Ismail admits that he had previously opened various new businesses, such as selling clothes and opening a culinary warung (a stall or shop), which did not last long. He finally decided to open a sembako shop. Ismail revealed to the editorial team that, “Prior to opening up a sembako shop, I opened a clothing store and a restaurant; however, both did not last long. I finally tried to open a sembako shop in a local market in 2011.” At that time, an unfortunate news unfolded. When Ismail’s restaurant had only been operating for just 2 years, the market wherein Ismail makes his living was slated to be demolished to make way for a better-looking market. Upon hearing this, Ismail acted quickly to rent a ruko or shop house situated not far from his old place of business. To put a long story short, Ismail’s business had in fact thrived through the relocation to the shop house. Despite the fact that another sembako shop had already existed within the same area as his shop, people would still prefer to go to Ismail’s shop. Aside from the shop’s complete range of goods, prices are cheaper compared to that of the other sembako shops. His principle of earning less as long as the customer’s request is fulfilled serves as the main reason for his success. Ismail also collaborates with distributors to fulfill large demands thereby goods at his shop are priced cheaper compared to that of the other shops. This was exactly the type of business that Ismail does, who has since grown to become a successful sembako merchant. As of this point of time, Ismail has already had his very own shop house and had, even built a much better house to live in. Ismail concludes the conversation by saying, “Changes will naturally occur, but it all depends on how we manage our finances. If we are able to manage them well, then the result will surely be a positive one, and vice versa.”.jpg)
