Turning Her Love For Crocheting Into A Growing Business

Faridatul Suhaila Munir Azahan handcrafts a variety of crocheted products from bags to keychains. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)

PETALING JAYA: Faridatul Suhaila Munir Azahan first discovered the joy of crocheting when she was about 10 years old, having learnt the craft from her late grandmother.

Years later, following her divorce, crocheting provided comfort as she found peace with skillfully weaving thread into beautiful creations. When the pandemic hit in 2020, her crocheting skills proved invaluable again.

Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, she shared that she had been running a textile business, Niera Lariz Collection, which primarily relied on walk-in customers at her shop on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur.

The lockdown severely impacted her sales, and to make matters worse, her suppliers started selling directly to customers online.

It was during this time too that her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. And Faridatul herself suffered a slipped disc.

Faridatul’s bags are elegant and exquisitely crafted. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)

In her distress, she turned to crocheting as it helped her relax. And soon, she saw an opportunity to make an income out of it. “I started with face mask extenders and sanitiser holders,” recalled the 48-year-old.

She sold her creations online under Niera Lariz Collection and also supplied them to friends running craft businesses. Her handicrafts gained positive feedback, which encouraged her to expand her product range.

Fast forward to today, she sells a variety of products: bags, keychains, water bottle holders, home décor items and accessories.

Faridatul’s product range also includes coin purses, water bottle holders and home décor items. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)

Later, she gathered a group of women – whom she affectionately refers to as her “community” – and helps them sell their crochet handicrafts. The group, she added, is made up of single mothers, elderly women with retired husbands as well as dialysis and cancer patients.

“This community means a lot to me. They not only give me ideas for new products, but also support me in fulfilling bulk orders,” she said.

Just as crocheting became a lifeline for her, she takes pride in empowering these women to use their skills.

“Before this, they didn’t know how to turn their crocheting skills into a source of income. They didn’t know how to market or where to sell their products. I love seeing how happy they are now,” she said with a smile.

“I believe that the threads we weave to create our products reflect the strong bond we share,” she mused.

These colourful keychains make lovely souvenir items. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)

Things improved even further after she joined the Khadijah Artisans Mentoring Program (KAMP).

The programme, a collaboration between Khadijah International Waqf (L) Foundation and Persatuan Pembangunan Artisans (PPA), provides craftswomen from low-income backgrounds with the guidance they need to succeed. They also assist these women to widen the distribution channels for their products.

Today, some of Faridatul’s products are sold at PPA’s outlets in Berjaya Times Square and Tokyo Street in Pavilion KL.

She is also thrilled that she received a bulk order for friendship bracelets for PPA’s anniversary event, especially as it enables her community of women to boost their income.

The mentoring sessions, she added, have provided her with valuable insights on product packaging, determining appropriate pricing and more – equipping her with the right skills to take her business to the next level.

She said 3% of her sales are channelled as waqf contributions to KIWF, and expressed her gratitude for the chance to give back to society. “After all, what you give is what you’ll get back,” she said with a smile.

Crocheting has transformed Faridatul’s life, enabling her to make a living while empowering other women. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)

Indeed, crocheting has opened many doors for Faridatul, from providing her with a source of income to uplifting others.

“I’m glad to have turned my hobby into a livelihood. To other women artisans, don’t be afraid to showcase your handicrafts,” she said.

Visit Niera Larez Collection’s stall at:
Lot 54966, Gerai C12
Jalan Permaisuri 6
Bandar Sri Permaisuri
Cheras 56000 Kuala Lumpur

Ramadan business hours: 8pm-2am (daily)

Normal business hours: 8pm-1am (closed on Mondays)

Contact: 011-1258 4441

Follow Niera Larez Collection on TikTok and Facebook.
Read more about the Khadijah Artisans Mentoring Program and its artisans here.