KUCHING: Despite tasting failure in her clothing boutique business, this has not snuffed out the entrepreneurial spirit in Rubiah Samian.
She has now switched to making popiah (spring roll), acknowledging that there were many challenges that she faced throughout her journey in the business world.
“I started doing business in 2018, opening a clothing boutique store in a shopping mall in Permyjaya, Miri.
“Although reception was good, I still had to find other ways to increase income,” she told New Sarawak Tribune’s Bahasa Malaysia paper Suara Sarawak recently.
According to Rubiah, the popiah business was the result of an agreement with her sister and aunt.
In early 2020, she had to stop operating the boutique business due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“At that time, my business was affected. To make it worse, my husband was also laid off around March last year.
“This has strengthened my resolve to continue to go further in the popiah business that I currently run.
“I began to actively promote the popiah on social media, and demand has been beyond expectation.”
Despite only starting out with RM300, the business, which she runs from home, has given her a lucrative return.
Rubiah said business would pick up, especially during festive seasons, including Hari Raya Aidilfitiri, Gawai Dayak and Christmas.
“So far, orders are coming in as usual. I operate every day according to the customer’s request to maintain the freshness of the popiah.”
There are six flavours to choose from – cheese, spicy cheese, salted egg, chocolate, milk and curry cheese.
They are sold at RM10 per jar and RM5 per container.
“I also provide delivery services to long-distance customers. Free delivery for customers who buy more than five jars.
“My customers are from various locations, including Kuching, Bintulu and Sabah.
“For now, I’m focusing on selling to customers in and around Miri while waiting for Covid-19 to pass.”
Making between RM3,000 and RM5,000 a month, Rubiah hoped to expand her business, under the Ruby Empire brand, to other corners of the nation.
Customers can head to 6028, Lorong 6, Desa Pujut Permyjaya, Miri or visit the Facebook page of Rubiah Samian or call 012-6239971 to place their orders.
