WITH the availability of the Internet, running a second business seems to be a breeze, even for those who have a full-time job.
This is a welcome idea indeed, especially during challenging times like today where employees are given an option to opt for unpaid leave, a cut in overtime pay and in a worse case scenario, retrenched.
"If you must, try to be creative and make money out of your passion," online boutique owner Alin Anuar told Business Times in an interview recently.
The Internet is a world without borders, providing the possibility for a net business entrepreneur to reach beyond the local markets.
In addition, there are various support from online payment partners and shipping companies, making Internet business easier to operate.
"There is a mushrooming of blogshops today which are only targeting the local market. But if they were to think big and reach out to the world, there is a big market out there," said Alin.
"These blog owners also must realise that their little blogshop can't be found in the Google search engine. A dedicated webpage is more appropriate," she added.
Alin started her online kebaya business back in 2000, drawn by her passion in kebaya. She began her business via a free Web hosting page.
Within a year, Alin managed to operate her own website, which was developed by her client in the US who was impressed with her collection of kebayas. She named her online boutique www.chantiqskaly. com.
Almost a decade after venturing into the online business, she has expanded her business to not only making ready-made kebaya, but tailor-made for special functions, dinners and weddings with clients reaching as far as the US and Europe.
The online business sometimes contribute up to a five-figure additional income per month. This is possible since Alin charges in US dollar.
"I receive at least four orders per month for ready-made kebayas and an average of two orders per month for custom-made kebayas from overseas clients," said Alin.
How does she manage her full-time job as a key accounts sales manager in a multinational company in addition to managing chantiqskaly's booming kebaya business?
"I wake up really early in the morning to check my e-mails, package the orders and ship them out during lunch hour. It's not really a big issue," Alin quipped.
Meanwhile, Sharifah Alia Syed Hassan gave up her full-time job two years ago, upon seeing the overwhelming response from her online cupcake business.
"I started two years ago as something that I do part-time, but business was doing very well that I decided to entirely concentrate on making cupcakes," she said.
Her online site, www.shaliastreats.blogspot.com, not only attracts individuals, but also receives corporate orders especially during festive seasons like Christmas.
Alia receives an average order of four boxes that contain 49 pieces of cupcakes a day or up to 12 boxes a day, which gives her up to RM3,000 income a month.
"Since I am doing this from home, there's only so many orders that I can take. I do hope to own my cupcake house someday," she said.
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