RSS
|
Pn Zainab Bt Ahmad Shiyuti (CEO)
Pn. Zainab’ started her first “The Zee’s- Special Steak” in Subang Jaya back in 1996 which was officiated by the then Minister of Enterpreneur Development, Dato Mustapa Mohamad. Eventually, her long entrepreneurial road gave birth to Kelantan Delights at KLCC. Today, Pn. Zainab prides herself with her two signature dishes; Nasi Kerabu Ayam Percik and Nasi Dagang in her very own friendly Belanga at Gardens, Mid Valley City! |
 |
1. What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture or to make significant changes in an existing business? How did the idea for your business come about? My flare in cooking, creativity and passion for food are my main driver for me to be in this food business. I started to venture in the food business during my late 20s, with The Zee’s Special Steaks in Taipan as a statement of proof to the skeptics that I am able to do it. When I saw an opportunity in KLCC, I felt that there was a huge potential market for authentic Kelantanese culinary. From there, the concept of Kelantan Delights was born as a normal food court outlet and in a short period of time, it transformed into a full running restaurant occupying quite a good space in KLCC. Moving on from there, my passion for authentic Malay food triggered me to start Belanga. |
2. What were the biggest challenges when you were starting as new entrepreneur?
Being a new entrepreneur, the competition was the main issue. To deal with it, I direct my full focus to the quality of the food, my secret recipe, the innovation of food concept, and the presentation. Besides that, customers were very important to me. I have to study them in order to meet their long listed needs.
3. What is the best part of being an entrepreneur?
I am very fortunate to be able to do something I enjoy; innovating new dining concepts, bringing in new and westernised Malay cuisine, understanding the customers, nurturing my Belanga to grow further. There was one time when a mat salleh took a video and snapshots of my restaurant and showered me with some encouraging compliments, and I felt very happy to be able to capture not only the Malaysian, but the foreigners as well. Right now, I am in the midst of conducting planning to expand my business via franchising as well as building a central kitchen. I would like to see myself to be person to help other new budding restaurant entrepreneur and guiding them to grow.
4. Describe your typical day?
Most important, I have to make sure that the team is functioning to my expectations every day. Besides, my typical day is all about conducting training, purchasing supplies, and making sure that the food is cooked according to the recipe. During certain time of the day, I conduct research and some paperwork to prepare for my expansion.
5. What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
During my earlier days at The Zee’s Special Steaks, I faced problems as I was lacking in knowledge in dealing with the Western culinary. Coupled with some funding problems, The Zee’s Special Steaks was brought to a halt. Besides, I was also unable to sustain the business for Kelantan Delights. Again, it had to close as well. These lousy experiences wrecked and shattered my courage to move on. However, being a strong person, I learnt to fight for my own rights and improving my knowledge through networking with people, openness for ideas, and persistence.
6. What three pieces of advice would you give the BestFoodJunction.com readers who want to become entrepreneurs?
• In business self-confidence is important. You should not be discouraged by listening to disheartening criticisms. Beat the criticisms by showing that, you are indeed the best!
• You have to improve on your past mistakes. And take your own pace to upgrade yourself.
• Be eager and humble to seek new knowledge, ideas and innovations in this fast paced in this modern world.
7. Is there any pattern to be a successful entrepreneur?
There’re no shortcuts to become a successful entrepreneur. Life is not a horizontal line… my life is filled with
many zany and valuable experiences. Hence, I always believed in hard work and persistence during the climates of obstacles and trials.
8. Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My children; they‘re always so inspiring and provide me continuous support throughout the events of my life. I am indeed very proud of them!
