INTERVIEW WITH ALICIA BUDIHARDJA, OWNER OF TIFFIN AND BAKER STREET SOCIAL

You have chosen a different career path now. What is the one thing you miss the most from your previous occupation?

I think definitely is the interaction and the camaraderie I had with my team in the office. It’s nice to go to the office and see your colleague became your friend at the end of the day. Being a business owner now I don’t have that kind of interaction anymore. So probably the bonding is what I missed the most.

What is the last photo that you snap with your phone camera? We want to hear any interesting story behind it!

It’s the picture of my baby daughter sleeping. Her name is Mischa, so if you see my camera phone right now it basically 90% contains her photos. I guess like any parents, I feel the kids grew up very fast, so I try to see every moment that I can snap and we’re very lucky because when I was growing up I only have like 5 photos of me, one for every years. So now, it’s good to have all these things and see how our children grow.

 Tell us the reason behind Baker Street Social and what do you want to achieve in the next 5 years?

The reason behind this is because we honestly feel when we started BSS in December 2015; we have friends and family coming to visit looking for a nice place to have a good drink and chats—not necessarily with loud music or having to scream to each other. At that time we felt there was nothing that really fit what we want to do, so we thought, okay let’s start something more different.

In the next five years, I wish for people to be more aware and appreciate a place for a good drinks and good conversation. We’ve seen that there’s a going trend already, so contrary to other business, our plan is not to expand, but to stay true to our concept.

 What is your dream travel destination?

For now would be Europe because I’ve never been there, specifically Ireland and Scotland, there’s enough nature in there. I’m not much of a beach person so I would love to see lots of greenery, mountains, meadows, and cool weather. So that’s going to be my perfect travel destination.

 If you could live in a movie fantasy world, which would that be?

That would be easy, Harry Potter! I think there’s something very magical about the entire story and what I like about it is there’s still a connection to the real world, so it’s not completely up-there-in-the-air and impossible, so that’s what makes it interesting.

Speaking about ‘speakeasy bar’, what do you think the most important aspect that it must have to differentiate from ordinary bar?

To stay true to the concept, meaning that what we serve here are drinks that are tailored. They’re not necessarily mass-market or uber-popular drinks. It is always about the interaction. Anything that we serve, hopefully there will be interaction exchanged between the bartender who are very proud and skilled with what the customer desires as their personal preferences. The setting is also matter. I imagine in my head, a ‘speakeasy’ bar will be a cozy space, it’s rough but elegant at the same time, with music that you can sway your body but not necessarily make you want to dance and party, I think all these balances are important.

You have been staying in Bali for quite a while now; tell us three things that you love the most from this island!

Number one; I love the version of myself here in Bali. When you’re in different places, cities or countries, you would adapt to their lifestyle and to the area and become a different version of yourself, almost. So I came from Jakarta, and I feel like the different version of me in Bali is I’m a lot more relaxed, not tense, I feel a lot more positive influence from the island and its people.

Second; I love how living here, there’s no judgment whatsoever. I think people are very open, welcoming, and accepting, whether they’re Balinese or people from outside. You can walk with a pair of flip-flop, or shorts and can have a successful business. You don’t have to carry the latest designer handbags or dressed up all the time.

Third; I love how Bali is often the hub of people to travel. Since I live here I’ve caught up with so many friends and family who come from all over the world; Norway, US, Netherland, etc,  just because they choose here either as travel destination or in transit to go elsewhere.

 Which celebrity that you would rate as a perfect 10?

This is the toughest one. Haha! Its Emma Watson I think, not only because she was in Harry Potter movie, but also looking at her I think she’s a well-rounded person. For someone who grew up in the eyes and spotlight of the media, I think she’s done really well for herself and turns all that attention and influence into a good thing.

She still does what she loves, which is, acting obviously and being in a showbiz at the same time. She also finds another passion in life, she often speaks about women rights and address all the important issues. I love that she places high importance in her education as well, that’s I think is a very inspiring thing for many young people.

She looks like someone who can enjoy life and doesn’t let her fame or success to stop her from doing what life is all about, which is all the simple things.

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