TEKUN empowered a Boutique Business Revival

17 April 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Nurdianah Anisha Awang Shamsuddin, originally from Tawau, owns Nafisha’a Boutique, situated at KK Plaza in the state capital. She sells fashionable attire that is unique, as each piece is tailored according to her own designs. Although the garments appear elegant and expensive, a closer inspection reveals that they are quite affordable.

Nurdianah's journey into the world of fashion began in 2016 at Wawasan Plaza, where she laid the foundation for her brand. In 2017, she took a significant step by registering her brand with the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation (MyIPO). At first glance, the stunning array of elegant attire she offers might give the impression that she burst onto the market with great fanfare and style.

She initially started her boutique with only RM15,000, a sum derived from savings accumulated from a previous venture unrelated to fashion. With that money, she curated an impressive collection of off-the-rack designs that quickly captured the attention of her community. Her boutique became a sanctuary for fashion enthusiasts seeking unique pieces that complemented their individuality. Nurdianah immersed herself in understanding trends, fabrics, and customer preferences, and soon her boutique became a go-to destination for those in search of fashionable attire.

Nurdianah (right ) with her staff

Building on her initial success, she made the bold transition from retailing off-the-rack designs to creating her own unique collections. She delved deeply into the world of design, honing her skills and developing a signature style that set her apart in the bustling fashion landscape. To bring her creative visions to life, she employed several talented tailors who shared her passion for craftsmanship; two of them work in-house while four collaborate from home. Together, they produced exquisite pieces that reflected her design sensibilities while resonating with her customers' tastes.

However, just as her venture began to flourish, the unforeseen outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed unprecedented challenges. As lockdowns and health regulations swept the globe, Nurdianah faced the daunting reality of running a business during such uncertain times. Before these harsh conditions took hold, she had already invested RM40,000 in materials and accessories for her latest clothing collection, eager to unveil a stunning line that would elevate her brand.

“I think that was the lowest point for my business, with money invested in materials that couldn’t move,” she remarked, adding that, at that time, Wawasan Plaza—the flagship of her business—was closed, prompting her move to KK Plaza, another branch.

Nurdianah Anisha

The pandemic tested Nurdianah's resolve and creativity, compelling her to seek innovative ways to keep her boutique alive while nurturing her passion for design. Rather than succumbing to despair, she decided to leverage the situation to reposition her brand. She meticulously developed her own strategies to adapt to the new normal. In 2020, she borrowed RM20,000 from TEKUN to sustain her business. In 2025, she took out another loan of RM50,000 from TEKUN, which will also be invested in her product offerings.

“Besides walk-in customers, we also have customers who come to us through TikTok. We conduct our live sessions to showcase what we have to offer. In addition, we encourage them to come in and discuss the styles they desire and the materials they need. We have a diverse range of clothes and designs to cater to their requirements. If they find a set of clothes they like, we can also make alterations to ensure the perfect fit. Naturally, we have plenty of elegant attire here that I am sure they will appreciate.”

“At this moment, our primary goal is to please our customers,” she added, noting that they also offer services such as altering attire brought in by customers, even if it is not from her offerings.

“My happiest moment came with the purchase of the two shop lots here in 2024 for RM1 million,” she enthused, adding that she had previously rented the shops for RM3,800 and is now paying the bank approximately RM4,000.

“The margin isn't that huge, so I believe that owning is better than renting. Once we finish paying, it will truly become ours,” she explained.

Nurdianah also stressed that the financial support from TEKUN National acted not as a lifeline, but as a catalyst for a new chapter in her journey as a boutique owner.

It bolstered her confidence and served as a reminder that even amidst challenges, there were opportunities to thrive.

With renewed energy and passion, she welcomes her customers back into her boutique, ready to share not just her creations, but also the story of perseverance, adaptation, and hope that had shaped her journey through the pandemic.