Daisy Orlana is finding creative freedom with her new food pop up sayang

daisy orlana shares why she quit her full time job to pursue her first ever Indonesian food pop-up, Sayang.

WE TEAMED UP WITH QUOTED MAGAZINE TO TELL THE STORIES OF 5 PEOPLE THROUGHOUT EACH BOROUGH OF NEW YORK CITY WHO ARE DOING THINGS THAT MAKE AN IMPACT CREATIVELY, CHARITABLY OR SOCIALLY.

Name.

Daisy Orlana Ramli Kirschen

Occupations, affiliations, and projects.

Designer and Founder/Chef of Sayang

People Who Do focuses on those who take action to pursue meaningful work and life passions. why is it important to you to “do”?

It’s really important for me to keep exploring and sharing. My biggest fear is to not keep developing as a person. Even at the highest point of self doubt, I always know I’m able to push through and do. Doesn’t really do it for me to keep doing the same things.

what accomplishments are you most proud of?

Cooking! I always knew I loved design and designing, but learning to satisfy a certain level of comfort by cooking is new to me. Really glad I could make myself feel at home in little ways, and also for others. Game changer the day I learned to perfect rice :)

What made you quit your job in the midst of starting an Indonesian food pop up?

I was feeling overwhelmed—I love my team and the work at my former job. But I wanted some flexibility and time to figure out how I wanted to spend my days, and start working with my hands a bit more. Wanted to break out of a routine and pursue a balance between doing both design and food.

Can you describe the feeling that you get when you’re actively sharing your culture with other people through food?

Grateful. I’m lucky that my father was able to send me here to New York City, 10 years ago for architecture school. And it feels amazing to be able to share Indonesian culture and food with people that haven’t experienced it before. It’s at least a 24-hour trip out there, so I’m glad I can provide some sense of community for other Indonesian expats, and for newcomers alike. I didn’t really have any Indonesian friends in the years I lived here, and I felt very homesick for food, language, cultural banter. Through Sayang, I’ve met some truly incredible fellow Indonesian creatives.

“I wanted some flexibility and time to figure out how I wanted to spend my days, and start working with my hands a bit more.”

Is there something about New York City specifically that inspires you to create and why?

You meet so many different types of people here, and everyone works so hard. Makes it easier to get creative and focus on what you want to do. And a lot of New Yorkers aren’t from here — being an immigrant helps, because it makes me want to make New York feel more like home. Can’t remember where I heard it, but someone once mentioned to me that ‘your culture is resilient’ and I think that rings true.

What’s your favorite thing you’ve learned so far this year?

To not stress about what has yet to happen, and to be present and direct your energy into what’s going on now. All about doing the day-to-day with intention.

What’s your favorite lesson you’ve ever learned?

Put away your phone at meals (yes, not just dinner), and enjoy the company of the people you’re with!

What's one thing you would tell someone who's looking to quit their job to pursue something they love?

To push forward. Will feel isolating at first, and lots of thoughts of self doubt will arise. But keep going after what you love. Think it’s normal to feel alone in New York, even though you’re surrounded by so many people and things. But I think it’s also the best way to grow.

What's your pro tip when things get tough?

Talk to your friends and be open. Things always seem bigger than they are, when those thoughts are isolated in your brain. Someone else might have a better solution/idea.

“Push forward. It will feel isolating at first, and lots of thoughts of self-doubt will arise. But keep going after what you love.”

What’s the best piece of advice that you can give someone right now?

Trust yourself. Trust that you are good and that you will do good things. Even when you feel as though others are casting doubt.

Who do you look to for inspiration?

My girlfriends. They are so kind, cool, funny, hard working, passionate. Obsessed with them! If I could live on a farm/island with several friends close by — that sounds pretty ideal (ha!)

What’s the next goal?

Would love to be able to continue doing half design and half food. Figuring out what’s the best way to dedicate my time into being able to do both things without draining myself. Part of all this is trying to be mindful about how I do my work.

By “do-ing” you create your own unique legacy. How do you want your legacy to look?

Want to continue collaborating with people and building relationships. Always prefer being a part of a team/community than doing work all on my own cause where’s the fun in that!