Many times it is not the condition of outside of us that make us stronger but the condition within us that makes the reality of who we are. No matter whatever the condition outside of us , we still can go through it and achieve whatever we dream off by making sure the condition within us are unshakable.
This sharing by our sister entrepreneur Atika Ahmad touches AbangAbu, as I can feel the what kind of determination one should have to overcome this. It reminds me of my own journey too. And i am sure many of us out there need this sharing to affirm ourselves that we are not alone……… LETs get the lessons from Sister ATIKA AHMAD,
1)What kind of business do you have? What inspired you to become an Entrepreneur business owner?
Food.. My mum and my health.
2)Did you need to have a certain mindset to achieve success?
Focus and never give-up.
3)Have you noticed certain advantages to being an entrepreneur business owner?
I’m my own boss. Can arrange my work according to my own schedule.
4)Did you have a mentor to help you get started?
My father was a sailor. He leave a fixed amount of money for my mother each month. My mother make good used of the money but the money is not enough. However my mother is one who don’t like to complain. She try to solve the problem by herself. Working in a factory and making kuih to bring to her workplace to sell. I’m 12 at that time and she will wake me up as early as 3am to help her. I was unhappy at that time. Feeling tired having to look after my siblings on top of my schoolworks and then helping with the kuih. Most of the time in school I was sleepy. But now I’m grateful for that experienced ‘cos it teach me a kit or tool for survival. My mother is my idol and my mentor.
My mother never think of herself as a businesswoman or entrepreneur. Her mindset is only selling for survival or means of living.that’s how i was thinking too. From helping her I start making my own product that is kerepek layang-layang to sell. My mother help me to sell at her working place. Then I move on to baulu ,biscuits and cakes which I sell during Hari Raya. Still I don’t have the entrepreneur mind. Only sell it to friends. Never dream big. Feel happy when I can help reduce my mother’s burden. I’m happy when I started working. Like others I felt that work is safer with guarenteed income every month. I reduce my selling activities Just do it as a hobby,Maybe at that time I’ve met AA ,join Cabaran or have a group of friends who’s interested in business around me my outlook of things will be different. I agree with AA the group of friends around you is important as it add the aura and the right diesel/petrol for your engine.
I came back to selling when I resigned from my work. I’ve to choose between work and my health and I choose the latter. When I resigned I’ve to find something to do from home. Went round the shops in my housing estate to see whether i can sell any kuih in their store. Most of the kuihs are there. Difficult for newcomers to go in the market. I started with hotdog roll which I made on my own on dalal basis. Only about $3 to $6 per day sales. Very discouraging at times when the kuih is not saleable. Feel like giving up but I told myself to hold on. My opportunity came when the person who supply epok-epok to one of the shop fall ill. I was asked to replace him. From there another shop approach and ask me to supply to his shop daily on cash basis after he taste my epok-epok from the other shop .
5)Approximately how much money did you invest before your business became profitable?
About $2000 for the deep fryer, dough mixer and samples…
6)What ways have you found to be most effective in marketing your product or service to get sales?
Personal Approach…giving samples and words mouth to mouth…
7)What tips can you give others who want to embrace their dream but, don’t have the confidence or feel they don’t have what it takes to succeed?
Take control of your mind. Think positive. Wash away the negative thinking. You have to do it yourself. Nobody else can do it for you. Mix with the right group to add to the aura and give starter to your engine. Read more books and attend seminars to increase your tools, networking and confidence.
8)What’s next for you?
To have my own kitchen where I can do my production and distribute ny products…
9)Few words of AbangAbu and cabaran101010?
Concept of rezki…I strongly believe in that and it has been proven to me time and again.
Concept of WIN…
Work hard
Increase your knowledge
Never give up
….with these insya Allah you will win the battle…
I’m glad that I join Cabaran ‘cos it change my perspective and value added me. I became more confidence, more positive and my mind keep roaming…
For those who are interested in selling my kuih can call me at 97206848…
