Home based business, feasible ventures

Susan (middle) with the attendees

2 August 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Home based business have long served as both a creative outlet and a source of income, particularly when practised on a small scale from home.

Susan Charles, a home-based tailor, believes this is beneficial for homemakers who wish to earn a supplementary income.

“As a tailor, I’m very passionate about fashion and usually able to create what my customers envision,” she said.

The class in progress

Susan is skilled in sewing everything from traditional costumes to modern designs. Using just her sewing machine and creativity, she also produces handmade items such as bags, purses, and book sleeves.

In addition to sewing, she crafts beaded accessories, including necklaces, bracelets, and headbands , using a variety of materials.

“For me, it’s about doing what I love while also earning an income. I also run one-day sewing workshops for those interested,” she shared when met at the Balai Raya in Kampung Bambangan, Inanam.

On this occasion, Susan was conducting a workshop on how to sew traditional men’s shirts, attended by nine enthusiastic participants.

“I’ve held several classes here, including on bag-making,” she added.

Originally from Ranau and now living in the state capital, Susan said she is open to running one-day sewing classes for groups upon request.

Speaking about earning from home, she noted that handcrafted items made in domestic settings are often more unique and carry their own identity, compared to mass-produced goods.

The workshop was organised in collaboration with Kampung Bambangan Women Entrepreneurs’ Association.