We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Suzanne Seick. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Suzanne below.
Hi Suzanne, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
It was in college that I created a personal mission statement to live by: “connecting passion to purpose”. My goal was always to combine my faith and passions with my business-minded skills to do good in the world.
In 2008, a missions trip to Indonesia changed everything. I fell in love with the people and the place—their joy, generosity, and deep sense of hospitality despite living in poverty. I was drawn to the artisans I met—gifted makers of beautiful handicrafts and accessories. Wanting to support them, I began bringing their goods home as gifts. My friends were captivated by the craftsmanship and stories behind each piece, asking how they could purchase more. Their enthusiasm fueled my return trips, where I deepened relationships, discovered more artisans, and continued to bridge the gap between their talent and a global market.
One of my first artisan partners was Made (pronounced Ma-day), a village member whose job it was to prepare ceremonial offerings. She couldn’t afford to send her daughter to school. Talented with her hands, she started making jewelry for me to sell—enabling her daughter to attend school for the first time. Connections like these made it all worth it. Over the past 15 years, I’ve watched relationships flourish and this daughter graduate from college, growing a network that now supports hundreds of artisans in Bali and the surrounding islands.
This is how Village Thrive was born—creating a bridge between artisans and the global market, fostering a full-circle movement where everyone benefits. It’s been an incredible journey of seeing villages truly thrive—where skills and talents become a sustainable source of livelihood and a means of sharing beauty with the world.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As the founder of Village Thrive, my role encompasses various responsibilities, from overseeing daily business operations to continually learning and growing as an entrepreneur. However, what truly fuels my passion are three key aspects: artisan relations and design, our commitment to both people and the planet and fostering meaningful partnerships.
Artisan Relations and Design
Collaborating closely with our artisan partners in Bali, I discover new talents and engage in design, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Partnering with individual artisans and collectives, each specializing in traditional skills and native materials is incredibly rewarding. Together, we co-create unique, handcrafted pieces that honors their heritage while appealing to the modern market.
Commitment to People and Planet
Our dedication extends beyond creating beautiful products; we are committed to caring for both people and the planet. By utilizing eco-friendly materials like rattan, pandan and seagrass, we produce timeless home goods that are as sustainable as they are elegant. From production to packaging, every step is thoughtfully designed to minimize our environmental footprint and promote conscious living. This holistic approach ensures that our artisans thrive, our customers receive quality products, and we contribute positively to the environment.
Meaningful Partnerships
Building and nurturing meaningful partnerships is central to our mission. We collaborate with organizations like the Women’s Workshop, an initiative by the Bali Life Foundation that provides skills training for single mothers and free schooling for their children. This program aims to keep families off the streets and offers opportunities for a brighter future. Our macramé goods are crafted by these talented women, and each purchase directly supports their journey toward self-sufficiency and community growth.
Additionally about our brand offerings and how to partner:
We are excited to highlight our diverse range of products, thoughtfully designed to enhance various aspects of daily life. Our collections include home decor, lounge apparel and accessories, a kids’ collection and a variety of gifts such as stationery, ceramics, jewelry, kitchenware, soap and teas.
In addition to our retail offerings, Village Thrive provides opportunities for businesses and retailers to partner with us through our wholesale program. By becoming a wholesale partner, you can offer your customers unique, ethically made products that support artisan communities in Bali. We also offer a corporate gifting program, featuring beautifully curated gift boxes that leave a lasting impression.
Through these initiatives and our dedication to preserving traditional crafts, Village Thrive continues to empower artisans and bring the rich culture of Bali into homes around the world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey with Village Thrive, three key qualities have been instrumental:
1. Servant Leadership: Embracing the philosophy that we rise by lifting others, I recognized the opportunity to empower artisans by leveraging my skills and talents. This approach fosters a collaborative environment where everyone thrives.
Advice: Developing servant leadership involves active listening, empathy, and a commitment to the growth of others. Engage with your team, understand their needs, and prioritize their development.
2. Sustainable Change: My focus has been on providing a hand-up rather than a hand-out, emphasizing job creation, sustainable income, and economic empowerment. This mindset ensures that assistance leads to lasting, positive change.
Advice: To cultivate this quality, immerse yourself in communities you wish to support, understand their challenges, and collaborate on sustainable solutions. Building genuine relationships is key to making a meaningful impact.
3. Pursuing What You Love: My passions for travel, exploring new cultures, helping others, entrepreneurship, beautiful products and sustainability collided into the creation of Village Thrive. This alignment of interests has been both fulfilling and motivating.
Advice: Identifying your passion requires self-reflection and exploration. Engage in diverse activities, note what brings you joy, and consider how these interests can intersect professionally. Creating a personal vision statement and assessing activities you love can guide this discovery.
For those early in their journey, embracing these qualities can pave the way for a purpose-driven and impactful career.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Reflecting on the most impactful lessons from my parents, two stand out:
Leading by Example: My mother, once a single parent facing financial hardship, demonstrated resilience and compassion. I recall standing in a welfare line as a child, unaware of our struggles due to her unwavering strength. Later, she founded a non-profit food distribution program, where we packed and delivered food boxes to single mothers in our community. This experience instilled in me empathy and the drive to effect positive change. Beyond providing food, she empowered these women by offering employment and assisting them in starting their own businesses. My mother’s lifestyle of service to others shaped my core values and inspires me to this day.
Recognizing and Utilizing Personal Assets: My mother imparted a principle from the Bible’s story of the widow and the oil (2 Kings 4:1-7). In this narrative, a widow, facing debt and the loss of her sons to slavery, seeks the prophet Elisha’s help. He asks, “What do you have in your house?” She replies, “Your servant has nothing there at all… except a small jar of olive oil.” Elisha instructs her to gather empty jars and pour her oil into them. Miraculously, the oil multiplies, allowing her to sell it, pay her debts, and live on the surplus. This taught me that even in times of need, we possess something valuable—be it a skill, talent, or resource—that can be utilized and multiplied to meet our needs and assist others.
These foundational lessons from my mother have profoundly influenced my personal life and the mission of Village Thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.villagethrive.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villagethrive/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/village-thrive/
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