Alan and Kerry Guppy have a long standing love for the island of Bali. Their first trip was in 1985, back when the place was still isolated from much of the world’s tourist trade. They have seen it grow into what it is today – a bustling hub for tourism and trade in Indonesia – and have continued visiting, even through Bali’s darkest times. It was the devastating effect of the 2003 nightclub bombings on the islands economy that brought about the formation of Bigwater Imports.
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Kerry, who was a full time mother to five (now grown) children, was seeking a new business venture – a job that would inspire her after many years at home. Seeing and hearing about the struggles of the people who would so graciously host them every time they visited Bali made her business plan very clear – the company would put money back into the communities via trade. The fact that Bali had now become so hugely popular as a travel destination, particularly for Australian’s, and many people were keen to bring a little of that Bali feel into their own homes was an added bonus! They have, and will continue, to buy products from street vendors and small business owners, steering clear of the bigger, more established suppliers. In doing so, they have incidentally helped these smaller ventures on a course to more financial security – many of the people they trade with now have a long list of clients, and some much needed job stability.
Their amazing Bali-based manager Wisma is credited greatly with the company’s success – without his skills and loyalty, Bigwater would not be where it is today. The Guppy’s recommend Wisma to anyone travelling to Bali, as he also works as a driver and tour guide. He is a wonderful man, with a beautiful family, and has been a great friend to the family.
In 2004 they met Tory, a Balinese man working as a tour guide. He, like many of the amazing people that the Guppy’s have met on their travels to the island, made an impact on them.
