“All my friends were furthering their studies while I was just sitting at home,” shares the now 20-year-old, who is completing her foundation studies in communications at Taylor’s College in Subang Jaya, Selangor.

It was then that she came across an entrepreneurship programme by Sampurna Malaysia, an organisation that aims to improve the welfare and socioeconomic wellbeing of Malaysians.

“It was a holistic course that covered leadership, wealth, family, spiritualism, and health. By the end of it, I started thinking about life differently and decided to start my own business over my initial interest in mass communications,” she tells FMT.

In 2019, with the guidance of a coach from Sampurna, she founded O’ttra, a home-based business that specialises in essential oils.

“I’ve always been obsessed with finding the right skincare products. Most products contain fragrances and are not suitable for sensitive skin, whereas the ones without scents tend to cost more.

“Essential oils are a good alternative as they’re extracted from plants and contain various benefits,” she explains.

Trial and error

Utrraa admits she initially found it challenging to come up with a suitable method of manufacturing her products.

“Throughout the process, I was in constant communication with my coach from Sampurna. He didn’t expect anything in return, which was really touching.”

She adds that she also asked her family members to invest a small sum in her business. Her parents are entrepreneurs themselves, and her mother currently helps her out with the business.

After much experimentation, Utrraa finally discovered the right process and formula. “It took me about three months after the programme to come up with my first product,” she reveals.

O’ttra’s present lineup consists of four essential oils – orange, lemon, turmeric, and lemongrass – each with unique properties.

“The lemon essential oil is our bestseller. It helps improve one’s memory, and is especially popular among parents who buy them for their children,” Utrraa shares.

“The lemongrass helps maintain skin elasticity, whereas the orange is a good source of Vitamin C and alleviates dry coughs.

“The turmeric essential oil, on the other hand, helps boost the immune system.”

All four products are infused with extra virgin coconut oil, and they can either be consumed or applied to the body.

In addition, the range includes a bath oil that removes toxins and makes skin glow.

Record sales

Utrraa shares a particularly memorable moment when she achieved a record number of sales during an event.

“I was only 17, and I remember feeling nervous trying to convince people who were much older than me to buy my products,” she recalls.

She ended up making over RM1,000 in sales, which was no small feat considering she had only just started the business.

“I never knew I had it in me, but I managed to pull it off in the end,” she says proudly.

Utrraa is especially grateful that she managed to keep afloat during the pandemic despite a decline in sales.

In the near future, she hopes to get her business registered, and apply for both a halal certification and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) loan.

“I’m also looking to rent a space that can be used for production and storage,” she says, adding that she plans to come up with a new line of chemical-free shower gels and moisturisers.

‘Disruptive Womanization’

In conjunction with International Women’s Day, Sampurna Malaysia will be holding its annual entrepreneurship event, “Disruptive Womanization 2022”, from March 11-13 in Port Dickson.

It is open to all Malaysian women between the ages of 21 and 40, and is free of charge.

“In addition to gaining entrepreneurial skills, Sampurna will support you throughout your journey in business,” says Utrraa, who regularly facilitates and volunteers at Sampurna’s events.

“Regardless of your background, there’s definitely something you can gain from the programme. I am truly grateful as I’ve learnt so much from them.”

Check out the O’ttra range on Lazada.

For more information on the Disruptive Womanization 2022 programme, contact Sampurna Malaysia at 012-3775551 or visit its website. To register for the event, click here.