Meet the remarkable Dayang Nurfarhana Awang Shi’airi, a 36-year-old entrepreneur hailing from the picturesque village of Semariang Petra Jaya in Kuching. Her journey through the intricate world of fashion is a testament to her unwavering passion, relentless determination and the unyielding support of her loving family.
Dayang’s educational journey commenced with her primary education at S.K Semariang Batu, followed by secondary school at SMK Semerah Padi. Her thirst for knowledge eventually led her to the Matang Technical Vocational School, where she honed her skills.
“Building on this foundation, I pursued my studies at Kuching Community College, specialising in Fashion Design & Clothing. My unwavering commitment to my craft drove me to further my education at the Gorgeous Tailor Institute,” she said.
Dayang’s narrative took an entrepreneurial turn when she initiated a small-scale business from her own home. Over the years, as her capital grew, she and her business partner made a bold decision to expand further.
“I rented a shop, naming it Nanieffa & Co. Tailor, strategically located in the heart of Petra Jaya in Kuching. This marked a significant milestone in my career and a resounding testament to my entrepreneurial spirit,”
“What truly fuels my aspirations in the fashion industry is my profound passion for creating clothes from scratch. My skilled hands, trained in the art of tailoring, breathe life into my designs, “she added.
According to Dayang, she provides custom clothing booking services with prices starting from RM55 for children’s clothing. Meanwhile, adult clothing starts from RM100 and can go higher.
“In addition, we also accept wedding dress orders priced at RM500 and above,” she said, adding that they also accept orders for men’s clothing, including shirts, suits, Malay traditional clothing (Baju Melayu), Kurtas, and much more.
Customers who are interested can place their orders on her Facebook page, Nanieffa Co Tailor, for further information.”she said.
Beyond passion, she views the fashion industry as a means of livelihood, making it a fulfilling career choice. After 17 years of active involvement in the field, her experience and expertise continue to flourish.
Her pillar of support
Behind Dayang’s incredible success stands a robust support system – her family. They have been instrumental in her journey, providing unwavering support and assistance in advancing her business in the fashion industry. Their encouragement and backing have been priceless assets on her path to success.
A day in the life of a tailor
Dayang doesn’t merely manage her business; she remains hands-on in the creation process. As a dedicated tailor, she devotes eight hours a day to her craft. Her primary responsibility is to oversee all customer orders, ensuring they are completed on time while maintaining the high-quality standards she upholds.
Diverse cultural encounters
What distinguishes Dayang’s career is the rich cultural interactions she enjoys. Through her work, she has the privilege of interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, religions and cultures. Each clothing order tells a unique story, allowing her to immerse herself in the diverse traditions and cultures of her customers.
Moments of glory and recognition
Dayang’s journey has been dotted with memorable moments. She has been invited for interviews at television stations, where she generously shared insights into the fashion and clothing industry. Additionally, she has graced prestigious fashion shows organised by leading Malaysian colleges, garnering recognition for her outstanding work.
Appreciation beyond payments
The love and appreciation for Dayang’s work extend beyond monetary transactions. Her customers often express their gratitude through heartfelt gestures, including gifts of food, souvenirs and other tokens of appreciation. These gestures reaffirm the meaningful impact she has on her customers’ lives.
Challenges she faces
Every day as a tailor presents its unique set of challenges. Designing clothing that aligns with customer preferences and ensuring the timely completion of orders require meticulous attention to detail. The dedication to delivering impeccable work is a hallmark of Dayang’s unwavering commitment to her craft.
Her vision for the future
Dayang’s dreams and aspirations extend beyond her current achievements. She envisions the establishment of an educational institute specialising in sewing, a place where she can nurture the talents of young individuals aspiring to make their mark in the fashion industry. Her hope is that these budding designers will find fulfilment and success in fashion, much like she has. Dayang’s enduring commitment to the craft and her desire to pay it forward by empowering the next generation of designers exemplify her remarkable journey.
Dayang’s journey in the fashion industry serves as a compelling testament to the power of passion, dedication, and family support. Her story is an inspiration to all aspiring entrepreneurs and designers who dare to dream big and pursue their passions with unwavering commitment.
Through her unwavering determination, she has not only made a name for herself in the fashion world but also continues to inspire others to chase their dreams relentlessly.
Dayang’s legacy in the world of fashion is a testament to the extraordinary heights that can be achieved when one follows one’s heart.
