By Fatin Nashira binti Faizal
In the vast digital landscape where clicks and swipes define commerce, there exists a unique haven where threads of yarn and needles paint different stories.
Nestled in the heart of Kuching, a small crochet business named Kaitbyaisyhh is not just creating fantastic art but also stitching together a community.
Founded by the talented artisan Nur’Aisyah binti Ramle, a graduate of Universiti Teknologi Mara in Information Management, the business has emerged from humble beginnings.
What first started as a passion for needlework blossomed into a full-fledged endeavour born out of dedication and a love for craftsmanship.
“Interest in knitting arose in me in 2020. At the 2020 Olympics, I watched an athlete from the United Kingdom, Tom Daley, knit a sweater for the competition and his team. From those events, I began to learn on my own through knitting videos on YouTube,” she said with a smile.
Stepping into the digital landscape that Kaitbyaisyhh calls home, you will be greeted by a gallery of exquisite crochet pieces — a curated feed resembling an art exhibition.
Delicate dollies and keychains, captivating types of crocheted flowers, and whimsical characters populate the screen, and each item is a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisan behind the brand.
“Currently, Kaitbyaisyhh is fully operational online, where bookings will often be made on our social media sites such as @kaitbyaisyhh on Instagram and Facebook. Once the customer makes the booking, I will complete the booking within a certain period, and the booking can be delivered via Cash on Delivery, self-pickup, and postage to those located outside of Kuching,” she said.
Navigating the ever-evolving realm of social media, Kaitbyaisyhh strategically employs platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok to engage with its audience. Through captivating visuals, informative tutorials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, they weave a narrative that extends beyond selling products.
“Our content is not just about showcasing finished pieces; it is about sharing the process, celebrating creativity, and imparting knowledge,” Aisyah emphasised, underscoring the educational aspect of their social media strategy.
As more people become aware of the knitting business, it was there that Kaitbyaisyhh’s competitors existed. This is because customers have a wide range of options to choose from. However, it is not an obstacle for Kaitbyaisyhh to become one of the most beloved and well-known businesses.
“Each company that conducts business activities has its strategy for attracting customers. As well as those of us who work in this small business, we also have our unique way of attracting customers to purchase our products. As for my business, I always ensure that I provide maximum satisfaction to customers by always ensuring that the products produced are of the best and highest quality.
“Apart from that, I also ensure that the price charged for each product is appropriate and affordable for various parties. Many customers also praise that my store is one of the stores that offer cheap prices with outstanding quality. I am always grateful to hear feedback from such customers,” Aisyah revealed, as her voice tinged with pride.
Adaptability and innovation have been the cornerstone of Kaitbyaisyhh’s journey in response to market challenges.
As an online-based venture, navigating the digital landscape was essential. The brand strategically harnessed the power of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok.
It didn’t merely showcase finished pieces but offered a window into the creative process, empowering followers with tutorials, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and a genuine narrative beyond the products.
Aisyah, the driving force behind Kaitbyaisyhh, articulates her hopes for the future of the business. Beyond the pursuit of sales figures, her vision transcends the transactional.
“I have high hopes for my small business to grow successfully and further. I hope that in the future, I can improve the quality of the material and have more types of yarn to work out more ideas to be realised. I also hope that I will be able to provide a more creative range of products to my customers,” she said as she envisions Kaitbyaisyhh as a catalyst for community growth, inspiring creativity, and preserving the tradition of crochet in an evolving world.
She hopes to expand the brand’s reach, to touch more lives with the joy of handmade crafts, and to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation.
For Aisyah, the aspiration extends beyond the business realm. It’s about nurturing an ecosystem where creativity flourishes, connections thrive, and the love for crochet becomes a shared passion.
Ultimately, Kaitbyaisyhh isn’t just a business; it’s a platform for storytelling, creativity, and genuine connections. Its impact goes beyond transactions; it fosters a community bound by a shared love for crochet.
As challenges persist and the market evolves, Aisyah’s unwavering commitment remains to preserve the essence of handmade craftsmanship while embracing innovation and nurturing a vibrant community of crochet enthusiasts.
• This article was written by a student from the Strategic Communication Programme at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, UNIMAS.
