Section 1.1: The Birth of Falmates

After becoming a mother during the pandemic, Afrila struggled to find a job to restart her career. Along with that, she faced challenges as a new parent. These experiences ignited her entrepreneurial spirit.

Her first venture was a pyjama brand named Falmates. During lockdown, many people sought comfort at home, and as a new mother, Afrila wanted stylish, comfortable pyjamas that were also breastfeeding-friendly. This personal need led her to establish her brand just a few months after giving birth, with Falmates being a nod to her daughter’s name.

Her pyjamas quickly became popular and sold out.

Section 1.2: Opening Narassi Coffee

Afrila's desire to open a coffee shop stemmed from her love for coffee and the market potential in Tasikmalaya. In Indonesia, coffee culture is deeply ingrained, with "ngopi" (coffee drinking) and "ngobrol" (chatting) being social staples.

She recognized a lack of coffee shops in Tasik and decided to create a unique space. By analyzing competitors, she developed a distinctive concept, focusing on branding and design. Her coffee shop, Narassi Coffee, features a second-floor glass layout, setting it apart from others.

Section 2.1: Family Influence and Motivation

Afrila's entrepreneurial drive is influenced by her family's background in business. While her husband provides for the household, Afrila believes in earning her own way.

Section 2.2: Balancing Act

To balance her roles, Afrila sets daily targets and schedules her time. She dedicates approximately three hours each day to her business, although this time is often divided due to her responsibilities as a mother. She also uses project management tools like Trello to stay organized.

Section 2.3: Overcoming Challenges

One of the most significant challenges Afrila faces is managing her team. As a startup with limited funds, she hires part-time workers and trains them, which can lead to varied levels of understanding and communication. This is particularly crucial in the food and beverage industry, where service quality is paramount.

However, Afrila's commitment to her goals keeps her motivated, even during tiring times.

Section 2.4: Reflections on Success and Lessons Learned

The most rewarding aspect of her journey has been managing her team and seeing her coffee shop thrive after a year of operation. When asked if she would change anything if given a chance, Afrila confidently states, "Nothing."

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to embrace failure as part of the journey and to start with what they have rather than waiting for the perfect moment.

Section 2.5: Gratitude and Inspiration

Afrila expresses deep gratitude for her mother, whose resilience and independence have been a guiding influence in her life. She aspires to emulate her mother's spirit of self-sufficiency.