Boundless Life cohorts are known for fostering connection and creating unforgettable experiences. But for one family on a recent trip to Boundless Bali, their personal experience extended far beyond connection with each other and fellow families. Complementing the Boundless Life ethos of giving back, they directed and combined the unique skills of multiple families to support a beloved local business – a family-run massage parlour in Sanur: Sumi Spa
Why Giving Back Matters in the Boundless Life Community
The Boundless Life community thrives on the core principle of connection. It's about forging relationships not just with fellow travellers, but also with the local communities that host and welcome us throughout the year. Giving back allows us to show our appreciation for the enriching experiences these destinations offer, while also fostering a sense of global responsibility.
Sumi Spa Sanur transformation: Meet the Inspiring Mom Behind the Initiative
I spoke to Janalee, the incredible mom who (together with her husband, Tyler) spearheaded this initiative, to learn more about this heartwarming story.
❓What inspired you and your fellow families to give back to the local community during your Boundless Life stay?
Janalee: When we travel to new places around the world, we love finding ways to really connect with the local community. One of the best ways to connect with others is to serve them. Some of the most impactful service opportunities are those where we assist someone that we have built a personal relationship with, and that is why we chose to help out Sumi Spa.
❓Why did you choose to focus on the Sumi Spa Sanur?
Janalee: We had been going to an amazing masseuse named Sumi for a couple of months and her cheerful personality and strong work ethic really touched us. Sumi was doing her best with her massage business, but when we asked her about it, she opened up and told us she was struggling. She would love more customers so she could better provide for her family.
Her water tank was full of mold - which clogged her pump and led to low water pressure. She didn’t have hot water in the house and had to boil water ahead of washing every customer's feet. The front of her home where she did massages was run down and not the most inviting environment. She wasn’t on Google either - so people couldn’t find her.
We decided to get some Boundless Life friends together and offer her a business makeover!!
❓Can you tell us about the specific skills, expertise and donations that the families offered to transform the business?
Janalee: We reached out to other families in the cohort and let them know our plans for a ‘Bali Business Makeover for Sumi Spa’. Several families came forward and offered to donate money for materials, like a new water heater and tank, a fresh coat of paint, and also new furniture and decor. One parent who has a talent for interior design headed up that project, while another parent with excellent photography skills took charge of a photo shoot. I focused on building Sumi’s online presence to drive business, while my husband focused on helping Sumi build new business systems.
❓This is fantastic! How did this experience impact your Boundless Life stay and the Sumi Spa?
Janalee: Building a close relationship with Sumi and finding ways to help her grow her business was one of the highlights of our time in Bali! Sumi and her family are extremely grateful for new friendships within the Boundless community and the help that they received from everyone in the cohort. Sumi is more confident in her work and her ability to provide for her family. Her online exposure has increased tremendously. She went from people not being able to find her online, to a full schedule almost every day and nearly 20 reviews, all within 1 month of the transformation!
By sharing Janalee's story, we hope to inspire others to embrace the spirit of giving back during their Boundless Life adventures. Whether this is through the regular Give Back activities organised by Boundless Life (like the Bali beach clean-up organised with Rip Curl) or - like Janalee - by undertaking your own altruistic endeavours and supporting local businesses, charities and projects.
