BAU: With a pair of skilled hands and a heart deeply rooted in Sarawak’s heritage, entrepreneur Catherine Eric is weaving the Bidayuh identity into a global narrative through her creations under Catrina Design & Tailoring.
Operating from a small workshop on the second floor of King Centre in Kuching, Catherine, 56, specialises in traditional Bidayuh costumes and accessories, which she has been crafting for over 20 years.
Her handmade products, particularly the traditional ‘pua kumbu’ inspired outfits, have gained popularity both locally and internationally, reaching customers as far as the United States, Bristol in the United Kingdom, and even India.
“I started small, making apparel like ‘baju kurung’ and ‘kebaya’. It was only before the pandemic COVID-19 that I began focusing on Bidayuh designs.
“I also had a six-month tailoring course and then worked under a Chinese employer. That’s where I picked up tips and tricks that now define my craft.
“I learned a lot from observing. I gathered ideas here and there, and eventually, I ventured out on my own,” she said to Sarawak Tribune during the 2024 Bau Youth Carnival at Redeems Centre, Singai, near here where she was a first-time vendor.
In addition to selling her products directly, she added that she also fulfils orders, with a focus on wholesale clients requiring a minimum of 20 pieces.
Local businesses, such as Little Borneo in Kuching, are among her loyal clients.
“They buy in bulk and resell, which helps sustain my business,” she explained.
Catherine’s passion goes beyond sales as she aims to elevate Bidayuh culture on the world stage.
“My hope is for Bidayuh products to be recognised internationally. I may not speak much of the language, but I proudly champion the designs and their uniqueness,” she said.
She highlighted the practicality of Bidayuh costumes compared to other Sarawakian traditional outfits, describing them as simpler to wear with fewer accessories.
She also plans to further her cultural mission by participating in an international festival in London next year, hoping to showcase Bidayuh craftsmanship to a broader audience.
On her experience at the Bau Youth Carnival, she said, “This is my first time here, and I wanted to test the market. So far, it’s been encouraging. For small entrepreneurs like me, it’s important to cover costs first, and any profit is a bonus.”
