As one of the few known aficionadas in Indonesia, Rinny Tri Mulyawati shares her passion for cigars alongside motorcycle journeys, conversations, and her bakery business, leading her own pastry company, forging social connections, and strengthening cigar culture among women in her country.
She is a single mother with two children, residing in a country she describes as unique, with many languages and cultures, where vast landscapes beckon motorcycle rides.
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One of her favorite weekend activities is cruising the roads and stopping to enjoy a cigar: “Indonesia has many beautiful places I haven’t visited yet, so some Sundays I make time to travel near Jakarta,” she shares.
As an entrepreneur, she began producing bread under the D’Rins Patisserie brand, supplying various hotels, restaurants, and cafes in the area. Her venture expanded to Kblenger Burger, a slang word derived from “blenger,” meaning “very full.” Under this brand, she markets burger and hot dog buns: “The burgers are so good that they fill you up and leave a good memory, prompting you to come back next time.”
Being an entrepreneur in Indonesia isn’t easy, as the market demands innovation and consistency, keywords she also finds within the world of premium cigars.
In 2022, when the trend of smoking cigars grew more popular in Indonesia, she connected with a close group of friends who often gathered to enjoy locally crafted cigars. “It’s been a great experience, and now I appreciate cigars much more because I’ve also met several female aficionadas who share the same interest.”
Within this group, Rinny finds inspiration in the fact that in Indonesia, everyone seems to find their own enjoyment in cigars and the perfect blend they create during gatherings with drinks, tobacco, enriching conversations, and even contacts that would otherwise be harder to attain.
She notes that the Cigar World is undergoing a process of destigmatization, with millennials adopting this hobby away from its elitist roots, drawn to its craftsmanship and the trend seen on social media platforms like Instagram.
She explains that this popularity makes the product more accessible and part of a hobby that offers the opportunity to socialize and relax, as “millennials prioritize experiences above all else, and cigars align perfectly with this generation’s values.”
Regarding her perspective on cigars, Rinny highlights that women are making strong strides in this predominantly male-dominated industry, bringing a fresh perspective that contributes to diversity and innovation: “As women succeed in various roles, we are getting closer to gender equality becoming the norm.”
Furthermore, she emphasizes that for women entering male-dominated fields like the cigar business, it’s crucial to believe in themselves and their abilities, disregarding perceived gender-based limitations.
She recommends building collaborative networks that open doors for the future, embracing setbacks as learning opportunities, educating oneself about the industry they aim to enter, and relying on authenticity to overcome any obstacles standing between them and their goals.
Regarding the Global SOTL Movement, she acknowledges the courage of those involved, whether enthusiasts, industry figures, or personalities, urging them to continue celebrating diversity and redefining what it means to be a cigar lover.
