Underestimated, Ieko Damayanti Conjures Water Hyacinth to Become a Global Product Through BRILian Preneur

www.sahabatalamandycraft.web.id – Almost everyone has a goal in life. For some people, a dream is like a life. In order to succeed in achieving it, they are even willing to put all their strength into stepping forward even though they need to get out of their comfort zone.

Including Ieko Damayanti, a 33-year-old woman has an interesting story in realizing her dream of building CV Sahabat Alam Handycraft, a small and medium-sized business for handicrafts made from water hyacinth with the brand “Ratu Eceng”.

Of course starting a business at a young age is not an easy thing for Ieko. Moreover, he considered himself only a high school graduate who might find it difficult to get a decent job.

From here, he thought of building a business. If possible, build a company that employs many people.

“I started my business in 2008 with a capital of Rp 150 thousand. A 20-year-old girl has a small capital but big dreams but no capital. How can a 20 year old want to have a business with the smallest capital but the maximum profit,” Ieko told Liputan6.com, Monday (3/4/2021).

Ieko’s choice fell on the water hyacinth woven craft business because he considered that his opportunities were bright in the future. Moreover, this raw material is widely available in the surrounding area.

He was self-taught studying water hyacinth webbing. Gradually, his abilities honed. From his skilled hands, various woven handicraft products were born.

Starting from pot covers, tissue holders, various baskets, wall decorations, mats, to chairs and much more. The price of 1 product is priced from Rp. 50 thousand to Rp. 8 million, depending on the level of difficulty and the size of the product.

Looking for Capital

Building a business also requires venture capital. He decided to work part time at a cell phone counter shop. The hope, from here to hold the initial capital.

“To get more business capital, let me work with me first. I worked at the cellphone counter for only 10 days, after that I continued the water hyacinth business to get up again because I had got the capital,” he said.

After his business was running and needed additional capital, Ieko ventured to apply for a loan to the bank.

It was PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Tbk or BRI that finally provided loan assistance. Thanks to venture capital assistance from BRI, Ieko was able to buy a car to transport raw materials and become a tool for participating in various exhibitions.

Not limited to capital, CV Sahabat Alam Handycraft also participates in the BRI Incubator program. In this program, Ieko’s water hyacinth is in the top 10 in Indonesia.

In fact, starting with the BRI Incubator, he was able to introduce his woven water hyacinth to overseas buyers.

“When BRILian Preneur 2019 I was invited and passed by BRI so I could display my products at BRILian Preneur. And that’s where I finally met a buyer from Los Angeles, our marketing is not only to Los Angeles but our marketing, Alhamdulillah, has gone to Japan, “said this woman from Tangerang.

Ieko said he was very happy and grateful to be able to work with BRI. This state-owned bank is very supportive of its business, both in terms of capital, assistance, and training.

“I think it’s not enough just to get here but how this business continues to grow and continues to benefit many people. Thank you BRI for the extraordinary support,” he added.

Empowering Women

MSME entrepreneur, Ieko Damayanti, owner of CV Sahabat Alam handicrafts with the brand “Ratu Eceng”. Special

MSME entrepreneur, Ieko Damayanti, owner of CV Sahabat Alam handicrafts with the brand “Ratu Eceng”.

Ieko realized that she needed to share her water hyacinth weaving skills with other women around her. Besides being able to support their business, they also help the women to be independent by generating income for their families.

“I invite my neighbors to cooperate, what if he weaves later we will work together, and the count of one bag for example is how many rupiahs,” he explained.

As time passed and the number of orders increased, the number of people Ieko taught increased. Not only the village in Sindang Jaya, but also the Ciledug Parung Serab sub-district.

For weavers, Ieko prioritized women. So far, 11 female weavers have helped.

Ieko wants the women around her to have more value in her life and be able to earn money. And can add economic value to the family. Meanwhile, men are empowered to meet the needs of water hyacinth raw materials.

For the payroll system, Ieko applies the target system. It all depends on how much weaver in making the weave. Usually there are those that produce up to