KUCHING: Ahirat Irene Abdullah, better known as Irene C, is a name that many in the local community recognised. At 40, her journey has been synonymous with change, growth and embracing new opportunities.
After spending 17 years in the media industry at The Borneo Post, Irene made a brave decision to leave her career in journalism and venture to a new path.
Now, she is the proud owner of Icy Crystalzs, a business specialising in natural crystal jewellery, and for which she is driven by passion and purpose.
Icy Crystalzs sells jewellery such as earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, anklets and also pendants that Irene herself crafted. Irene admits that she never imagined stepping away from her career in journalism.
“I spent nearly two decades in the newsroom, and it was all I knew,” she said.
“But after so many years at The Borneo Post, I started feeling like I needed something different like a change that would give me the space to pursue something I truly loved.” she added It was a difficult decision, but Irene believes it has led her to a place of fulfilment.
“I was always fascinated by crystals, their beauty, energy, and the meanings behind them, so I began collecting them as a hobby long before I ever thought about turning it into a business.” she shared.
A personal interest that evolves into a full-fledged enterprise What began as personal interest gradually evolved into a fullfledged business and soon Irene found herself creating handmade jewellery crafted from natural crystals.
Not only that, for Irene Icy Crystalz isn’t just about selling jewellery but it is something much deeper than that.
“It’s about creating pieces that carry positive energy and can help people in different ways.
“Whether it’s a piece for protection, creativity, or emotional healing, I want my customers to feel a connection with what they wear” she added.
Not only that, Irene adds her own personal touch to her crystal jewellery, which sets her apart from the others.
“I handcraft each item myself, it’s not just about the materials, it’s about the energy, the intention, and the love I put into each design,” she explains Transitioning from a stable career in journalism to the uncertainty of entrepreneurship wasn’t easy, but Irene says it’s been worth it.
“There are challenges every day,” she acknowledged.
“But the freedom and satisfaction of doing what I love make it all worth it,” she added.
However, it wasn’t just the career change that made Irene ventured into jewellery business as the global COVID-19 pandemic was also one of the factors for her to take the leap into entrepreneurship.
“I realised that my collection is too many so I decided to why not remake and try to turn it into a business venture because obviously I cannot wear all of these.
So, I was thinking why not just sell them off,” she explained. Rather than succumb to the difficulties, Irene used the time to reassess her approach and adapt, adding “I took the time to refine my craft, design new collections.”
The post pandemic also forced Irene to get creative with how she approached her business. While many entrepreneurs turned to online platforms during the pandemic and after the pandemic. Irene knows that her true passion lies in the personal connections that she could foster in person.
“I love meeting people face to face and talking to them about the jewellery. “That’s where I really feel the magic happens.
The energy exchange when someone finds the right piece for themselves, it’s just something you can’t replicate online,” she explains.
Nowadays, Irene’s business has been growing steadily and she is also excited with what the future holds for her. Though she now runs her business full time, Irene continues to finds ways to connects with her customers by regularly setting up at La Promenade Mall during first week of every month.
“I pop up at La Promenade every first week of the month,” she said.
Not only selling jewellery, Irene also offers bracelet repair service for customers, extending her dedication to craftsmanship and care.
“I have extra beads or spacers and other accessories that I can add on to make it fit their wrist,” she said Irene also values educating her customers on crystal care and cleansing methods and how some crystals need careful maintenance. Showcasing jewellery and making customers feel valued and connected “It’s a chance to showcase my jewellery and meet new people who appreciate the work I do,” she said.
For Irene, Icy Crystalzs is not just about business, it’s about creating a space where people feel valued and connected.
“The crystals are not just beautiful items, they have an energy that can help guide people and make a positive impact in people’s lives on their own journeys,” she said. Not only that, Irene is also passionate about offering affordable options for those who share the same interest.
“My pricing is affordable. If compared to actual brick and mortar shops, my pricing is very affordable for customers to buy. Irene’s transition from journalist to entrepreneur shows that it’s possible to reinvent oneself and find success in a completely new field.
“This journey has taught me so much about who I am and what I’m capable of,” she said. For those interested in her creations, Irene’s Icy Crystalzs booth can be found at La Promenade Mall every first week of the month. Updates are also shared on Facebook at @Irene Irene.
