Hi, I’m Affira Affendi, and at 33, my life has been a journey of transformation, challenges, and incredible rewards. From being a banker to becoming an entrepreneur and mentor, my story is one of hard work, resilience, and an unwavering passion for preserving Malaysian traditions.
A Dream Rooted in Tradition
My journey started in 2019, inspired by my mother—a single parent and a strong businesswoman who showed me the value of perseverance. I started small, selling on Facebook while juggling my responsibilities as a single mother. A friend later introduced me to Lazada, and that’s when everything changed.
My first brand, NSA Glamorous, began as a part-time endeavor. I sold modest Muslimah apparel like printed headscarves, telekung made from soft, breathable fabrics, and stylish batik outfits. To my surprise, the response was overwhelming. Soon, I was earning five figures in sales, which gave me the confidence to take a leap of faith.
Leaving my banking career was a bold decision, but I wanted to focus entirely on my business. That’s when I launched D’Songket, a brand dedicated to traditional handmade songket crafted by talented artisans from Terengganu.
At D’Songket, every piece is unique—handmade with care and precision. Our customers love that no two designs are the same, which makes each item truly special. It’s my way of celebrating and preserving Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.
Rising Through Challenges
But success didn’t come easy. As a single mother, I faced countless sleepless nights, balancing parenting with packing orders and figuring out how to grow my business. There were moments of doubt, but my mother’s unwavering support kept me going.
“There were nights I stayed up late and sacrificed weekends with my children,” I recall. “But I knew I had to persevere—for my family and for my dream.”
In 2023, all those efforts paid off when D’Songket was shortlisted as a Top eCommerce Merchant by the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (SIDEC). That recognition was a breakthrough moment for me, affirming the hard work I had poured into my business.
Empowering Local Sellers
Beyond building my brands, I felt I could do more. In 2021, I became a Lazada Certified Trainer, hosting weekly classes to guide other sellers in navigating the platform. Teaching became a newfound passion for me. I loved showing fellow entrepreneurs how to use Lazada’s tools like data dashboards, AI-powered features, and Smart Listing to improve their businesses.
Helping others succeed has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about sharing knowledge—it’s about inspiring them to believe in their potential. In 2024, I was honored to be named ‘Top Favourite Lazada Certified Trainer,’ a moment that solidified my commitment to uplifting others.
A Cause for Malaysia
For me, my business is more than just work—it’s a mission. Through D’Songket, I’m preserving Malaysia’s culture, one handmade songket at a time. As a trainer, I’m empowering local sellers to thrive in the digital economy.
Malaysia Day is always a time of reflection for me. It reminds me of how far I’ve come and how much further I can go. Building a sustainable business that celebrates Malaysia’s heritage is my way of giving back to this beautiful country.
To anyone starting their entrepreneurial journey, my advice is simple: trust the process. Take that first step. Lazada offers incredible tools, but it’s your courage and determination that will make your dreams a reality.
My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every challenge. With passion, hard work, and the right support, I believe we can all achieve something extraordinary.
– Humans of Kuala Lumpur
