FEATURES • DESTINATIONS
Curating a Mindful
Living Atmosphere
at Cove
January 2025
Words & Photography by The Punch
In the coastal corner of Berawa Beach, Canggu, Bali, Lisa Chedanne, founder of Cove Island Essentials, moves through her days with quiet dedication. For years, her life has intertwined with fashion, retail, and design. Only a few years ago, her dream took root–a space where the products she crafted and sourced could finally find a home.
Cove opened in 2018, a year after Lisa and her manufacturer decided to open a store in Berawa. The space felt like an extension of them and their work, a global curation of beautiful things gathered under one calming roof. The store's coastal lifestyle concept, filled with a natural vibe and a duty to be responsible, struck a chord with the community. A few years ago, Cove expanded to Bingin, and now, a third store stands in Seseh, each one a validation of Lisa's vision. Putu, the Seseh store manager and one of the cherished staff members at Cove, expressed her gratitude for the teamwork and shared that she has learned a lot about merchandising from her time with the company. Working five days a week allows her to also dedicate time to being a mother and spending time with her family.
Lisa’s thoughts drift toward improvement–whether it’s refining packaging, bettering cleaning products, or elevating staff training and well-being. Her collaboration with local artisans, making items that not only reflect beauty and quality but also tell a meaningful story, inspires positive change.
EMPOWERING PEOPLE FOR LASTING IMPACT
In the early days of the brand, being eco-conscious wasn’t just a goal–it was the foundation. Yet, like any new journey, the path was met with challenges. As Cove evolved, so did its duty to better practices. Through careful research and a willingness to adapt, the team learned from others, refining their approach at every step. From thoughtfully chosen products and minimal packaging to eco-friendly cleaning methods and a staff-centered culture, each decision speaks to the heart and hands behind the brand.
Lisa creates a work environment rooted in balance and growth, where well-being is valued, work hours are reasonable, and training is ongoing. Her vision goes beyond Cove’s walls, inspired by a journey to India, where she witnessed the transformative power of programs that uplift women with skills and new opportunities. Though still in its early stages, her vision for a foundation on a similar path is beginning to take shape–a space that draws from community insights and meaningful experiences. It aims not only to support her team but to ripple outward, encouraging growth and empowerment for all those touched by Cove’s presence.
WARMTH & COMFORT WITHIN THE SPACE
Cove’s stores invite you in with an ambiance that feels less like retail and more like a gentle embrace from nature itself. Every detail is warmth, from the earthy hues to the soft ivory walls–a conscious departure from the normal stark white that deepens the sense of calm and comfort. Here, the space breathes, offering a rare feeling of connection and respite.
What sets Cove apart is its dedication to creation with purpose. Many of the products are made in-house, with purpose woven into every stitch and detail. Branded or unbranded, each piece is designed to be treasured, steering clear of fast fashion’s fleeting trends. Instead, Cove’s approach celebrates timeless quality, using materials that respect the planet. Products are presented humbly, each given its own space to shine. This curated simplicity allows customers to engage, to savor each piece, and to select items that resonate with them. It’s a place to find what you’ll cherish, not just what you’ll buy.
THOUGHTFUL CURATION
At Cove, each carefully curated collection—be it the elegance of fine jewelry, timeless apparel, mindful wellness journals, or pure, nature-inspired beauty essentials—comes together to create an experience that’s both inviting and richly layered. Every piece tells a story, each item a chapter in a journey that celebrates diversity, style, and well-being in every thoughtful detail.
Among the standout offerings, Olamii Jewellery shines brightly as part of a carefully curated lineup of five unique jewelry brands. The Art of Slo Living’s copper dry body brushes blend wellness with opulence, enhancing personal care routines. Meanwhile, Baby Juno’s plant-based children’s clothing and Mindful & Co’s yoga cards promote healthy lifestyles from the earliest stages of life, creating a holistic approach to well-being. The store’s recent collaborations reinforce its commitment to mindful living. New arrivals include the “Karma Free” menswear, a brand that uses only natural dyes and eco fabrics, “Maoi” swimwear, which is crafted from recycled materials, and Cove’s exclusive caps, produced in partnership with Topiku from entirely recycled components, which exhibit progressive thinking.
REDEFINING PACKAGING
Cove treads lightly on the planet, taking on a minimal approach to packaging and finding new life in every piece of material. Scraps of fabric, once overlooked, are made into small bags or woven into linings, each stitch a proof of resourcefulness. Paper receipts are a thing of the past; instead, digital copies flow to inboxes, a simple yet purposeful shift that turns every detail into a thoughtful choice. Here, sustainability isn’t an afterthought–it’s in the very fabric of each interaction, inviting customers to join in mindful, intentional shopping.
The packaging speaks in a language of quiet elegance, where intentional design meets the beauty of nature’s textures. Woven fibers tell a story of hands-on craftsmanship, rustic twine circles gracefully around the earthy-hued paper, sharing simplicity in its most raw and authentic form. A delicate ribbon and an understated tag add a touch of grace, subtly lifting the natural aesthetic. This thoughtful design celebrates both form and function, sidestepping the synthetic to create an experience rooted in reverence for style and the environment alike.
THE POWER OF LOCAL PARTNERS & ARTISANS
Cove is inseparable from the spirit of its local partners–the artisans and creators who bring its soul to life. Each piece in their collection is more than a product; it’s a story mixed with craftsmanship, sustainability, and the heartbeat of the community. At the heart of Cove’s philosophy lies collaboration with these skilled artisans. Every item, from finely made jewelry to mindful wellness essentials, shows these purposeful partnerships. By embracing talented makers who share Cove’s dedication to quality and ethics, the brand not only celebrates exceptional artistry but also supports the local community. Here, value is placed over volume, and each creation carries a story waiting to be shared.
FROM BRAND TO LIFESTYLE: COVE'S UNIQUE EVOLUTION
Cove’s transformation from a brand to a lifestyle is rooted in a deep respect for Bali’s natural beauty. With a focus on reducing environmental impact, they encourage reuse, recycling, and focus on minimizing waste. Their carefully selected brands show a shared commitment to environmental care, offering more than just products–they’re sharing a way of living that aligns with a larger movement toward a better future. Each item represents a thoughtful connection to the land and its people, inviting others to become part of this conscious, mindful journey.
EXPLORE THE FULL STORY IN UNCOVERED BALI BOOK
Uncovered Bali is a collective project showcasing the sustainable journeys of carefully selected Bali businesses to a global audience. Each story highlights the unique impact these enterprises have on preserving Bali’s cultural and environmental heritage while driving positive change. Through this project, we aim to inspire global leaders, travelers, and communities to embrace more sustainable practices and appreciate the powerful role that local businesses play in shaping a better future.
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