KUCHING: Switching from her bread and butter, a food entrepreneur is now selling ceramic beads accessories to generate income.
Zurenawatte Zaidil, who had previously been selling burgers at the Kuching Waterfront since 1997, decided to sell ceramic beads accessories after she attended a course organised by Sirim some time ago.
“Before the (ceramic beads) course, I also participated in a ceramic vase making workshop.
“However, due to some constraints, especially involving the delivery of products to customers, it made me less interested in continuing this (ceramic vase) business.
“Apart from its large size, ceramic vases are also difficult to deliver to customers as they are easily broken.
“From there, I decided to switch to the ceramic beads accessories field,” the 47-year-old said, adding that to equip herself with knowledge related to the field, she once again attended a course organised by Sirim in Lawas.
Some of the ceramic bead accessories made by Zurenawatte.
Elaborating further, she said she started producing ceramic beads accessories in 2010 starting with accessories such as necklaces, anklets, bracelets, ‘tasbih’, earrings and so on according to her creativity inspired by the beauty of nature apart from the specifications of customers.
She added that to ensure her accessories are prominent compared to those sold by other sellers, she would incorporate some other materials such as crystal stones.
Zurenawatte said each accessory was sold between RM10 and RM500, depending on the size, shape and material used.
“So far, demand has been encouraging from customers throughout Malaysia and countries such as Singapore, Korea, Japan and a few others, especially those who participated in the National Craft Day exhibition in Kuala Lumpur.
“To keep the business running smoothly, I have to prepare and make sure the ceramic beads are always enough as orders are received daily.
“As for delivery, I use bus courier services for customers in Sarawak and postal services for customers outside the state,” she explained, adding since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country, she started using social media platforms to promote her products.
Interested buyers can visit Heliconia Sarawak Beads Facebook page or call Zurenawatte at 013-8230219.
Some of the ceramic bead accessories made by Zurenawatte. 
