Did you know that among the contributing factors to a strong and healthy relationship among family members is financial stability?
For most of us, financial stability means being able to meet the basic needs of our household in a consistent manner and being comfortable enough to not constantly worry over whether or not we will be able to meet those needs in the immediate future.
This is important, as financial hardship can negatively affect the cognitive, behavioural, social and emotional development of children and the mental health of parents.
Those who are experiencing financial stress are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviours to cope, which include drinking, smoking, overeating, and other unhealthy mechanisms. Unfortunately, this leads to more stress, which is associated with even more health risks.
Realising the importance of financial stability, housewife Hasnizah Mohamed is determined in her venture into the business world to help her husband generate side income for their family.
“Undoubtedly, financial stability does bring a host of great benefits but to get there, it also requires hard work and motivation.
“I believe that children who grow up in a household that is financially stable will look for ways to be financially stable themselves. Showing our children the importance of financial stability as well as its benefits will help lay a foundation for their future financial health and success in adulthood.
“Therefore, with a deep interest in business as well as encouragement from my eldest sister, I dared to step out of my comfort zone in order to find side income for my family,” said the 39-year-old.
In 2018, Hasnizah tried her luck by selling cheese and egg tarts with a capital of RM100.
Egg tarts. 
A colourful array of Hasnizah’s homemade layered cakes.
Soon after, she started to add more to her menu after receiving encouraging response from customers.
Commenting on the challenges she faced during the movement control order (MCO) period, Hasnizah said although her sales were affected, she was still grateful to still receive some orders from customers.
“I rely entirely on social media platforms to promote my desserts.
“Alhamdulillah, with the help of social media, I am now able to achieve a profit between RM2,000 and RM3,000 a month,” she said, adding that for now, she only does deliveries around Miri.
Hasnizah also hoped that one day she could open her own bakery while expanding her business.
In addition, she also hoped that her determination to venture into business (to help her family) will be able to help motivate other housewives to dare to try something that can give a positive return to their families.
Meanwhile, those living around Miri City who want to satisfy their cravings for desserts or light snacks can visit Hasnizah’s Facebook page ‘Dari Dapo Ummi’.
