Why we created our concept store in Ubud, Bali
/We created our bijou concept store Toko Elami to have a brick-and-mortar place where we could curate products from all of our favorite Bali makers, as well as a place to showcase our own art games and products. We are small but mighty, and like to think we provide a much-needed service for people visiting Ubud who are desperate to find artisanal goods made by humans and with a strong connection to Ubud and Bali. We currently are home to 22 brands and makers from around the island.
We’re located in Jalan Kajeng, which is packed with tiny market stalls often selling mass produced import goods, and visitors often comment that they really appreciate being in a shop where they know the products are authentic, local, handmade and well designed.
Here a few more of our thoughts on the importance of buying local and supporting Balinese and Indonesian makers and artisans.
Sustainability and ethical sourcing of products
When tourists purchase from local brands and makers, they directly support the community's economic well-being and help maintain traditional craftsmanship. Local artisans often employ sustainable practices, using locally sourced, natural materials and techniques with minimal environmental impact. A conscious approach to shopping helps combat the exploitation in global supply chains, ensuring fair wages and better working conditions for local artisans, and a bigger share of the economic benefits. Purchasing from local brands in Ubud ultimately helps preserve Ubud's identity and ecological balance, allowing future generations to continue experiencing its magic and supporting a model of tourism that nurtures rather than exploits local communities and environments.
Several brands in Toko Elami have strong roots in environmentalism and sustainable practices, whether natural dyes, upcycled plastic goods or using waste offcuts.
Suffering from overwhelming variety & decision paralysis?
We understand that coming to a foreign place can be overwhelming. You don’t actually know what’s real vs a tourist trap. We hope that at Toko Elami we have created a safe place for you, where you know that anything you buy has a real person behind it who has been working on years to create the perfect item or piece. Sometimes a smaller section of quality items is just what the doctor ordered…
And, even better, many of our brands can only be found in a handful of places. You won’t see that notebook or wallet anywhere else, especially as most items are handmade and can’t be replicated. Many of our brands are emerging, so you can be the first to say you got that piece of art or craft way before they made it big!
The stories of our products and the brands can be easily found online, or just ask our shop attendants about the cultural significance of different products or who made them. Transparency is a big part of our story.
The cost of handmade products
We often get asked why the products we carry cost more than the items for sale in the market. The number one reason goes back to the high level of craftsmanship and time that goes into many products. Also because it’s a human making it, not a machine. Many years have gone into honing these skills and the prices reflect that. Paying a little more is a sure sign that you are being a mindful consumer and giving back to the makers.
Limited time to explore and find the best products
We know you don’t have a lot of time when travelling, so we really curate the brands so there’s a gift for everyone on your list, young, old, man, or woman. Ceramics, jewelry, notebooks, art prints, games, crochet hats, soap, and incense are just a few of the products we carry.
We have a wide range of prices so you don’t have to break the bank. We also provide great packaging for fragile items so they make it home in one piece. We really curate Toko Elami to maximise your shopping time during a short visit to Ubud.
