Today we’d like to introduce you to Irem Utas.
Hi Irem, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Plumeria began in 2023, when my family and I decided to move to the United States. I was already working in interior design, particularly kitchens and bathrooms, and buying, renovating and selling homes. Opening a furniture and décor store felt like a natural extension of that experience.
Before moving to America, I organized a sourcing trip to Bali. I wanted to see the craftsmanship firsthand, touch the materials and meet the people behind the products. I would never have committed to this business without that experience. Once I saw the pieces in person, it was difficult not to fall in love with them.
That trip established the relationships that became the foundation of Plumeria. My husband and I then opened our store in the Orlando area and began building the business together. We have now been actively running it for about two and a half years.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Our biggest challenge was learning to run a physical store and an e-commerce business simultaneously. Although I had a background in design, neither my husband nor I had experience operating a retail business.
We quickly discovered how much work happens behind the scenes, from inventory and shipping to managing a website and marketing. These responsibilities would normally be shared among a team, but in our first years, it was just the two of us.
We were learning unfamiliar tasks while adjusting to a new country. The experience has shown us how important it is to build the support and systems a business needs alongside its creative vision. That remains an important part of our growth.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Plumeria Living & Design offers handcrafted furniture, lighting and home décor made by artisans in Bali, Indonesia. My background in interior design guides the collection, with an emphasis on natural materials, thoughtful proportions and lasting character.
I’m proud of having the courage to build this business in a new country, and especially proud of the quality of our pieces. Our teak furniture is made from solid wood, with the grain, weight and individuality of the material fully present.
We don’t buy finished pieces from stock. Our pieces are made to our orders, and I bring my design perspective to the furniture we develop. Each piece is individually crafted, so even two tables in the same model will differ. Every tree has its own grain, and every artisan’s hand leaves subtle variations.
That is what I want people to understand about Plumeria: the piece you bring home has its own identity. It will never be exactly like someone else’s. To me, it also carries something of the warmth and energy that made Bali so special when I first visited.
We’re also preparing for Atlanta Market in January 2027, where we look forward to introducing our collection to more interior designers and retail partners.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I still consider myself a beginner, so I wouldn’t pretend to have all the answers. But one thing our experience has taught me is the importance of remembering why you started.
Daily challenges can make you lose touch with your original motivation. Keep learning, adjust where necessary and stay connected to your belief in what you are building.
We still face difficulties ourselves. What keeps us moving is our confidence in Plumeria’s potential. I can picture where this young brand could be in the years ahead, and we continue working toward that future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.plumeriadd.com
