A love for fashion design and a keen interest in upcycling waste inspired Jemi Nikolaus to establish his very own zero-waste studio Saparo in Semarang, Central Java. Support from UNESCO since 2022 has helped him find new customers and enhance its marketing opportunities.
Using textile waste, Mr Nikolaus, 30, produces various products portraying Indonesia's beauty and its diverse cultural landscape, ranging from bags and hats to wall decors.
He won the first prize at the World Heritage 50 Creative Product Competition, organized by UNESCO Jakarta to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention. Supported by Citi Foundation and the Government of Japan, the competition and related activities promoted youth entrepreneurship, and the outstanding values of World Heritage Sites, linking local communities’ livelihoods with the heritage sites. Young designers, artists, and entrepreneurs were inspired to create products and innovations based on World Heritage Sites in Indonesia.
Through participating in a series of product design coaching sessions, workshops on sustainability, storytelling as well as online webinars and collaborative mentoring on brand building and strategic business models, Mr Nikolaus was able to apply new knowledge and values to his small business, which lead to higher sales and new customers. “ The collective mutual cooperation, sincere support and solidarity were stimulating. Participating in UNESCO’s Creative Youth at Indonesian Heritage Sites programme really helped to build a network and meet new loyal customers.” said Mr. Nikolaus
World Heritage needs to bring benefits to local communities, said Moe Chiba, Head of UNESCO Jakarta Culture Unit. “Through creative competitions like this, we provide young entrepreneurs like Jemi with the space to revisit their creative process by integrating new elements of heritage’s hidden treasures in ways that not only expand their market reach but also further inspire local communities to preserve their rich heritage."
Learn more about Creative Youth at Indonesian Heritage Sites
