Muslimpreneurs to the fore
YUSRINA Yusof, 21, has a six-year business plan. The Year Two Bachelor of Science with Honours (Applied Physics) student at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) wants her fashion business Rynaz Attire to hit millions in sales this year and increase the number of her dropshippers and agents.
By 2020, she plans to set up the first Rynaz Attire boutique and reach the global market and by 2023, open the first Rynaz Beauty & Spa Centre.
“I started the business when I was 17. After sitting the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination, I already had a plan to start the business. I had zero capital and started off as a dropshipper — a person who does retail fulfillment but doesn’t keep the products — for other brands,” said Yusrina.
“I invested the profit I made into building my fashion brand. After three years, Rynaz Attire has grown in the marketplace and has 10 dropshippers and five agents.”
Yusrina feels her Muslim clothing business is in line with today’s fashion world trends. Registered in May 2016, the online business focuses on selling clothes with a “head to toe” concept for Muslim women.
“USIM’s entrepreneurial programmes helped in the development of my business. Since I’m a pure science student, I can get more knowledge of business, especially marketing and production, at its courses such as Latihan Keusahawanan Islam Siswa (LAKIS). The programmes also helped to increase my business networking with other entrepreneurs,” she added.
Hassan Unus, 25, a
Year Two Bachelor of Accountancy (Honours) student, runs a business selling accessories and repairing handphones. His target market are students at Pusat Keusahawanan Pelajar USIM.
“There are four faculties nearby with some 1,000 students in each faculty. I started this business with my fellow undergraduate selling his old inventory. From that venture, I learnt to market and improved my communication skills.
“This semester, I have challenged myself to create my own business with my own capital. With unwavering support from my friends, the Centre of Students’ Entrepreneurship Development and my family, I can make RM5,000 per month from this business.”
Hassan said the centre’s LAKIS programme especially helps to produce skilled graduate Muslimpreneurs with noble character.
“As a Muslimpreneur, I am committed to make a better future for the next generation. I will open at least two branches — in my home state of Sabah and in Nilai — within three years and explore online sales and marketing further.”