By Brandon Xavier Anak Benedict Wilfred
In the bustling heart of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (UNIMAS) vibrant campus, where the pulsing hustle of students echoes through the lecture halls, a unique venture is quietly making its mark.
Meet 24-year-olds Nurrazzey Yatulaqma Binti Jamain and Nurul Haziq Bin Noh, both marketing students from the Faculty of Economics and Business, UNIMAS. What sets them apart from their academic journey is their entrepreneurial spirit and a thriving franchise coffee business named Hogeh Coffee, nestled strategically in the lobby of their faculty.
Hogeh Coffee has become more than just a place for students to get coffee between classes since it opened on September 10 last year. It’s an example of how academic knowledge and practical application coexist; the journey began with the goal of turning their business and marketing skills into a profitable endeavour. Even though neither of them had any formal training in coffee making, they took on the challenge of exploring the world of caffeine and adding their special flavour to it.
The inception of Hogeh Coffee wasn’t merely about financial gain; it was about the pursuit of something new and uncharted. With the recipes from their franchise headquarters at their fingertips, Nurrazzey and Nurul Haziq didn’t hesitate to add a little of their imagination to each drink. Their approach towards altering the recipes demonstrates their boldness and highlights their effort to provide the UNIMAS community with a unique experience.
What truly sets Hogeh Coffee apart in the crowded campus coffee scene is its meticulous attention to detail, especially when serving iced beverages. Nurrazzey claims that their drinks are unique as they make the drinks, especially iced drinks, as soon as an order is placed. Hogeh Coffee guarantees freshness by adding ice to the cup only after the drink is meticulously prepared, in contrast to other vendors who pre-mix the ice with the beverages, running the risk of a flavour loss over time.
Undaunted by the difficulties of running a business in the extraordinary environment of a university, Nurrazzey and Nurul Haziq display a remarkable resilience that makes them stand out. In their entrepreneurial journey, the weather and the fluctuating course of events on campus can be both formidable allies and potential adversaries due to their unpredictable nature.
The pair has a firm resolve despite the unpredictable weather patterns. Rainy days are adapted strategically, even though they may be seen as discouragements. Even though there’s a chance for more foot traffic, the campus events also create a competitive space where people’s attention is split. Navigating through the impulsiveness of a university setting, where every day presents unique opportunities and challenges, is intricate dancing. Perhaps most striking about their story is the profound recognition that the business continues to be profitable even in the face of slight disruptions to sales.
When discussing their experiences as entrepreneurs, Nurrazzey and Nurul Haziq convey a genuine emotion that emphasises that there is more to the journey than merely earning money. For them, operating their own business has turned into a fulfilling journey beyond the monetary gains on a balance sheet, but a profound and life-changing experience.
Taking on obstacles straightaway has become key to their development. With its ups and downs, turns, and unpredictable nature, entrepreneurship has evolved into a classroom unlike any other. The pair has mastered the art of navigating through unexpected storms, overcoming setbacks with resilience, and coming out stronger on the other side. Rather than as a barrier to their success, these difficulties have served as stepping stones, giving them ample opportunity to hone their approaches and strengthen their grasp of business at all times.
Experiencing the tangible results of their labour in the form of a flourishing business and the intangible growth and personal development adds another dimension to their journey. The happiness they have experienced watching their coffee business grow and succeed is indescribable. It’s an outward sign of their work, reflecting their commitment and diligence. Their real success, combined with their development on the personal and professional fronts, creates a story that goes beyond the walls of a conventional classroom.
A more complex picture is displayed when asked about their plans and where they envision the business in the years to come. Nurul Haziq and Nurrazzey have a realistic outlook, believing the business will succeed in the following semesters. Their entrepreneurial spirit, however, is not limited by the academic calendar; they disclose that they would consider carrying on with Hogeh Coffee if their expectations regarding employment opportunities following graduation still need to be met.
Beyond the confines of university walls, Hogeh Coffee represents resilience and youthful aspiration. It is an example of the potency of fusing academic knowledge with practical experience; it is a voyage that goes beyond the transactional exchange of a cup of coffee, exploring the worlds of passion, creativity, and pursuit of dream realisation.
- This article was written by a student from the Strategic Communication Programme at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, UNIMAS.
