Adelina was born in Kigoma, a small town in the beautiful country of Tanzania. Now she’s in Lombok, bursting with ideas and planning projects where she can use her skills in hospitality and business, and work to make a difference in her adopted community. She spoke with My Lombok about her latest ventures and plans for the future.

Can you tell us something about your background and training?

My early education was in Tanzania but for my professional studies I went to Kenya, in East Africa, which is well known for its quality education. I studied Hospitality, Sales and Marketing, Business Management, Catering, and Hotel Management.

And your early career?

I started as a magazine stylist for Bang! It’s a magazine with a very wide circulation in Tanzania, and targets executives, professionals and entrepreneurs. I also worked as a cabin crew member for an airline, where I sharpened my skills in customer care and hospitality.

The fashion industry had always been a hobby, and two days a week I was involved in modelling and fashion, in Nairobi. I had a small agency, and did some modelling part time. I appeared in a couple of billboard advertisements, catwalk fashion shows, and was a judge in various fashion shows. A few years ago I also had my own fashion label ADE KIPEPE. I’ve had to put it on hold for the time being, but I will definitely go back to it early next year.

How did you start out in business?

I opened my first business enterprise in Kenya. It was a medium-sized restaurant and hotel. I had a little experience of business back home – a couple of farms, not huge but big enough to get tons of crops each year.  My mum is in charge of the farms now, and some small, long-term rentals villas in Tanzania. I plan to have more, but it’s small scale, compared with what I plan to do in Lombok. I am a dreamer, with so much belief in myself.

Why did you decide to come to Lombok?

I lived in Malaysia for a long time, creating my fashion label, and during those years I had the privilege to interact with some local fashion designers. I knew Indonesia was one of the places you could do handmade leather stuff, as well as Vietnam and China. And Bali was one of the ‘dream places’ where I wanted to live, so I felt happier about moving to Bali than anywhere else.

That’s when I met Neil. And the dream changed. Everything changed. Quite frankly, I moved to Lombok because of my husband, Neil Tate.

How did you find the experience of starting work in Lombok?

After settling in Lombok, I was loving it! And I loved being a Lombokian. The people were so welcoming, I forgot about everything else. The idea of setting up a business in Lombok came much later. It seemed that my future was already taking shape. My training in a wide range of fields had prepared me vey well for what I am doing now – and where I live now. And I have a business mind!  I was able to start up in Lombok quite easily, as an entrepreneur. Having embraced racial diversity, ethnicity and different cultures, I feel at home living among the people of Lombok. It’s my second home.

Can you tell us about about the ‘Women Who Brunch’ group?

This is a group of serious, well-informed professional women, who live in Lombok and understand the challenges women face in their day-to-day activities. The group is committed to facing them and tackling them head on! We are not a bunch of bored, idle expatriates ladies. We work hard and meet once a month to share our challenges and achievements. But we do it in style – dressing up and dining well.

I created the group so that women could empower each other.  It’s about style, support, love and care

Why is it important to you?

The people of Lombok have welcomed the ‘Women Who Brunch’, and our families, with open arms and very warm hearts. We feel it’s our duty to show our appreciation, and so we continue to take part in socially responsible community activities.

The group is involved in children’s charities. I love children, and they are very important to me. I will always go an extra mile for them, and the things I do for kids make me happy, so I am blessed. I love to share – that is my spirit. Also, as a businesswoman, I know the importance of giving back to the community. And what better way to do this than to look after the community’s less privileged children? They are part of the future of Lombok. They are tomorrow’s potential leaders if they are given equal opportunity as they grow.

What else can you tell us about your involvement in the expat community?

My training background in customer relations and hospitality has made it easy for me to blend with the expat community. I am a hands-on lady, involved in coordinating events and activities and making sure the group is alive and fun. I’m not a very social person, but I like to provide support, and I love to see businesses growing and people succeeding.

What prompted you to start up your latest venture?

A good businessperson doesn’t just concentrate on expansion, growth and profit. Diversity is also important, to provide security and assurance.

I love Lombok, and I have a background in hospitality training, so with tourists flocking in to Lombok, it was just natural for me to start up an accommodation business, in partnership with my husband. It’s called Hakuna Matata and it provides homestays for backpackers. We manage selected properties in Lombok, which is a fantastic tourist attraction but without a good host and a warm welcome it’s not the same.

Why did you choose the name Hakuna Matata?

I decided to bring a bit of my language in to my second home. It’s Swahili for ‘No worries’, and it’s also my motto.

You are also starting a property business. What progress have you made so far?

Yes. The Mrs Tate Cottages. I am managing two properties in Kuta, Lombok, and I’m in the process of inspecting others. I have a plan to start building luxury villas soon – it’s creative and individual, and offers something different.

We already employ a number of local people and will continue to do so as the business expands.

Have you had support or inspiration from anyone in particular?

Yes, from my husband, Neil. He is my role model, who’s taught me a lot, and still does. He has lived in Lombok longer than I have, and has a good relationship with local people. He works very hard and when I ‘grow up’, I want to be like him.

What would you say were the most important skills in building a successful business?

Having lots of patience, and taking no shortcuts.

What are the most difficult obstacles or challenges?

As a foreigner, I think it’s the challenge of identifying the right business and getting the start-up capital. And there’s always the fear of the unknown!

What do you hope for in the future?

For success. I definitely hope the business will grow, and that Mother Nature will behave herself.

Doing business in Lombok right now is particularly positive. There is nothing as good as watching the city grow with you.

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