Young Woman Builds Furniture Business, Has Own Factory

By Mohd Afiq Zulkifli

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- In a field dominated by men, a young woman is proving her mettle by building a furniture business of her own. She even has a factory now located in Tanjung Dawai, Kedah.

For 31-year-old Nurul Syifa’ Ahmad Zohri, carpentry is more than a hobby; it is the foundation of a journey she shares with her husband Mohd Izuwan Mat Rabi, also 31, since they began their furniture business in 2018.

The couple initially ran their business, Izuwan Furniture Skills Enterprise, in Banting, Selangor, before deciding to relocate to Mohd Izuwan’s kampung in Tanjung Dawai in 2021 due to challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Nurul Syifa’ said she and her husband embarked on their furniture business in Banting after she completed a short course conducted by the Malaysian Timber Industry Board.

“Back then, we rented a small workshop and relied on basic tools, taking on small projects that helped us gain valuable experience.

“When the pandemic hit, we had to rethink how to continue, especially with restrictions affecting operations. So we decided to return to Kedah and start from scratch, gradually building our own factory using our savings of nearly RM100,000,” she said in an interview with Bernama recently.

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Nurul Syifa’ said their factory stands on what was once forest land. Completed in 2022, the facility spans approximately 3,200 square feet (297 square metres).

A mother of two, she said the business, which began on a modest scale, has since expanded with the support of their three employees and the use of advanced machinery such as a sliding table saw and edging machines, producing around three to four pieces of furniture daily.

Notably, the Universiti Malaysia Perlis graduate, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, is hands-on in every aspect of production, from operating machinery to designing, finishing and executing intricate wood joining techniques such as mortising that require precision and skill.

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“After I developed a foundation in woodworking, I honed my skills through projects, as well as guidance from my husband. That gave me the confidence to operate machines and craft furniture independently,” she said.

Their business focuses on custom-made furniture such as TV cabinets, wardrobes and kitchen cabinets, alongside ready-to-assemble items like storage cabinets that are more affordable.

One of their signature design elements is the use of arches, featuring soft curves that lend an elegant and contemporary touch to their products.

“Arch designs feel softer and more refined. They’re also timeless and versatile, fitting well with both modern and minimalist interiors. Many customers prefer them because they look neat and unique.

“Each order is tailored to the customer’s needs, whether in size, colour or layout. Some clients come with their own ideas, and we help bring them to life in a way that suits their living space,” she said, adding that arch-style TV and storage cabinets are among the products that are high in demand.

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Reflecting on their challenges, Nurul Syifa’ said she has had to overcome societal perceptions about women in woodworking, as well as the physically demanding nature of the job.

“In the beginning, some people doubted my abilities because this field is usually dominated by men. The work is physically demanding, and there were times I felt exhausted and close to giving up.

“But I see those moments as challenges that push me to keep learning and improving. My children are also my source of strength… they motivate me to keep going. I also want to prove that women can succeed in this field when given the opportunity,” she said.

-- BERNAMA