IT is not about how much you know, but the desire to master what you want to know that truly matters, says Mohamed Isfhan Kaffoordeen, a humble and down-to-earth mobile shop owner.
Isfhan, 39, who hails from Sri Lanka, now lives in Penang, where he runs ‘Today’s Smart Mobile’ together with his wife, Hasyeemah Abdul Majeed.
From a young age,Isfhan showed a strong curiosity for how things worked, often dismantling and rebuilding his toys. That spark of curiosity grew into a passion for mobile technology, which later became his profession.
“I began working as a salesperson at 13, after losing my father at a young age. With my family facing financial hardship, I had to step up and help support my mother and younger sister.
“I initially wanted to pursue my studies in automotive, but my academic qualifications did not meet the requirements. So,I continued working at the toy shop until I turned 18.
“At that point, I decided to follow my long-time dream of owning a mobile shop. I opened a small store together with my close friend in 2007, and hired a technician to assist me.
“Back in Sri Lanka in those days, owning a mobile phone shop was a source of pride. As a youngster, I used to flex it by handing out my business card to people.
“While I was already capable of repairing basic mobile phones and keypads, I knew I still had a lot to learn,” he added.
Isfhan said he learned through trial and error by observing the technician, and later enhanced his skills by attending a short course on mobile phone repairs.
“Whenever my technician was not around, I would pretend to be one myself, setting up the equipment just like he did.
“It was my way of building confidence and pushing myself to learn the skills, no matter what it took.
“I came to Malaysia after marrying my wife, Hasyeemah, who has been my greatest support. I attribute all my success to her as she has been the biggest turning point in my life.
“When I first came here, I did not know anyone or anything except for my wife. She was my guide and my light,” Isfhan said.
As the saying goes, ‘He who is good with a hammer thinks everything is a nail’, Isfhan used his skills to start a small business by posting phone repair videos on Facebook. Soon, the videos began attracting customers and helped grow his business.
“My wife and in-laws helped and supported me in my phone repair venture on Facebook. Later, I received an opportunity through my Facebook account when someone offered to share space with me in a gift shop in Jalan Sungai.
“Later in 2017, we opened a complete mobile shop in the same neighbourhood, where we operated until 2019 before relocating to Queen Street in 2020.
“Shortly after entering the new shop, the pandemic hit, forcing the business to shut down for three months.
“Since we already had regular customers from Sungai Pinang, the two-month halt did not affect the business too badly. Once everything resumed, things slowly picked up again,” Ifshan said.
What makes the couple’s shop unique is that it not only offers mobile phone services, but also serves as an educational space, featuring a phone museum concept.
“There are nearly 300 keypad mobile phones on display at the shop, along with a landline phone, an antique clock, and a phone that was once used in public phone booths.
“I hope to collect more phones to give the shop an even stronger museum-like feel. What motivates me even more is when customers tell me how beautiful the display looks.
“I do not only repair phones, but beyond that, I interact with the customer. Apart from the money or profit that we get, what makes me love this job is connecting with people.
“I am earning a living doing what I love, with the encouragement of my wife and her family, as well as my own family back in Sri Lanka, what more can I ask for,” he added.
Meanwhile, Hasyeemah shared that she decided to resign from her job last year, leaving her position as a senior finance officer at a company to join her husband in running the business.
“I made the decision because we both wanted to grow the business together. It was a big step, but I took it with confidence because we shared the same goals.
“Besides helping with the admin work, I also share ideas, solve problems together with my husband, and enjoy seeing the business grow as a team,” Hasyeemah added.
Isfhan, who seems to have a philosophical mind and approach, shared that he has always been content with what he has, rather than constantly seeking more in life. He appreciates everything, whether big or small.
“For young people who aspire to venture into business, the most important things are patience and love for what they do.
“There will be a phase where they might not see any profit, but after that, things will start to take off. Give your best, put in your full effort, and be patient, you will eventually see things fall into place,” he added.
According to Isfhan, it was Hasyeemah who was behind the shop’s interior design and who also manages its administration. The couple is assisted by Hasyeemah’s younger brother and a close friend, and together they run the business as a team.
“I initially wanted to open another branch, but due to a lack of manpower, we decided instead to expand the existing space by adding a new section,” Isfhan said.
‘Today’s Smart Mobile’ operates daily from 10:30 am to 9:30 pm and is located along the vibrant Queen Street.
Some of the pictures taken at the shop:-
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat