Her first attempt, an online plant-selling business, failed to take root. Her fortunes changed when an alumni community began collecting used household goods to distribute to people affected by the pandemic.

Among piles of cracked glasses and plates that could no longer be sold, Zulhaida saw an opportunity. She decorated the items with cords made from used fabric and sold them online, donating part of the proceeds to charity. Her first two decorated glasses sold for Rp 100,000 (US$5.64), encouraging her to explore other discarded materials.

During a visit to a relative, she discovered flower arrangements made from corn husks. Intrigued, Zulhaida taught herself through online video tutorials and began collecting discarded corn husks from traditional market waste bins.

Her early efforts were imperfect, but a social media post attracted buyers and gave her business a new direction. A senior craftsperson later became her mentor, helping her improve her techniques and develop products that were more durable and resistant to mold.

She named the business Aida Craft. Wedding and birthday celebrations became opportunities to give away her flower arrangements while promoting her products. Her work eventually attracted local media attention.

The journey was not without setbacks. At several exhibitions, Zulhaida was mocked for selling products made from waste despite her university degree and experience as a teacher. Rather than give up, she joined the Indonesian Handicraft Exporters Association, completed a three-month MSME development program and earned BNSP certification as a handicraft trainer.

In 2024, she joined PNM Mekaar after learning about the program from a neighbor. Funding initially helped her purchase essential production supplies, including pots and glue. PNM’s empowerment programs subsequently supported her business through mentoring, business networking under the Clusterization Program and advanced entrepreneurship training through Mekaarpreneur.

According to PNM’s records, Aida Craft now employs two workers and generates monthly revenue of around Rp 5 million, a significant increase from her first Rp 100,000 sale.

PNM has also provided Zulhaida with opportunities to share her knowledge. She is regularly invited to speak at Business Capacity Development (PKU) activities, traveling to areas such as Berastagi and Binjai to train fellow customers.

Her impact has expanded beyond PNM’s network. When a coastal empowerment program lacked access to corn husks, she began experimenting with plastic waste. Her efforts earned recognition from the Indonesian Waste Pickers Association and enabled her to train 175 women across Medan. She was also invited by Bank Indonesia to Bali to learn more about waste processing.

“Nothing is impossible when we work hard and pray. I started with waste, but I have never felt that my life was waste. Instead, it has been full of blessings,” Zulhaida said.

Today, her home doubles as a training space and is being prepared as a craft course center for people who want to learn, including those unable to afford the full fee. What began as a search for income during the pandemic has grown into a business  and a platform for empowering others.

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