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How a PNM Mekaar account officer became a successful young entrepreneur
Gravit is one of Mekaar's National Civil Service account officers (AO) and a recipient of of Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM). Still in her early 20s, Gravit is already a young entrepreneur
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ravit is one of Mekaar's National Civil Service account officers (AO) and a recipient of of Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM). Still in her early 20s, Gravit is already a young entrepreneur. Having joined PNM Mekaar in 2019, she has opened two coffee shops and one ice distribution business in Situbondo, East Java. Setting aside her income as AO, Gravit started taking steps to raise capital for her coffee shop business.
Visiting Jakarta in 2022, Gravit shared about her earlier struggle. She admitted that her family had experienced serious economic difficulties. Following an unfortunate incident, Gravit and family became victims of fraud. Even though she is still young, she feels a sense of responsibility for the welfare of her large family.
Reaching more than 63,900 PNM Mekaar companions since June 2023, Gravit decided to join the organization herself. Her daily life accompanying customers who are mothers indirectly added to her own knowledge of entrepreneurship, starting from disbursement activities through to business assistance at every weekly meeting. Finally, in 2022, Gravit succeeded in establishing three coffee shops through her own hard work.
"Since the pandemic, the challenge was the reduction of employees. I have never laid off [staff], I will definitely fight for the coffee shops, but mostly for personal reasons," she said. Gravit said that now her coffee shop survives in two branches.
Never discouraged, she told the story about the ice distribution business she had been running for the past three months. “The turnover is pretty good, even though I'm still [working as] an agent [for Mekaar], the coffee shop here brings the ice cubes to me. There are also employees who help," she added.
Gravit believes that problems in business are common and solutions can be found through problem solving. Since she first decided to open her coffee shop business, Gravit considered business opportunities in Situbondo, her hometown. At the time, "ngafe" (café) places were still very rare.
Even though she faced challenges, to the point where she had to close one of her coffee shops, there were always new business opportunities. Therefore, the ice cube business has actually reaped a huge profitable turnover.
The question that often arises is why Gravit is still working as an AO for Mekaar.
"[My mother] always reminds me not to forget where you come from, don't be like a peanut that forgets its skin. My initial capital came from PNM. Apart from serving, I also want to grow in this field,” Gravit smiled while reminiscing about the start of her career.
Not only is it creating prosperity for herself and her family, Gravit’s coffee shops have opened business opportunities for friends and residents around them. Several of her friends who had just graduated from high school and needed more income were embraced by her. Some of Mekaar's PNM customers have also become her employees.
At the end of the discussion with Gravit, she added, “I am always grateful that I am one of the lucky ones to join Mekaar's community. These benefits are not material things, but connections, knowledge and experience which are much more valuable.”
For those of you who are in Situbondo or on vacation within its surroundings, you can enjoy Gravit's coffee shop by visiting Azalea Resto and Café on Jln. Argopuro No.100A, West Mimbaan, Mimbaan, Panji, Situbondo Regency, East Java.
