If you’ve ever been a university student, it’s pretty likely that you’ve felt broke at some point.
Diploma in Business Management student Kaliswari Selvarajoo ran into that same problem in 2015. But instead of running to her parents or going on an instant noodles diet, she made a different choice.
Kalish, as she prefers to be called – decided to start a jewellery business from scratch. And four years later, it’s blossomed into an international online business.
“It all started because I wanted to buy unnecessary stuff,” she says with a laugh. “I asked my mother for money, and she rightly advised me not to waste money.”
As luck would have it, a friend showed her how to buy accessories online. She realised how cheap and convenient the process was, and a lightbulb went off.
Her first investment was RM 200 worth of accessories from China, which she then customised and resold for a profit. A business was born.
The business focuses on top-quality Indian-styled jewellery. The products are made from oxidised silver and German silver, which last longer and are easily polished and shined.
Kalish buys the parts separately, before customising and designing the jewellery to follow the latest trends.
Online sales, however, are not a walk in the park. Kalish recalls that she spent months researching the products and her market. But even then, there were still risks.
“One supplier cheated me out of a big sum of money. It was tough, but it was a lesson – I had to learn and find better suppliers,” she says.
The business grew quickly, and Kalish decided that it was time to come up with a name. After going through a few options, she decided on the Sanskrit name ‘Hiranya Jewels‘.
The name change proved to be lucky, as her business page swiftly gained nearly 15,000 followers on social media. Now, Hiranya reaches customers from Perak to Sarawak and beyond – there are even buyers from Switzerland, Singapore, and New Zealand.
For Kalish, the biggest challenge is the juggling act – it is not easy balancing full-time studies and a full-time business. There are days where she attends exhibitions, standing on her feet from morning to night to meet customers.
“I have some wonderful support, but there is a lot to do because I’m in charge of marketing, packaging, and buying supplies. I do a lot of travelling, so I’ll try to study at my hotel. But I just end up falling asleep because I’m so tired,” she said.
“It’s about finding the time and studying smart. There are a lot of hours in the day so I just maximise my time to the fullest. I didn’t want my business to get in the way of my education.”
In fact, Kalish believes that her classes were extremely beneficial, as they helped her to pick the right location and determine the best market strategy.
Her QIU connections also led her to our resident virtual reality whiz Md Mohaimenul Islam – who set up a mobile app for her business.
And after nearly five years, there are no regrets from the bubbly, confident entrepreneur. She is stronger, more independent, and possessed to take on the world.
“I’m able to pay my semester fees myself, without troubling my parents. I can also take care of my expenses and I’m really proud of that,” she says.
“Other students can do this as well. Instead of depending on their parents, they always have the option of starting a business part-time. I’m my own boss and I am in control of my future.”
Check out Hiranya Jewels’ Facebook page here, and while you’re at it, visit their Instagram page here as well.
