KUCHING: An enterprising Bidayuh woman, who was initially asked to sell Bidayuh handicraft did not reject the idea and has since blossomed into a thriving entrepreneur within the handicraft industry.
Hailing from Lundu, Linda Dohoi, also known as Linda Dedeng, specialises in making various handicraft such as earrings, modern clutch bags and others.
The 39-year-old Linda, who has been residing in Bau for the past 22 years, embarked on her journey into the handicraft industry around 2017.
Recalling her beginning, she shared that she was offered a chance to join the Bau Handicrafts House in 2018.
“I saw it as an opportunity to explore something new. Despite my initial lack of familiarity with handicrafts, I am grateful for the chance to showcase and sell my creations there,” she told New Sarawak Tribune during a recent interview.
Situated in the Bangunan Baru Bukit Emas Food Court, the Bau Handicrafts House stands as the pioneer handicraft centre, providing a platform for local artisans to exhibit and sell their handmade products to both local and foreign patrons.
Linda added that at the centre, she also sells rattan-based items and other handmade items with some of which she sources from local artisans.
“I strongly believe this approach can boost our economy, particularly benefiting the Bidayuh community,” she said, adding that when she is away, her staff would manage the shop at the centre.
Linda also mentioned that she created a souvenir box consisting of local handicrafts and it could be presented as a gift.
She added that she runs the business on a part-time basis whereby during the day she will help her mother-in-law operate a cafe and continue her handicraft-making at night.
Before getting into the handicrafts business, Linda ventured into the business world in 2013 by selling beauty products, clothing, and Sarawak Batik from her house.
Her business has received an overwhelming response from local customers and even garnered interest from those outside Sarawak.
“Customers who placed orders were all from Peninsular Malaysia. They don’t mind the high postage costs,” she said.
On her future endeavours, she hopes to set up her own shop or studio where she sells handicraft and clothing one day.
