There’s an old folks’ belief that if vegetables are raided by insects, such as ants, it is probably due to the freshness and pesticides-free of the said vegetables.
Such is so during a visitat with iM Sarawak and Tuan Haji Irwan to Christina Salimin’s stall at Sematan last weekend.
Hailing from Kampung Temaga Dayak, Christina who was interested in opening up her own business since finishing form 5, finally had her dream job in 2005.
The name of her stall located in Medan Niaga Sematan is CFMB, which is named after herself, her husband and her four children.
She attended an entrepreneur course by iM Sarawak early last year, and had developed skills and knowledge which has been a big help to enhance her business sales from only earning an average of RM 1,000 a month to earning an average of RM 3,500 at present time.
“Before I attended the course, I was afraid to take the risk and I had no confidence to expand my business and to search for suppliers”, said the 45-year-old entrepreneur.
She started with a capital of RM 2,000, Christina only receives minimal supply of produce as she did not dare to take more. “At that time, I would only accept 5 kg worth vegetables of each kind”, she added.
The short-curly-hair lady admitted to learning how to utilise her money wisely, and the importance of distinguishing between personal and business fund after attending the course.
Having gotten her supplies from six different villages around Sematan, she manages to obtain an array of fresh produces daily and she also re-supply the vegetables to numerous eateries.
“I would call numerous eateries nearby to promote my vegetables supply to them, if they are interested, only then they would contact me back.”, disclosed Christina, who is the current vegetables supplier for Palm Beach Chalet Sematan.
She further markets her produce through constant communication and socialising with customers; even calling them to inform the latest produces available at her stall.
The mother of four also sells candies, confectioneries and mini toys at her stall in a way to increase her income as mothers at the market usually come to her stall with little children.
Christina who goes by the phrase, “Success comes after hard work” , her pursue in business is also supported by her family, especially her mother with her never-ending words of encouragement such as, “If others can do it, you can do it too”.
Her advice to those who wishes to walk the same journey is, “If you want to succeed, you must have confidence in yourself, not straight to failure when failed”.
iM Sarawak is a social development initiative led by 1Malaysia Sarawak Advisory Council members formed by Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Razak to help improve the quality of life of various communities.
iM Sarawak Entrepreneurship Programme helps in improving the quality of life of small traders and people from the lower income group by enhancing their soft skills and business acumen.
The two-days programme saw participants from various places attending the workshop to equip them with essential entrepreneurship skills.
The programme also include a 30 days mentoring session by iM Sarawak to ensure the benefits and objectives are met.
