Last 17th February, I just celebrate my birthday like an old fashion. Well, you know going to work like normal people. That day just like any other day, I supposed. Then by lunch, my Iman Group team surprised me with a Panda Cake! Well, not really a cake with a panda on it, but with a writing of ‘Happy Panda Day’ on it. No matter what, I’m really happy & grateful for it.
When I went back home after work that day, I have some times to reflect. With Kuala Lumpur’s ridiculous traffic jammed, I’m able to reflect for 1 HOUR!
As I reflect, many things come to my mind; I’m 25 years old now, what have I achieved so far? Some of my friends already got married & have kids. Some of them have secure job with big company and it got me thinking.
I have to admit. Sometimes, I feel quite insecure with myself & my future because I’m in own business. So in order to pull myself up from very dark corner full with negativity, why not I listed some of my biggest achievements & goals that I have achieved so far 🙂
1) CEO of Iman Group
I still remember being the youngest member at Iman Shoppe (our Islamic Bookstore) team. I was their Marketing Executive. There was only 4 of us with a big dream. Since we’re a start up company, we do just about everything ourselves! You name it, we’re the cashier, we’re the sales assistant, we the marketers, and we did everything together. And the best of all, we’re learn about the business together. So I knew it was a special place like no other.
After 2 years working at Iman Shoppe, I know there is no way I’m going to work somewhere else. Although sadly, the original 3 members of Iman Shoppe have left due to personal reasons, I’m the only one who stayed. Nevertheless, we manage to open up another 3 companies, with 8 peoples working together to achieve something bigger than all of us.
We have published in total of 18 books in a span of 1 years and we’re going to joined of the biggest book fair in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair this year.
It’s been a bumpy road, but hey if it’s a smooth road, it’s not something worth to mention/remember right?
2) Holding a Professional Certificate
Never in my life, I dreamed about this moment; going up to the 47th floor of the tallest twin tower of Petronas to received my professional certificate. The one thing I learned in this business is that we’re never stop learning. Even successful people like Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates & Richard Branson never stop learning even they’re already a billionaire.
I always follow the update of Peter Gould. No, not the writer & producer of Breaking Bad. But Peter Gould, a Muslim Graphic Designer from Australia. I always interested in design & arts since I was in high school. But I never had the talents to draw like an artist.
So when Peter Gould came to Malaysia to taught about Business Branding and Design in 4 months Professional Certification program organised by IKSB (Irfan Khairi Sdn. Bhd) and will be awarded by Federation University Australia, I jumped in straight away. I didn’t really care how much the program cost, I just want to join in. I want to learn.
Our company’s founder always reminded us that there are 2 things that you wouldn’t regret invested in:
- Knowledge
- Networking
This certificate is one of my biggest investment and I didn’t regret it at all!
3) Volunteer my energy & skills for IKRAM Malaysia (NGO)
Alhamdulillah, praise to Allah I’ve been given opportunity to become committee member of media for IKRAM Wanita Malaysia & committee member of social media for IKRAM Selangor.
One of my life goals is to dedicate myself for charity and spread the Deen. And with the bless from Allah, I got to do it through my own passion & hobbies which are photography and social media marketing.
Now, there are many ways we can contribute to charity and Islam. It doesn’t have to be just money (although it can make a different) but I think with your own expertise and skills to help other people out can actually make a huge impact.
And that feeling, it’s indescribable.
4) Going snorkelling for the first time!
What I can say, I never been to snorkelling in my entire life! So last year, for our company retreat we have decided to do something a little bit different. Since all of us never been to , why not? Although the journey was not really pleasant but as soon we got there, it was all forgotten.
What I can say, I never been to snorkelling in my entire life! So last year, for our company retreat we have decided to do something a little bit different. Since all of us never been to Pulau Tioman, why not? Although the journey was not really pleasant but as soon we got there, it was all forgotten.
Since all of us been working hard through the year, going snorkelling is definitely the best gateway activity ever! You don’t have to know how to swim since you can wear safety jacket. It was fun and exhausted but an amazing experiences to all of us!
Not only that, in some ways, the retreat has bonded all of us. Suddenly, we become more closer & we’ve become more clear with our company’s vision when we go back.
Highly recommended activity for your small/start-up company!
5) Be an awesome aunty to my twin nephews
Seriously, being an aunty to these twins is been really fun & full of excitement. Honestly, I always wondered how it feel to have a twin children or twin nephews/nieces.
Now I know. I hate to admit this and I love them very much but I don’t want to take care of them. Ok, I’m not that bad, I’ll take care of them occasionally, sometimes, rare times.
Nevertheless, it’s been a blast birthday for me this year. I know some of my achievement is not much but the most important is I’m really proud of it. Here’s of my favourite quote;
So, what is your biggest achievement to date? It doesn’t have to something big. Most important is that you’re proud of it 🙂
My passions are da’wah, business, travel & photography. Connect with me through my Blog, Facebook,Twitter, LinkedIn,Instagram, or Youtube.
Hi, my name is Arinah. 