Say hello to the extraordinary Manu Asgar Kumar!
Hi Neighbour,
I’m thrilled to introduce the latest edition of our "Meet the Denizens" series, where we shine a light on the extraordinary people who bring creativity and inspiration to Denizen Eiswerk.
This time, we're diving into the story of Manu, the visionary creator of Jamu. Manu has been a vibrant force in our community, blending tradition with innovation through his artistic journey. His work resonates deeply with the essence of Denizen, and we’re so lucky to have him as part of our circle.
Stay tuned as we uncover more about the rich talents that make our community truly unique. And be sure to try Jamu in our Denizen Kitchen!
Please tell us a little bit about yourself!
I was born and raised in Germany, with a deep connection to the cultures of both Asia and Europe. My father is from India, and my mother comes from the far north, near the Baltic States. Growing up in such a diverse and international environment, living between worlds has been a constant theme in my life
Bringing these two rich cultural spheres together influences everything I do, both personally and professionally. It’s a passion that drives my work and defines who I am.
As part of these mini-interview series, we always ask Denizens five short questions!
I would describe myself as creative, idealistic, and curious. Creativity fuels my ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. Idealism drives my passion for meaningful projects and making a positive impact. Curiosity and openness ensure that I’m always eager to learn, explore new ideas, and connect with diverse perspectives.
The best advice I've ever received came from my father when he retired after nearly 50 years of running his medical practice. He said to me:
'Manu, throughout my career, I always gave my best, took nothing that wasn’t rightfully mine, and never deceived anyone. Most importantly, I always stayed true to myself and did only what I believed was right. Always be yourself and remain absolutely authentic.'
This advice has been a guiding principle for me, reminding me to act with integrity and stay true to my values in everything I do.
Recently, my life has been a whirlwind of transitions and new beginnings. I closed down my previous business, the ManuTeeFaktur, and gave up my apartment, choosing instead to live between Berlin, Istanbul, and Bali. I’m currently planning two houses on different continents, and while I’ve unpacked my painting canvases, I haven’t quite started using them yet.
On top of that, I co-founded Ancient Knowledge with my partner and launched our first product. Along the way, I’ve been deeply involved in the web shop, design, and branding – it’s been an exciting and transformative time!
The beauty of the seasons lies in their existence – each one gives the world a different face and brings rhythm to our lives.
I love spring for its vibrant energy, the hope it inspires, the first warm rays of sunlight, and the blossoms everywhere. Summer captivates me with its balmy nights, the joy on people’s faces, and the freedom of living outdoors. Autumn is magical for its explosion of colors, the abundance of harvest, and its quiet melancholy. Winter, with its cold, crisp air, peaceful stillness, and reflective pause, holds a special place too.
The last book I read was All the Lives We Never Lived by Anuradha Roy. It beautifully weaves the story of Walter Spies, a remarkable German artist who moved to Bali in the early 20th century. Spies revolutionized Balinese art by blending local traditions like music, dance, and painting with Western influences.
As a German-Indian creative myself, currently transitioning to life in Bali, I felt profoundly connected to the narrative. At times, it felt as though the book was written for me, capturing so many parallels and inspiring reflections on my own journey.
The three things I cannot live without would have to be freedom, health, love. These are the foundations of my well-being. However, I must admit, there are a few more essential things in my life—nature, animals, sports, humor, culture & creativity, sunshine... and of course, my partner and family. It's these elements that keep me grounded and bring true meaning to everything I do.
Now for the flash round!
Dogs or cats?
Ketchup or mayo?
Sea or mountains?
Summer or winter?
Early bird or night owl?
Popcorn sweet or salty?
Tea or coffee?
Denizen came to me in a way. David, the founder, walked into ManuTeeFaktur one day and introduced me to his concept. He was focused on supplying his customers and guests with only the best, locally sourced products. As a tea producer, he invited me to collaborate, encouraging me to present my products there. What impressed me most was his mission to connect the local community with the otherwise somewhat isolated world of digital nomads—both local and international.
The high standards of quality, design, and community-building really resonated with me, and I was convinced to be part of Denizen as a supplier. After a short time, I also came to appreciate the many benefits Denizen offers on the customer side and decided to set up my office there.
What I love about Denizen is the combination of things that make it special. First, the tea is amazing, of course! But beyond that, it's the team—super friendly and professional staff who always handle any request with care. For me, the Denizen team has become a group of friends. The services they offer are exceptional, from reliable package handling to free tea and coffee, and even a yoga room.
The space itself is incredible too—the furniture, the atmosphere, and the overall vibe make it a great place to work and be inspired.
As I mentioned before, Denizen truly stands out for its professionalism—there's no request left unanswered! But for me, it's much more than just a coworking space. It's my office with professional management, where I don't have to worry about anything, and I'm surrounded by kind and helpful people.
I wouldn't trade my Denizen family for any sterile coworking environment! It’s the perfect mix of work efficiency and personal connection that makes it feel like home.
If you didn’t get a chance to experience Jamu at the Ancient Knowledge launch event, don’t worry—you can still enjoy it at Denizen Eiswerk!
Big thanks to our amazing Community Manager, Hana, for capturing these stunning photos!
Cheers!
The Denizen Team
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