The meaning of 'CAHAIA'
The name CAHAIA is inspired by “Cahaya,” which means light in several languages, including Indonesian and Malay. It represents clarity, creativity, and the quiet power of illumination. We chose this name to reflect our mission, to shed light on untold stories, celebrate cultural heritage, and honor the human spirit. Just as light reveals what often goes unnoticed, CAHAIA is here to uncover beauty in the details, in the unspoken, in what deserves to be seen.
This idea of light is also deeply personal. In Arabic, our family name, Daou, means light. For us, CAHAIA is more than a name; it’s a tribute to our roots, our shared story, and the belief that culture connects us all.
Through CAHAIA, we seek to revive forgotten stories, bring them into the present, and carry them forward; shining a light on what matters, one piece at a time.
Our purpose
At CAHAIA, our mission is to tell the stories of the world through objects that hold meaning, memory, and beauty, beginning with handbags. We exist to create culture carriers; people who carry a piece of the world wherever they go.
Our dreams
We envision CAHAIA as a luxury culture house, where fashion, art, and design come together to celebrate the world’s diversity. Beginning with handcrafted handbags, our journey aims to expand into home décor, artistic collaborations, and curated experiences that honor cultural storytelling.
Our vision is to bring the beauty of global heritage into every corner of your space.
Our beliefs
CAHAIA blends vintage nostalgia with timeless design. At CAHAIA, we value:
Exceptional quality: Every piece is made with care and intention
Authentic storytelling: Culture is not a trend, it’s a story we honor and carry forward
Unconventional elegance: Bold yet refined, rooted yet modern