SIBU: It all started as a hobby, but soon Karmila Galau, 43, realised that her pastime of creating attractive souvenirs using ceramic beads was bringing her a decent monthly income.
The Sibu-based housewife turned entrepreneur, said her keen interest in beads prompted her to take her hobby seriously.
She began learning the intricacies of creating handicraft items using the beads.
“In the beginning, it was just a hobby as I like making ceramic bead items since I had nothing much to do at home. But my friends told me my creations were beautiful and that I could sell them for money,” she told New Sarawak Tribune.
According to Karmila, producing the beads was not easy as it required careful attention and a lot of thinking to make them appealing and to suit the varied tastes of many people.
“This is the fourth year I’ve been seriously involved in this field and there have been a lot of challenges.
“But I have made it a passion, so the more I got into it, the more I like what I am doing.
“And I would like to thank my husband who has been so supportive.
“He understands my interest in this field … my husband has also given me a lot of ideas in creating handicraft items,” she said.
Karmila said most of her customers make orders by contacting her directly on the phone.
“There are also customers who make special orders and ‘custom made’ designs,” she added.
She also sells her creations at special events and exhibitions held in the state.
