For founder Fazlina Othman, the brand is more than a creative or monetary pursuit – it’s a source of joy and purpose.
“I’m a stay-at-home mum, so making the products helps me fill my time and adds colour to my daily routine. It also brings me a sense of peace,” Fazlina told FMT Lifestyle.
The 40-year-old shared that the beginnings of Fazzkraf took root during the pandemic.
Although her husband – a designer at an architectural firm – was able to work from home, like many others during the pandemic, his income was reduced. To help meet the family’s financial obligations, Fazlina, a mother of two, began looking for a way to contribute.
“At that time, everyone needed face masks,” she said. She recognised this demand and quickly turned to YouTube tutorials to learn how to sew them.
Having previously sold handmade pencil and makeup cases on a small scale, sewing these face masks was a walk in the park for her.
Even so, she practised tirelessly until she perfected the quality of her masks. When she posted photos of them on Facebook, friends were charmed and began placing orders.
Her friends also helped spread the word and soon, Fazlina was receiving more orders, including bulk requests.
But as the pandemic eased, demand for masks dwindled and Fazlina knew it was time to evolve.
Using both her trusty sewing machine and hand-stitching skills, she began crafting a variety of new items: bags, purses, pen holders, scrunchies, dolls, kaftans as well as clothes for babies and little girls.
Apart from cotton, she experimented with locally made batik and songket, wanting to showcase the timeless beauty of these traditional fabrics through her creations.
To reach more customers, she opened Shopee and Instagram accounts and set up booths at shopping malls to promote her products.
As business steadily grew, she branded her products Fazzkraf. Today, she said, one of her most popular creations is the multipurpose purse. It’s stylish yet practical, with space for cash, cards and a handphone. It even comes with a matching coin purse.
Another crowd favourite is her pen holder attached to a lanyard, perfect for busy professionals on the go.
Fazlina shared that her business entered a new chapter last year after joining the Khadijah Artisans Mentoring Programme (KAMP).
The programme, which is a collaboration between the Khadijah International Waqf (L) Foundation and Persatuan Pembangunan Artisans (PPA), empowers craftswomen from low-income backgrounds by providing the guidance they need to succeed, and the support to widen the distribution channels for their products.
Full of praise for the programme, Fazlina said she has gained valuable skills that she now applies to her business.
“I learnt how to set the right prices for my products and present them more attractively. I am truly grateful to my mentors who guided me throughout the programme,” she said.
She added that she is also delighted that some of her handicrafts are available for purchase at PPA’s outlet in Berjaya Times Square.
Fazlina’s plans for the future include her dream of opening a physical shop one day. “I also hope more people will discover my brand and that my products will someday make their way into the international market.”
She added: “I am happy to have found a way to help my husband support the family, and proud that I can run this business while caring for my children at home.”
To other women hoping to start a home business of their own, Fazlina said: “You can do it. Even if it is a small business, the income can make a difference for your family.”
To purchase Fazlina’s products, send her a message on Instagram or Facebook.
Read more about the Khadijah Artisans Mentoring Programme and its artisans here.