BAU: Combining tradition with entrepreneurship, Annie Nijon, is turning Bidayuh cultural heritage into a growing business, one handmade garment at a time.
As a community postwoman by profession, the 50-year-old has been steadily building her side business since 2021, specialising in hand-sewn Bidayuh traditional wear and beadwork, now showcased at this year’s Gawai Bazaar in Tasik Biru.
“This is my first time joining the Gawai Bazaar.
“It is an excellent platform for small traders like me to reach more customers and promote our cultural crafts,” she said.
At her stall, Annie draws visitors with her meticulously handcrafted sets of traditional Bidayuh women’s attire, each taking up to a week to complete.
Every piece is made entirely by hand, with designs inspired by both social media trends and her own creative vision.
Beyond garments, she also produces accessories such as beadwork and modern tating, the latter being her most popular item during the bazaar.
Annie’s approach is rooted in maintaining cultural authenticity while offering products that meet modern consumer tastes.
Her value proposition lies in offering high-quality, culturally rich items at affordable prices, a key factor that appeals strongly to local buyers.
“All my raw materials are sourced directly from wholesalers so I can keep prices competitive without compromising on quality,” she explained.
Understanding the importance of market reach, Annie also sells her products online, leveraging digital platforms to expand her customer base beyond physical events.
“The online space allows me to reach younger audiences and customers from other regions who may not be able to attend bazaars like this,” she said.
While she has yet to formally mentor others in the craft, Annie recognises the importance of passing down these skills.
She hopes her work inspires younger generations to appreciate and eventually take up traditional craftsmanship.
“The feedback from customers, especially when they praise the beauty and detail of the handiwork, reminds me that our culture has real value in today’s market,” she said.
Looking ahead, Annie hopes for greater institutional support and more opportunities like the Gawai Bazaar to sustain and boost micro-businesses rooted in heritage.
“With the right support, cultural products like ours can thrive not just as art but as a business,” she added.
