Having spent most of her life as a devoted housewife, starting a business was never part of Madam Jasbinder Kaur’s plans. At least, that was until the pandemic hit in 2020 and Malaysia went into lockdown with the Movement Control Order (MCO). 

Seeing the limited access to essential services and goods, she spotted an opportunity then to fulfil a community’s need, and inspired by her son Mandip’s own achievements in business, she decided to take a leap of faith into building her own enterprise. Through sheer resilience and perseverance, she started PK Grocery, which has since blossomed into a thriving online success on Lazada – a remarkable testament to her inspiring journey from homemaker to entrepreneur.

From Homemaker to Business Owner  

Now in her sixties, Madam Jasbinder never imagined herself as an entrepreneur. “I was already 58 then and had never thought about running my own business. But once we started, I realised just how rewarding it could be,” shared the mother of four. “Seeing our customers benefit from the convenience that we provide and knowing that we’re helping the community has made the experience all the more fulfilling.” 

With Mandip’s encouragement, PK Grocery began as a small home-based endeavour, offering household items to only a close circle of friends and neighbours. Focusing on a niche selection of essential grocery and household items, it first catered to the neighbourhood’s need for high-demand products like toiletries, groceries, home cleaning products and other household items. This secured them a modest income and a steady base of regulars, as well as helped establish their reputation for providing affordable and quality products. As the word spread about the shop, so did the demand. 

A Strategic Move to eCommerce

Seeing her business grow steadily in just over a year, Madam Jasbinder and Mandip soon realised that it had the potential to expand and decided together to venture into eCommerce with Lazada. “Taking the business online was a big step for me, especially since I had no prior experience with technology. Every day was a learning journey, as I picked up the basics of operating an online store, which gave me the confidence to push our limits as a grocery store,” said Madam Jasbinder. 

Learning how to use a laptop and smartphone was challenging at first, but with Mandip’s support, Madam Jasbinder eventually gained the skills she needed to navigate the eCommerce world.  Despite the initial slowdown in sales after the MCO, Madam Jasbinder and her son remained steadfast and committed to growing PK Grocery.  

Adapting to the shifting landscape, they refined their approach and soon took advantage of key Lazada initiatives like its monthly double-digit sales campaigns, which increased the store’s visibility and attracted new customers. The platform’s integrated systems for order handling, payments, and deliveries also made the transition to eCommerce for them smoother than they had expected. Madam Jasbinder expressed, “Whether the sales campaigns are big or small, we always see growth in our business. Lazada’s 11.11 Biggest Sale of the Year, however, is one of the biggest sales of the year and a key opportunity for PK Grocery to flourish on Lazada.”

PK Grocery’s success could also be attributed to the small things Madam Jasbinder practices as part of running the business. A resourceful businesswoman, she found ways to reduce costs and also operate sustainably by using recycled boxes for packaging. Additionally, she also goes the extra mile to make her customers feel appreciated by including a personal thank-you note with each order – a gesture that has resonated warmly with her buyers. 

Madam Jasbinder muses, “We aim to offer the best value to our customers, without compromising on quality. I believe showing gratitude to our customers gives our store a more human and personal touch.”

Her hard work over the last few years has not gone unnoticed, however, and in July 2024, she was invited to speak at Lazada’s Seller Summit 2024 – a moment Madam Jasbinder proudly recalls as one of her life’s milestones. “Being invited to speak at the Lazada Seller Summit was an unforgettable experience. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine myself on stage sharing my eCommerce journey with sellers from all across the country,” she said.

Inspiring Others to Make the Leap 

Now with bigger dreams for PK Grocery, Madam Jasbinder envisions expanding with the opening of another physical store in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, serving a wider customer base beyond her hometown of Ipoh, Perak. Reflecting on her journey thus far, she is grateful for the newfound sense of independence and self-respect that comes from running her own business: “Being able to earn financially has given me a sense of pride – it’s the greatest reward I could ask for.” 

Madam Jasbinder believes that when one is faced with challenges, the key to success is to keep moving forward. “In life, we should always continue to grow and try new things. Don’t be afraid to take the first step. With time, patience, and determination, success will come,” she enthused.

But when things get overwhelming, she has a simple remedy: “I watch dramas to help me relax and calm down,” she added with a smile. 

If there is one lesson to take away from Madam Jasbinder’s journey, it’s that her story serves as a powerful reminder of how it’s never too late to learn something new or to take on a challenge and succeed. With perseverance and grit, an open mind to continuously learn, and the unwavering support of a loving family, Madam Jasbinder and her son have shown that you can not only build a thriving business but also leave a legacy that will inspire generations for years to come.

PULL QUOTE:

“In life, we should always continue to grow and try new things. Don’t be afraid to take the first step. With time, patience, and determination, success will come.”

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Summary: 

This is the inspiring story of Madam Jasbinder and her remarkable transformation from homemaker to successful eCommerce entrepreneur on Lazada during the pandemic. Despite initial challenges with technology, she persevered with her son's guidance and support, and today operates, PK Grocery, which offers affordable household essentials. With a vision of opening a second physical store in Petaling Jaya, building on her business’ success, Madam Jasbinder's journey is of one that embodies resilience, family support, and the empowering pursuit of independence.

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