Rahimah turns hardship around with Tempua Craft

2026-03-13 - 01:04

After the pandemic hit, Rahimah Abdul Rahim learned eco-printing and clay batik, turning these skills into a new source of income through her brand Tempua Craft. (Rahimah Abdul Rahim pic) PETALING JAYA: When the pandemic struck in March 2020, life changed overnight for many Malaysians. For Rahimah Abdul Rahim, she lost her income. Working from home as a tailor, she had relied on sewing orders to support her family. But when the country went into lockdown, the orders stopped. Rahimah, a mother of eight, had previously been a housewife. In 2012, she began sewing from home to help ease the family’s financial burden when her eldest son started university. About three years later, however, her husband fell ill and was no longer able to work, leaving Rahimah as the sole breadwinner. “I didn’t know what to do when the pandemic hit or how I was going to support my family,” Rahimah told FMT Lifestyle. She enrolled in an online class to learn how to make eco-print fabric – a natural dyeing technique that transfers the colours and patterns of leaves and flowers onto cloth. This skill eventually opened the door for her to earn an income in a new way. Today, she runs her own brand, Tempua Craft, producing a range of eco-print products including headscarves, blouses, T-shirts, palazzo pants, pareo skirts and bags. Rahimah’s handicrafts include eco-print pareo skirts, T-shirts and blouses. (Rahimah Abdul Rahim pic) “I chose the name ‘Tempua’ after a bird known for building unique nests. Inside that nest, the young are protected. That idea reflects caring for one’s family well so they can live happily,” said Rahimah, 53. Rahimah began Tempua Craft in June 2021, starting modestly with just headscarves and bags. She gradually introduced new products, watching with pride as her small venture blossomed into a thriving brand. But beyond being a source of income, Rahimah said she found the eco-printing process itself therapeutic. And receiving positive feedback from customers also fills her with pride and satisfaction. She’s even upskilled, learning the art of clay batik, a technique where natural clay is applied to the fabric before the dyeing process to create patterns. Now she makes products made from this fabric as well. These pouches, crafted from eco-print and clay batik fabrics, add a pop of colour to your everyday essentials. (Rahimah Abdul Rahim pic) But her journey as an entrepreneur took an important step forward when she joined the Khadijah Artisans Mentoring Programme (KAMP). The initiative – a collaboration between the Khadijah International Waqf (L) Foundation and Persatuan Pembangunan Artisans – supports craftswomen from low-income backgrounds by providing the guidance they need to succeed, and assistance in expanding the distribution channels for their products. Although she graduated from the programme last September, she still speaks with enthusiasm about her experience. From learning about costing and packaging to engaging customers, the programme gave her valuable insights into running a business – and she remains deeply grateful to the KAMP team. Colourful card holders made from clay batik fabric make charming door gifts. (Rahimah Abdul Rahim pic) “The knowledge and advice shared have helped shape me into a more courageous and disciplined entrepreneur and helped me truly understand what it takes to succeed,” said Rahimah. She’s optimistic about the future, dreaming of seeing Tempua Craft grow beyond Malaysia to the global market. Indeed, from a time of uncertainty during the pandemic, Rahimah turned a new skill into a source of income, proving that opportunities can be found even in the most difficult of times. Surprise the special man in your life with these eco-print neckties. (Rahimah Abdul Rahim pic) She has these words of encouragement to other women aspiring to start their own business: “Never see yourself as small. You were born with extraordinary strength. If your heart says you can do it, keep going. “Don’t worry if you don’t have much capital to start your business or feel that you lack experience. Many successful entrepreneurs started with courage not perfection. “We are not just running a business – we are proving women can stand on their own feet, earn their own income, and change the future of their families,” she concluded. To purchase Tempua Craft products, send Rahimah a WhatsApp message at 011-6306 4668. Read more about the Khadijah Artisans Mentoring Programme and its artisans here.