DESPITE being born with a physical disability and standing only 115cm tall, Nurul Izzah Mohd Asri, 25, never let that stop her from pursuing her passion for tailoring and starting her own business.
She runs a tailoring business from her home in Merbau Kudung, Tasek Gelugor.
Although she has to stand on a chair to take her customers’ measurements, Nurul takes it all in her stride and never lets her disability demotivate her from doing better.
“I feel accomplished having my own business as I do not have to burden my parents due to my physical disability.
“I started a tailoring business in the middle of last year after completing a tailoring course with Perda High Technology Institute (Perda-Tech) in Nibong Tebal. Before that, I took up a diploma course in business studies but I did not complete it due to a lack of interest,” Nurul said in an interview with Buletin Mutiara recently.
Her passion for tailoring began after completing her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. Her parents fully supported her decision to pursue tailing and encouraged her to take the course at Perda-Tech.
According to Nurul, she generally receives about 20 to 40 orders per month, which increases during the festive seasons.
“I focus more on women’s clothing such as baju kurung, baju kebaya and jubah. For men, I only make baju Melayu. I also take orders for clothing alterations and children’s uniforms.
“I do everything myself, from cutting the cloth to sewing it.
“I started with only one sewing machine. Now, I have three, each with its own respective functions,” she added.
Asked about her plans, Nurul said she hoped to expand her business.
“This is only the beginning. I aim to open my own tailoring shop and hire several people to assist me. And I hope I can achieve the dream,” she concluded.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siew Chia En