KOTA KINABALU: An inspired single mum has turned to scented candles for financial support after Covid-19 all but brought her beauty treatment business to a halt.
Losing customers since the onset of the pandemic in 2020 was a bitter pill to swallow for beautician Avie Chew Yan Ping, 30.
However, she faced the pandemic bravely and looked for an alternative idea to get extra income to provide for her daughter.
"Early in the pandemic, a business that involved physical touch was not allowed, so while waiting for the government to reopen the business, I tried to find other alternatives for an extra income.
"As a single mum, I wanted to do something that can be done at home without leaving my daughter alone.
"I did the research for an (alternative) business idea through the TikTok platform. I was inspired when I came across homemade scented candles which are in high demand.
"I started to learn the skill needed from online platforms. There were some trial and error but I managed to master the skill.
"Thankfully, it turned out well," she told the New Straits Times at a carnival in ITCC Penampang.
From fruity options to aromatherapy scents, all of Chew's products are 100 per cent eco-friendly and priced below RM100.
The now founder of Yp O'Crafts collection said one can still utilise the pandemic period to develop new skills for survival.
"Many of us are struggling to make ends meet, but we need to get moving, experiment. Use this period to learn new things that will help us to survive the Covid-19 crisis.
"It's not easy, but it can be done," she said.
Chew who is fondly known as Abby also urged everyone to strictly follow the standard operating procedure (SOP) to curb the spread of Covid-19 as well as to assist in the economic recovery.
"We can't keep living in fear of the coronavirus. We have to adapt to the 'new normal. Follow the SOP at all times.
"At least when the economy is back on track, we can feel a little relieved."