Enduring success in handmade bag trade

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Atiqah Ahmad, 32, has been operating a small business in the Asajaya area since 2012, driven by her passion for handicrafts.

She initiated her venture with a keychain business and later diversified into crafting handmade bags.

“My working hours are flexible. I sew during the day and cut fabric at night, preparing for the next day’s bag-making process. I work full-time from home,” she told New Sarawak Tribune recently.

Atiqah promotes her online sales on Facebook and Instagram and attributes her success to the unwavering support and encouragement from her family.

Various types of handmade bags.

“I am thrilled to have my family’s support, especially from my husband, who consistently backs my business.”

Her main challenge in the sales  business is competition with other bag makers and ready-made manufacturers.

Additionally, sourcing materials locally is a hurdle, forcing her to import goods from China. Atiqah firmly believes in the unique value of handmade products, asserting that handmade handbags stand apart from those available in the market.

“I initially started with keychains and brooches in December 2012. However, due to price rivalry and customer trust issues, I temporarily suspended that line.

Various types of handmade bags.

“In 2019, inspired by YouTube tutorials, I ventured into sewing bags. I invested time learning processes, exploring materials, and securing reliable sources.

My materials and fabrics are now custom printed, providing a unique touch,” she explained. In 2020, she took on the role of a pattern tester, a challenging task that requires precision in stitching and visuals, providing feedback on bag patterns. For those interested in purchasing handmade bags, Atiqah can be reached at 013-8234368, Eqahmad Craft on Facebook, eqahmad.craft on Instagram, or eqahmad on TikTok for more information.