“Success isn’t about how rich I am. Success is about the difference that I made in other people’s lives.”
When I started my business, people would ask me, “Do you want to be your own boss?” or “Is it for the time freedom?” or even “Are you chasing work-life balance?”
At first, I didn’t have a clear answer. But as I moved forward, I discovered my purpose, my big why. It came from meeting incredible people who turned their struggles into strength. People who, despite challenges like job loss, illness, or disabilities, found ways to add value to society.
One such story that left a mark on me happened during my visit to Riau Province in November 2024. Riau is a beautiful place, with endless greenery and quiet simplicity. But during my visit, I faced an unexpected challenge. Let’s just say it was a “women’s emergency.”
As we drove through the remote landscape, I started to feel the stress building. There were barely any cars, let alone shops. I kept thinking, What if I can’t find what I need?
After what felt like an eternity, we spotted a small roadside shop. From the outside, it didn’t look like much, and I almost dismissed it, thinking, There’s no way they’ll have what I need. But I went in anyway.
To my surprise, they not only had the product that I need. It was also the latest version! I couldn’t believe it. That tiny shop, in the middle of nowhere, had exactly what I needed. Do you know what’s funny? That small shop in Riau didn’t just stock what I needed, it had items I didn’t even know existed! I went in looking for a simple disposable pad and ended up discovering a high-tech, self-sealing, biodegradable version that could probably survive a tornado. And then, right next to it, they had a gadget that claimed to fold clothes in seconds. I was half-convinced I’d walked into a secret innovation hub disguised as a shop!.
It made me realize that this wasn’t just a shop. It was a lifeline. It served its community and travelers like me by providing essential goods. That experience taught me the importance of giving value in business, understanding people’s needs and meeting them, no matter the size of your operation.
Now, let me share the story of someone who deeply inspires me, Ras Adiba Radzi, a Malaysian icon and disability rights advocate. Despite being wheelchair-bound, she has achieved so much not only as a senator but also as a voice for inclusivity and empowerment.
Her story reminds me of another entrepreneur I met, a man who lost his legs in an accident. Instead of letting his disability define him, he started a business designing custom limbs. He said, “I want others like me to walk with dignity.”
These individuals show us that no matter what challenges life throws at us, we can still contribute to society. They don’t just run businesses, they solve problems and give hope. If they can do it, what excuse do we have not to?
What lesson I learned here? Business isn’t just about making money. It is about making a difference. It is about seeing a need in the world and finding a way to meet it.
If people with disabilities, illnesses, or limited resources can create businesses that change lives, then those of us with more advantages have no reason not to try.
Let me leave you with this question. What is your purpose? How can you use your work, your skills, or your business to give value to others?
Because success isn’t measured by what we gain. it is measured by what we give.
