The funniest thing happened when I was chatting with Badriyah, co-owner of Rockyeah. We have only just met when we were booth-ing together at Syadza's booth (read Syadza's interview here). We found out that we were from the same polytechnic and we were from the same CCA. Of course, many years apart. There is more to the story but I keep the conversation as something private between me and Badriyah.
I also learnt about how Badriyah and her mum, Rokiah, started the business together and I was in awe about this dynamic duo! For this special September, I like to share about this amazing mother and daughter and the business they built.
Rokiah & Badriyah
Photo Credit: Badriyah
Hi Badriyah & Rokiah, thank you for this interview! Share about yourselves and your business, Rockyeah!
Rokiah, 63, housewife and Rockyeah full-time.
Badriyah, 25, working full-time and Rockyeah part-time, hopefully full-time in the future doakan!
Mother and daughter duo started in 2020 with handmade tote bags and almost 4 years later - pouches, bucket hats, cup holders, knot bags, scrunchies, cushion covers, headbands and hand embroidered portraits, name initials, etc and many more coming soon, In Shaa Allah. We accept custom and bulk orders since the start too.
Photo Credit: Rockyeah
Can you describe the moment you decided to become a business owner?
I was the one who decided for both of us. 😂
In 2020 (covid era), my mum wanted to buy a sewing machine to rekindle her passion for sewing which started in her 20s. I’ve always known that she can sew but I have never seen an actual piece 100% made by her. She asked for suggestions as to what she can make, I said “tote bag please” before going to work. Came back home and I saw a few pieces hanging.
That same night, I already thought of our name - rockyeah = Rokiah 😄
But only told her a few days later because I didn’t want to pressure her
What are the challenges you faced in business?
Staying relevant in current fashion trends. Some items are evergreen and some are not, so we sometimes need to do a trial and error method for new things that we want to add into our permanent item list.
Photo Credit: Rockyeah
Other than that I think space is also another huge challenge. We stay in a 2-room flat, we try to make do with it now but we definitely would want a bigger space so we can store our fabrics/threads and in stocks and also work in the same area.
Can you share a moment in your business journey that was particularly impactful?
When someone comes to us and say “I follow you on IG!”. Shows us how powerful social media is now and how strangers manage to come across us online before in real life.
How is it working with a partner?
Coming from different generations, our way of thinking is very different. After almost 4 years of rockyeah, we still do not have the same view of things, but we definitely will find a middle ground.
Photo Credit: Rockyeah
How do you find inspiration and creativity for your business ideas?
Rokiah:
- General people (what bags they are using) watching
- Suggestions from friends or family
Badriyah:
- Other embroidery artists and brands i see on IG (@benangbynini, @vikasspace, @dmc_embroidery)
- Going for events and see what others are doing or making
What advice will you give to aspiring business owners?
Badriyah: Just do it, really. We won’t know what we can or cannot do until we do it. Find other like-minded people and hold them close to you.
Rokiah: Have patience.
What is the future going to be like for you?
Have at least 1 booth per month. Reach more people, make friends with more business owners. Halfway through 2024 already, I feel like we’re doing not bad, Alhamdulillah 😂
Photo Credit: Rockyeah
I look forward to seeing more of Rockyeah! Praying for lots of success in your business. Do visit Rockyeah here to keep updated on their latest events and products.
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