
ACTNews, JAKARTA –
It began in 2013 when Amelia Rachmat just wanted to make some snacks for her
child to bring to school. She made rissoles and mini pizzas. After that, people
began ordering snacks for her. Though she started taking orders at the time,
she did it mainly not for money. She was just happy that other children in the
school can enjoy the food that she makes.
"At times I took
orders when there’s a farewell party at school, but I didn’t set a high price,”
Amel said with a laugh.
Amel began
focusing on her business in 2017 when her husband resigned from the bank where
he worked. Later, her sister who worked at the same bank followed suit. It was
quite shocking for Amel because it happened so suddenly.
"I'm surprised
and shocked, but I took it as the answer to my prayer. I pray to Allah to give
me halal and blessed sources of income. Now that my husband is at home, I can
explore further my baking talent. I learn from many sources and take part in
mentoring too,” Amel told Global Wakaf – ACT on Monday (9/20/2021).
Amel then started
selling her foods online and at schools. Her brand is called Bi Mels Kitchen.
She makes various kinds of snacks, including traditional ones. To Amel,
business assistance is important so that business owners can gain a lot of
knowledge and experience especially from other business partners.
However, Amel's
business faced difficulties during the pandemic. Her sales declined and she couldn’t
sell her products as freely.
One of the things
that motivated her to get her business back on track was when she met with
Global Wakaf - ACT through the Waqf for MSMEs program in early 2020. She
admitted that she was given not only business mentoring but also spiritual
insight on how he should 'do business with God'.
“Through this
assistance, I got an extraordinary support system so that I can get through the
difficult time. Although there still will be trials in the future, but at least
they can improve us. Do not run from trials, but find solutions. Finally, for
me, life has a lot of solutions, not depression. And it is also about giving
inspiration,” said Amel.
Now Amel's
business has begun to stabilize. She can make a profit of IDR 15 million to 20
million in one month. She hoped that other MSME owners would not be afraid to
fail when starting a business. "Always be optimistic. Insha Allah, it will
be a blessing. Allah has guaranteed our sustenance, so don’t hesitate to share our
knowledge, whatever we have, “said Amel. []