Latest news with #SarinahMatKasim
Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Velvet Wire Bouquets Bloom Into Steady Income For Housewife
REGION - SOUTHERN > NEWS By Sarinah Mat Kasim SEREMBAN, July 13 (Bernama) -- What started as a hobby driven by a passion for art has now become a lucrative source of steady income for a housewife here, thanks to her creativity in crafting flowers from velvet wire. Siti Amirah Pilus, 36, said she first ventured into floral arrangement in 2014 by taking orders for wedding gifts before switching entirely to crafting with velvet wire over the past three years. bootstrap slideshow 'I started learning how to do velvet wire arrangements after being captivated by a tutorial on Instagram. I became interested, bought the wire, and tried it out. I saw that the results were quite good. 'It was quite difficult at first, but eventually it became easier once I got the rhythm and pattern down to make creations like flowers, keychains, decorations, and bouquets,' she told Bernama when met at her home here. The mother of four said that small velvet wire arrangements can be completed within five minutes, while larger ones like bouquets take up to two hours and that her creations are sold at prices ranging from RM3.50 to RM250 depending on the type and customer request. She said most customers usually order velvet bouquet arrangements and decorative flowers as gifts for convocation or retirement events, as they remain beautiful and do not wilt like real flowers, making them lasting keepsakes. 'Alhamdulillah, the response has been very encouraging. Every month I earn over RM1,500 from these arrangements, and once made up to RM8,000 when the product went viral on social media,' she said, adding that she runs the business from home. The Jempol native said she is one of the entrepreneurs guided by the Community Development Department (KEMAS), from which she received a one-off assistance of RM5,000 through the Quick Win Programme.
Barnama
28-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Bunga Lado Batik Gains Ground As Negeri Sembilan's Signature Design
By Sarinah Mat Kasim SEREMBAN, May 28 (Bernama) -- Who would have imagined that a woman with no prior drawing skills would go on to become a pioneer in producing 'Bunga Lado' (pepper flower)-patterned batik - a distinctive design now proudly representing Negeri Sembilan and steadily gaining popularity in the market. Norhaslilee Ibrahim, 48, said she was inspired by her secondary school Art Education teacher, who patiently guided and encouraged her to explore the world of drawing, a passion that eventually led her to further her studies at the National Craft Institute. The owner of NIYY Arts Batik Negeri Sembilan, Norhaslilee said she began painting batik at home, but what started as a small venture evolved into her main source of income by 2004. Her breakthrough came after receiving a grant from the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia), along with support from the state government, which provided her with a factory to expand batik production. 'The batik I produce is more contemporary and abstract, including the Bunga Lado pattern, which carries its own character and philosophy, distinct from the more traditional styles found on the east coast,' she told Bernama recently. 'Each piece has its own story. If anyone asks, I'm happy to explain the meaning behind the patterns, as every design has its own uniqueness,' she added. After nearly two decades producing batik, Norhaslilee has built a strong base of regular customers and loyal followers, many of whom can instantly recognise her distinctive touch and distinguish her hand-painted pieces from those of others. 'I have three workers who handle the colouring process, but I personally paint each piece to ensure the quality meets my standards and aligns with the customer's expectations. Operating her business in Senawang, Norhaslilee is also a supplier to batik entrepreneurs in the east coast, Sabah, and Sarawak.
