One of the keys to success an entrepreneur is to continue to learn new skills so your business can grow and adapt.
Like Eka and Lily, two young female entrepreneurs who regard themselves as lifelong learners and were awarded scholarships to study at the Islamic Fashion Institute in Bandung, West Java, as part of a program in collaboration with Asia Pacific Rayon (APR).
How might they possibly acquire the invaluable chance to learn more about fashion? What new skills will they develop from the scholarship that they have yet to master before? Let’s hear their tales.
Eka and ‘the Kingsman’ suits
Eka Lestari, 24, was confused on next steps when graduated from high school in 2016. She realized that college wasn’t for her, owing to her family’s financial situation at the time. But she refused to remain still.
Eka enrolled in a one-month sewing course offered by APRIL’s Community Development Department, of which she said, “that was more than enough to give me the skills and confidence I needed to start my own business from the comfort of my own home.”
After two years of running her own business in Dayun village, her hometown, Eka was able to support her family and return to college to get a bachelor’s degree in library science.
“I had always assumed that being a civil servant was what I wanted to do with my life. I didn’t know how important the tailor business was to my life until I finished college in October 2022,” Eka said.
Instead of registering as a government servant after graduation, Eka contemplated expanding her sewing skills as the demands of her business rose.
“Most of my clients are government workers and law enforcement officials. It dawned on me that tailoring a whole suit or jacket is an entirely other ballgame. I knew I needed to learn more, I want to make my clients feel good and look good in the suits that I create for them,” she said.
“Like, the heroes from The Kingsman, if you’ve seen that movie, I want them to be decked up in amazing outfits,” Eka added.
That’s when she learned about the scholarship program run in collaboration between APR and the Islamic Fashion Institute (IFI) in Bandung, West Java.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better chance. I applied for the scholarship in September 2022 and become one of two female business owners to emerge from the two-month selection process. To me, a chance like this is a gift,” Eka said, adding “when I complete my studies here, I shall be Riau’s finest custom tailor!”
Lily and Dior dream
Lily, a 25-year-old aspiring entrepreneur, is grateful for the chance to pursue her ambition of starting her own modest clothing line thanks to the scholarship she received from IFI.
“Similar to Eka, I attended the 2016 APRIL basic sewing training. The training has prepared me to assist my mother in operating L’Modiste, the family tailoring business. But, I know I want to do more,” she explained.
Lily said that the competition to create designs of modest clothes for a range of themes drew her in to participate in the scholarship selection process.
“I had a great time. The brief instructs me to draw modest sportswear, formal clothing, and everyday wear, and to provide a brief description of each concept.” she explained.
She went on to say that she seldom had the chance to use her imagination in her regular work for customers, so she welcomed the chance to do so with this project. Especially because she has a deep appreciation for the artistic side of high fashion, particularly that of Dior Haute Couture.
“As a young lady from a small regency like Pelalawan, I have always been fascinated by the concept of haute fashion. Dior’s designs are so inventive, and they inspire me to dream big for my own fashion house one day,” she remarked.
For this reason, Lily plans to devote most of her time at IFI to developing her creative skills like sketching and moodboards.
“I even get to practice my English writing skills here. It will be extremely beneficial in this digital age to be able to construct your online brand persona since it will provide your brand visibility in the worldwide market. It’s something I’ve never considered before,” Lily said.
Lily hopes the skills she learns on the course will enable her to go on to establish her own modest fashion brand.
Collaboration to achieve inclusive progress
IFI, which was founded in 2015, has generated a slew of excellent local fashion designers whose work has garnered worldwide acclaim.
“IFI is here to help the government achieve its objective of turning Indonesia into a global hub for Muslim fashion. To support this, we need a lot of engagement with companies who care about MSMEs’ fashion and Indonesian youth,” said Hanni Haerani, General Manager of IFI and part of the selection committee for this scholarship cooperation initiative.
Hanni said the two ladies will get training to develop modest fashion labels that can compete globally. They get training in pattern making, sketching, and sewing. In addition, they will acquire the knowledge necessary to market and sell their collections.
Director of APR, Basrie Kamba, said this initiative will continue in the future. “They make history as the first APR scholarship winners placed with IFI. In addition to learning how to design, create, and sell high-fashion items during their four-month stint at IFI, they will also teach these skills to their peers back in their hometowns,” said Basrie.
Our APR2030 commitment includes work on Inclusive Prosperity, with one step being the provision of educational opportunities for talented local women to start their own businesses. APR has previously worked with IFI and a variety of academic institutions to develop a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable local textile sector.
