ISMAIL Yusoff was one of those who lost their jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, instead of breaking him down, it ignited his entrepreneurial spirit to start a small phone repair business from home in Kampung Chawas, Tanah Merah in Kelantan.
The 24-year-old, who was born with a lower limb disability and uses a crutch to help with mobility, has proven that one can overcome challenges with determination.
When he lost his job at a smartphone repair shop in Johor Baru, Ismail found himself worrying about his future.
“I was in a difficult spot, but with the support of my family and friends, I turned a skill for repairing phones into a business,” he told Bernama.
With other job opportunities limited, he started offering phone repair services to family members and close acquaintances.
Word spread fast in his village and it didn’t take long for Ismail, also known fondly as Mail Totey, to build up clientele from Tanah Merah as well as areas surrounding the district.
It has become his main source of income, supplementing his monthly financial aid from the Welfare Department (JKM).
A lack of a phone repair shop in the area gave Ismail the opportunity to leverage his expertise and today he repairs up to four smart devices per day.
“I started small, but I have big dreams,” said Ismail.
“One day, I hope to open a shop with modern equipment.
“My disability may present challenges but it will never stop me achieving my goals,” he added.
