The rise of Sabah's entrepreneur moms

Borneo Post

3 days ago

In an era where professional ambition often converges with personal aspirations, a remarkable cohort of women is redefining success: the strong entrepreneur moms. These formidable individuals seamlessly juggle the demands of nurturing a family with the relentless pursuit of building thriving businesses.
Far from being a niche phenomenon, their growing numbers reflect a powerful shift in how we perceive female leadership and work-life integration. Their stories are not just about financial achievement but about resilience, innovation, and the extraordinary ability to create impact in both the workplace and at home.
Meet Francisca 'Cisca' Jean John, another inspiring woman joining the ranks of entrepreneur moms. Cisca is a familiar face at local pop-up events like the Jesselton Artisan Market (JAM) and Urban Tamu, consistently proving that having a family and a busy career doesn't mean sacrificing your passions. In fact, for Cisca, it's quite the opposite. I had the pleasure of speaking with her to learn more about her captivating ventures, RTC Collection and Cwafty Jean.
A busy Cisca manning her booth at a Jesselton Artisan Market event.
1.⁠ ⁠Tell us about yourself and your background
Hi! I'm Cisca, a proud Sabahan mom of four from Papar, currently working full-time as a Purchasing Officer at Gayana Eco Resort Sdn Bhd. Outside the 9-to-5, I'm also the founder and maker behind RTC Collections and Cwafty Jean — two brands I built from scratch with love, creativity, and a little bit of chaos (the good kind!).
I didn't come from a business background, but my journey into creative entrepreneurship started with a dream to build something truly mine — something heartfelt, handmade, and impactful. From bath and body care to whimsical home accessories, I now get to create things that not only bring joy to others but also fulfil my soul. It's not always easy, especially balancing a day job and motherhood, but it's incredibly rewarding.
Handmade bath and body products from RTC Collection.
2.⁠ ⁠Tell us more about your handmade bath and body product brand.
RTC Collections is my handcrafted bath and body brand that focuses on self-care through gentle, nourishing, and thoughtfully made products. Everything is made in small batches — from whipped body butters to artisanal soaps — using natural, skin-loving ingredients that are safe even for sensitive skin.
More than just products, RTC Collections is a little love note to those who need a reminder to slow down, breathe and care for themselves in simple, meaningful ways. It's a brand rooted in sincerity, intention, and the belief that pampering doesn't need to come from a big factory — it can come from a small kitchen, too.
3.⁠ ⁠What inspired you to create handmade bath and body products?
It started from a very personal place. One of my sons was struggling with eczema, and after trying countless over-the-counter treatments and pharmacy products with little to no results, I knew I had to look for a more natural, gentler solution.
Then one day, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when we were all stuck at home and our company was going through a rough patch (I was one of the staff whose salary wasn't paid), I came across an online class on how to make handmade soap. It felt like a divine nudge. I had always dreamed of being an entrepreneur, but I didn't want to sell other people's products — I wanted to make my own.
That course became the beginning of everything. I found not just a skill, but a passion. It allowed me to take back some control during a time of uncertainty, and also gave me the freedom to create products that are safe, comforting, and healing, especially for families like mine.
4.⁠ ⁠How are your products different from other products in the market? What sets you apart?
What makes RTC stand out is the intention behind every product. I formulate everything myself, in small, carefully measured batches, right from the comfort of my tiny two-bedroom apartment. Space may be limited, but passion isn't — I've learned to make it work efficiently without compromising quality.
My focus is always on gentle ingredients, unique textures, and scents that spark joy. I don't rush production. Each product is made with care, love, and a genuine desire to help people feel better in their own skin. The personal touch, the consistency, and the story behind each product are what my customers say keep them coming back.
5.⁠ ⁠What is the most satisfying and proudest part of being a maker and small-time entrepreneur?
The most satisfying thing is seeing people fall in love with something I made with my own hands. Every DM, every repeat order, every review that says, 'this helped my skin' or 'this made my day'—that's the magic.
It's also incredibly fulfilling to know that I'm building this brand while being a present mom, managing a full-time job, and staying true to my creative vision. It's not just a business to me; it's a legacy of resilience and love.
The best-selling punch-needle coasters from Cwafty Jean.
6.⁠ ⁠What are your bestselling products at Cwafty Jean?
Cwafty Jean is where I let my artsy side run wild. My best sellers are definitely the cotton yarn punch needle coasters and keychains! People are especially drawn to the whimsical, artsy, and cute vibe of each piece — they're functional, but also feel like little works of art.
I also take on custom orders, which gives customers the chance to own something that's not only handmade but also personal and meaningful. Each stitch, each colour choice, and each design carries its own unique story.
7.⁠ ⁠As a mom, what is your message for kids aspiring to become makers and entrepreneurs in the future?
Don't be afraid to start small. Even if you're only working with limited tools or space, if you have passion and persistence, that's more than enough.
Be curious, be kind to yourself, and always create from the heart. You don't need to follow what everyone else is doing. Build something you believe in. That's where real magic begins.
Follow @rtccollections and @cwaftyjean on Instagram to learn more about Cisca's bath and body products and punch needle craftworks.