Originally this QnA was planned for all those fabulous Marcomm people that kept Bali’s hospitality brands ticking across all mediums… However, since C19 came along a few of these talented professionals have had to find other employment …

The Yak tracks them down and asks “Where are you now?” 

Name, age (if you want to tell us) and where were you born?

Alexandra Ancilla, 30 years old, Jakarta.

When did you come to Bali?

Back in 2013 – 8 years in Bali now. Honestly, best decision I’ve ever made.

Do you have family here? (We include your furry friends into this question).

I happily live with my two furry kids, Muji & Teddy!

What brands have you worked for over the years?

I started my career in communications at a PR agency in Jakarta, Ogilvy; handling FMCG clients such as Unilever and Diageo. After almost two years working at an agency in the capital city, I figured that it wasn’t for me. In 2013, I decided to head over to Bali and tried my luck as a hotelier where I took the role of marketing communications / PR for various hotel chains. Over the years, I’ve worked with Grand Nikko Bali, Courtyard Marriott Seminyak, W Bali – Seminyak, Sheraton Kuta, and The Legian – Bali.

Nineteenth of March 2020. When you first heard of the Bali “stay at home” / #dirumahaja regulation what went through your head?

At first, I thought my dream had come true! I always wanted to be able to work from home, so I can work at my own pace and spend more time with my furry kids.

What was your company’s reaction to this regulation?

At that time, I was working at The Legian and we were required to all work from home, and like many other hotels in Bali, we had to deal with salary cuts as well. And I soon realized, working from home (especially during a pandemic), was not the dream that I imagined!

How much longer did you work for the company?

I left the company in July 2020, I felt the whole stress dealing with work, the global pandemic and my personal anxiety was getting out of hand. I had to step back, breathe and choose to make time for myself and well-being. People thought I was mad for resigning in the middle of a pandemic where people are struggling to find a job, but I knew what was best for me at the time.

What backup measures did you start putting in place when the writing was on the wall? (Covid 19 regulations were extended).

I was unemployed for a few months after I left the company, which was kind of scary. It was the first time that I did not have a full-time job, without another job in the pipeline. I started to do a bit of freelancing here and there to help small businesses with copywriting and communications strategy. I’ve also started my own handmade accessories line with my girlfriends called Batoe!

What was your mental state and how did you move forward into a more positive attitude?

I had anxiety and panic attacks dealing with the overwhelming stress at work, the global pandemic and of course financial uncertainty as well. That’s why I chose to leave the company and focus on myself a bit more, give myself room to breathe and to enjoy the simple things in life. I started meditating daily, which really helped me a lot to stay calm and grounded. I also kept a positive attitude by always reminding myself to stay grateful and that I’m always doing the best I can, given the circumstances. Staying connected and talking to my family and friends also kept me sane (even though at that time it was only through screens)

Finally, what are you doing now?

Back in the hotel world, I’m working full time as a Director of Marketing Communication for Kimpton Naranta Bali, a 50-villa property in Nusa Dua, opening soon in Q4 2021. Stay tuned!

Definitely let us know if we can support you and we very much hope to catch up all together at some point soon. Until then, we salute your perseverance and strength!

And readers do please go and support these fabulous people in their positions and companies!