In 2016, Mrs. Khusnul began her journey as a reseller in the women’s fashion industry. She aimed to increase her family’s income and support her factory laborer husband.
Initially, Mrs. Khusnul sold women’s clothing straightforwardly, relying solely on word of mouth. However, in 2019, with great courage, she decided to open her small boutique.
At that time, the boutique was quite modest. Mrs. Khusnul utilized a small, makeshift space with walls full of holes and faded paint. The dim atmosphere made it difficult to attract customers, but she remained optimistic that her business would eventually thrive.
Amid the challenges of 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic struck, and Mrs. Khusnul’s income plummeted. However, she found hope in the support of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. With the help of donors and volunteers, Habitat Indonesia assisted in renovating her boutique, transforming it into a more presentable and appealing space.
They revitalized her once-drab boutique into a modern and inviting shop. The walls were repaired, glass doors were installed, and the essential business fixtures, such as cabinets and display cases, were provided.
Additionally, Mrs. Khusnul received valuable entrepreneurship training, including financial management and product marketing, which significantly contributed to the growth of her business.
“I can’t express my gratitude enough to the Habitat donors who helped me reach where I am today,” she said with deep appreciation during an interview at her newly renovated boutique.
Today, Mrs. Khusnul’s boutique has evolved from selling just women’s clothing to offering abayas and children’s wear. Her income has grown to two million rupiahs per month, and her boutique has expanded into online sales, marking a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.
With renewed enthusiasm, Mrs. Khusnul is determined to continue expanding her business. She is now focused on saving to develop her business further and plans to open a new boutique.