UNAIR NEWS — Another Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) graduate has made significant strides in the business sector. Putri Rizka Utami, an alumna of the English Language and Literature Program at the Faculty of Humanities (FIB) UNAIR, now serves as the CEO and owner of Flicka Fashion Indonesia.
From her early school years, Utami had a strong interest in art and language. She explained that her passion for collecting handbags eventually sparked the idea for the brand she now oversees.
“Whenever there was a local brand bazaar, I always bought a bag because I loved them so much. That’s when it crossed my mind, why not try creating my own brand? It allowed me to express my ideas and designs while also filling my free time after classes,” she recalled.
Building functional bag brand
Utami described Flicka as a local brand with a mission to encourage women to express themselves more freely. This philosophy is reflected in the shapes and aesthetics of Flicka’s bag collections.
“We want women to express every side of themselves, classy, elegant, fun, or playful, through products that are functional, timeless, and full of character. Our goal is to offer pieces that look good, feel comfortable, and celebrate the diverse identities of women,” she said.
The name Flicka, she noted, comes from Swedish and means “woman.” The name captures the brand’s focus on feminine elegance. “I wanted a name that was easy to remember yet meaningful and related to women. I eventually found the word ‘Flicka,’ which translates to ‘woman,’” she added.
Integrity as core foundation for running a business
Utami acknowledged that the early phases of her business were challenging. Limited capital forced her to be resourceful so that production could continue without financial setbacks. She stressed that integrity and a willingness to learn were essential to moving the business forward.
“My initial capital was only five million rupiah, which is quite small for starting a business. I had to manage it very carefully to keep production going. On top of that, promoting the products and attracting customers was extremely difficult. Integrity builds trust, both personally and professionally,” she emphasized.
She encouraged students to be bold in exploring pursuits outside their academic field, saying that now is the time to work toward their aspirations.
“Don’t assume you’re unqualified just because your major is different. A humanistic perspective and sensitivity to meaning and stories can be a valuable strength. If we never try, we’ll never discover which steps can take us forward,” she advised.
Utami’s journey highlights UNAIR’s commitment not only to producing capable graduates but also to empowering alumni to innovate and make meaningful contributions across various industries.
Author: Putri Andini
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
