Leoni, a Troso Weaving Entrepreneur from Jepara, Proves Women Can Break Into the Global Market

 JEPARA, Kartininews.com – When she decided to stop working after getting married, Maria Leoni (38) pushed herself to become independent and built a weaving business whose products are now recognized in 12 countries.

Starting out by helping her family's business in Troso Village, Pecangaan District, Jepara Regency, the 38-year-old woman has proven that women are capable of achieving economic independence — while also opening up opportunities for many people around her.

Leoni's journey did not begin with large capital or an extensive business network. After leaving her job as a bank teller, she briefly considered returning to the workforce. However, circumstances led her to help with her husband's weaving business instead — a decision that turned out to be a turning point in her life.

Balancing her roles as a wife and homemaker, Leoni began studying the weaving business seriously. She attended various training programs, expanded her network, and dared to dream of a bigger market for Troso woven fabrics.

"If you want to grow, you have to expand your market share. Don't just stay local," said Leoni on Tuesday (23/6/2026).

Armed with that conviction, Leoni gradually transformed the family business into a more professional operation. She took care of company legalities, registered a trademark, and actively participated in SME mentoring programs organized by various institutions.

Those steps paid off. In 2020, Leoni successfully carried out her first independent export after completing the Export Coaching Program from the Ministry of Trade. Since then, the Kain Ratu brand has continued to grow, reaching customers in Saudi Arabia, Japan, Myanmar, Australia, Portugal, New Zealand, Singapore, and several other countries.

That success has not only driven the growth of her own business — Kain Ratu has also become a source of livelihood for local weavers. Today, Leoni partners with around 20 Troso weavers who share in the benefits of the growing market demand.

For Leoni, business success is not solely about revenue or exports. There is a deeper satisfaction in knowing that what she has built creates real economic benefits for the people around her — especially the craftspeople whose livelihoods depend on the weaving industry.

"Business helps a lot of people indirectly — it supports the weavers. That's where I find my happiness," she said.

Leoni's story shows that women's economic independence can grow from the simplest of spaces at home, made possible through the courage to learn, build connections, and take advantage of empowerment programs. Women are not only capable of developing themselves — they can also become economic drivers for their communities.

Today, from a home-based business in Troso, Leoni has successfully brought Jepara's woven textiles onto the international stage — a testament to how women can play a strategic role in strengthening family economies and empowering communities.