Entrepreneur’s forward journey with TEKUN

24 October 2024

By AVV

PENAMPANG: Hilini Lojibin, 53, from Kampung Minintod, is a dedicated entrepreneur specialising in printing and graphics. Her business is located at the New World Commercial Centre in Donggongon, operating under the name Rekawarna Enterprise.

Hilini has achieved notable success in her business, employing a team of three staff members in production and three designers. In addition to overseeing these operations, she also manages the administration and marketing aspects of the company.

Her hard work and strategic approach have resulted in a monthly income of RM20,000 nett, reflecting her commitment to growth and excellence in the printing and graphics industry. Hilini's ability to balance multiple roles while leading her team has been instrumental in driving the success of Rekawarna Enterprise.

“The beginning of my business journey was anything but easy. I started with no working capital, and my financial situation relied entirely on incoming orders. I launched my current venture in printing and graphics from the ground up, with my premises located in Donggongon.”

She said that before embarking on this path, she gained invaluable experience working at a printing company for five years. During that time, she held an administrative position while also managing accounts, which allowed her to familiarise herself with suppliers and the essential materials required for printing. This experience was instrumental in building her knowledge base and understanding the intricacies of the industry.

“In 2009, I took the bold step to start my own printing business, equipped with just one computer and operating from my home. I managed all aspects of graphic design myself. However, as time passed, I found the home environment increasingly cramped, making it challenging for clients to meet with me. Recognising the need for a more professional setting, I sought out a small office space that could accommodate a table and a computer,” she said.

“At that point, I had no capital to invest; my approach was straightforward: if there was work, there would be money. I focused on creating graphics and outsourced the printing to other companies. Our operations were primarily limited to design work, and the financial returns were modest. We printed a variety of items, including name cards, banners, books, shirts, and more, but the income was inconsistent.”

Eventually, I relocated my operations to an office space in the New World Commercial Centre Donggongon. In 2010, I secured my first loan from TEKUN Nasional for RM10,000, which provided the stability I needed to grow my business. After successfully repaying that loan, I borrowed RM60,000 in 2016 to further expand my operations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was fortunate to receive an additional loan of RM10,000 in 2021, which offered much-needed support during a particularly challenging time.”

By this time, Hilini owned seven printing machines for the variety of creative items such as T-shirts, Caps, Mugs and several other mediums.

Looking back on her entrepreneurial journey, she shared,“One of the most significant milestones in my early business journey occurred in 2009 when I secured my first major job: printing 500 books at a price of RM350 per book. I acquired a deposit of RM20,000 for that project, a substantial amount for me at the time. Successfully completing this order was incredibly encouraging and fueled my passion for continuing to pursue my dreams in the printing and graphics industry.”

“I have my own share of challenges such as customer dissatisfaction but I always meet them halfway,” she said adding aspiring entrepreneurs should be excited about their business and stay motivated.

“For those who don’t have working capital, approach TEKUN, they can advise you on what to do next,” she said, adding that young entrepreneurs should build relationships with other entrepreneurs and mentors who can offer advice and support.