Untuk Bertahan di Tengah Pandemi, Perajin Mabel Ubah Haluan Jadi Produksi Mainan Edukasi

Summary

In the midst of the pandemic, Yusuf Afandi, a wood craftsman from Malang, East Java, pivoted his business from furniture to educational toys. With a decrease in furniture orders, he began crafting wooden toys designed to stimulate motor skills, cognitive development, and emotions in children under five. His Montessori-style toys are now in demand, with orders from Singapore and Australia, increasing his production by 70%. The rise in demand is attributed to increased family time at home, with parents seeking educational play for their children.

Takeaways

• 😷 The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted Yusuf Afandi's furniture business, leading to a drastic reduction in orders.
• 🛠️ Yusuf Afandi, a wood craftsman from Malang, East Java, pivoted from making furniture to producing educational toys to adapt to the pandemic.
• 🌳 He initially focused on creating furniture but shifted to making small items like packaging and children's wooden toys.
• 👶 The toys are designed for children under five years old, aiming to stimulate their motor skills, cognitive development, and emotional growth.
• 🏡 The use of pine wood and a safe method of production, from wood cutting to painting, ensures the toys are child-friendly.
• 📈 Demand for Montessori wooden toys has increased, with orders coming from as far as Singapore and Australia, boosting his business by 70%.
• 🏠 The increase in time spent at home by families during the pandemic has contributed to the rise in demand for children's toys, according to Yusuf.
• 🔄 Despite the ongoing pandemic, there is a constant search for new opportunities, showcasing human resilience and creativity.
• 🌐 The business has transitioned from local to international, with a significant portion of the products being custom orders for third parties.
• 📦 The pandemic has highlighted a shift in consumer behavior, with an increased focus on home activities and educational toys for children.

Q & A

What was the primary business of Yusuf Afandi before the pandemic?

Yusuf Afandi was primarily a wood craftsman who made furniture.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect Yusuf Afandi's furniture business?

The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted Yusuf Afandi's furniture business, leading to a significant decrease in orders.

What strategic shift did Yusuf Afandi make in response to the pandemic?

Yusuf Afandi shifted from making furniture to producing educational wooden toys.

What is the target age group for the educational toys produced by Yusuf Afandi?

The educational toys are specifically designed for children under the age of five.

What kind of development do Yusuf Afandi's toys claim to stimulate in children?

The toys claim to stimulate motor skills, cognitive development, intelligence, and emotional growth in children.

What type of wood does Yusuf Afandi use to make his educational toys?

Yusuf Afandi uses pine wood to create his educational toys.

How does Yusuf Afandi ensure the safety of the materials used in his toys?

Yusuf Afandi uses a special method that is safe for children, from the cutting of the wood to the type of paint used.

To which countries have Yusuf Afandi's Montessori wooden toys been exported?

Yusuf Afandi's Montessori wooden toys have been exported to Singapore and Australia.

What is the increase in demand for Yusuf Afandi's products during the pandemic?

There has been a 70% increase in demand for Yusuf Afandi's products, with most of it being third-party orders.

What is one reason Yusuf Afandi suggests for the increased demand for his toys?

Yusuf Afandi suggests that the increased demand for his toys is due to parents having more time at home and children often learning at home during the pandemic.

How does Yusuf Afandi view the impact of the pandemic on his business in the long term?

Despite the ongoing pandemic, Yusuf Afandi sees it as an opportunity for humans to try various positive efforts and find new opportunities.