid carries the love, strength, and perseverance of a mother doing her best.

A Message to You, From Them

To those who wear our bracelets, these mothers send heartfelt thanks:

Thank you. It might seem like just an accessory, but to us, it’s our struggle, our hope, our love.” — Nova

I hope you stay inspired, and that you really love wearing it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. — Nengah Nayun

For moms out there, we have to keep our spirits up. Whatever obstacles we are faced with, we have to fight for our family. — Ketut Seni

This video is an invitation to meet the women whose hands bring our bracelets to life. We invite you to witness their stories, feel their spirit, and honor their work—not just by wearing a bracelet, but by knowing the soul it holds.

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