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Summary

The speaker, Muhammadana, shares his journey of turning wood waste into handcrafted kitchenware and souvenirs. Starting from scratch in 2021 with limited knowledge, he navigated challenges like sourcing materials, scaling production, and maintaining quality. Despite having no prior background in woodworking, he learned through trial and error, collaborating with local artisans. His business now thrives through exports, primarily to markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, while continuing to support the local economy. The speaker emphasizes the importance of perseverance, quality, and integrity in business.

Takeaways

• 😀 The business started in 2021, focusing on crafting wooden products from waste material, mainly for use in restaurants in Bali.
• 😀 The entrepreneur began with no knowledge of woodcrafting, but leveraged the local area's history of wooden handicrafts to learn and grow the business.
• 😀 Initially, the business faced challenges in sourcing wood as production was manual and limited, requiring coordination with local artisans.
• 😀 The products primarily include kitchenware such as plates, bowls, and utensils, all made from natural wood with no chemicals involved in the production process.
• 😀 Marketing the products on platforms like Shopee led to a surge in orders, which required scaling production and working with more artisans.
• 😀 The local village where the entrepreneur operates had a history of producing religious items (e.g., prayer beads), and the business transitioned to creating kitchenware items instead.
• 😀 The entrepreneur learned how to process waste wood into usable products by visiting forests and working with materials that would otherwise be discarded.
• 😀 Exporting to countries like Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey is a significant part of the business model, though it involves dealing with challenging negotiations and rebranding by international buyers.
• 😀 Despite dealing with price pressures from buyers, the entrepreneur emphasizes the importance of product quality and timely delivery as key to building lasting relationships with clients.
• 😀 The business model includes a focus on local workers, with the entrepreneur employing around 16 artisans and supporting at least 16 families through their craft.
• 😀 In addition to business success, the entrepreneur views their achievements through the lens of giving back, helping local families, and contributing to the community's economic growth.

Q & A

What type of business does Muhammadana run?

Muhammadana runs a woodcraft business that focuses on utilizing wood waste to create kitchenware products like plates, bowls, spoons, and other utensils, which are sold both locally and internationally.

How did Muhammadana get started in the woodcraft business?

Muhammadana started the business in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. He had no prior knowledge of woodworking but was inspired by the local reputation of the woodcraft industry in his area, Jember. He began by purchasing small woodcraft samples from neighbors and selling them online.

What materials does Muhammadana use in his woodcraft products?

He primarily uses wood waste, often sourced from discarded or leftover wood from timber production. The wood waste is typically small, which would otherwise be used as firewood.

How does Muhammadana ensure the quality of his products?

He ensures high quality by producing products manually, using natural oils for finishing instead of chemicals. He also uses fine sanding techniques and natural oils like olive oil to maintain the smooth finish of the products.

What challenges does Muhammadana face with his business?

Some challenges include scaling production due to the manual nature of the work, finding enough skilled craftsmen, and dealing with issues such as rebranding by international buyers, which sometimes diminishes the visibility of his brand.

How does Muhammadana manage the demand for his products?

Muhammadana manages demand by collaborating with local craftsmen and gradually expanding his production team. During peak times, such as during the 12.12 shopping event, he works with additional artisans in his village to fulfill large orders.

What has been the impact of Muhammadana's business on his community?

His business has provided employment and financial stability to at least 16 families in his village, as the workers are paid on a piecework basis. This creates opportunities for local artisans and helps support their livelihoods.

What international markets does Muhammadana sell to?

Muhammadana sells his products to several international markets, including the Middle East (Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Turkey), and other countries such as Malaysia and Singapore.

How does Muhammadana differentiate his products from competitors?

He differentiates his products by ensuring they are made with no chemical additives, using natural materials and oils. Additionally, he emphasizes the quality, durability, and ethical production of his kitchenware, which appeals to customers who value sustainable practices.

What personal achievement does Muhammadana value the most in his business?

Muhammadana values the positive impact he has had on his community, particularly providing income for local families. He also mentions winning the Best UMKM (Small and Medium Enterprises) Award from Bank Jatim in 2023 as a proud achievement.