KOTA KINABALU: For some, a hobby is simply a pastime. For others, it can grow into a source of income and pride.
Take Polina Nain, for instance, who discovered by chance that her favourite pastime could support her family.
What began as a way to fill time during the Covid-19 lockdown has since evolved into a full-fledged livelihood sustaining her family of seven.
The 41-year-old mother from Penampang, who runs Ninidot Borneo Craft, is among the local artisans showcasing their creations at the Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia – Sabah (SKCCM) at Imago Shopping Mall, a three-day event ending Sunday (Nov 16) and marking the carnival’s final stop for 2025.
Nain recalls picking up her craft almost by accident in 2020.
"I started experimenting by watching YouTube videos. It was just a hobby at first, something to do while staying at home. But friends encouraged me, and one thing led to another. The rest, as they say, is history," she said.
Her first creation was a simple pair of dangling earrings inspired by traditional Nyonya and Kadazandusun motifs.
Today, her collection includes necklaces, bracelets and customised beadwork, with some intricate pieces taking up to an hour to complete.
"Necklaces are the most challenging because the designs must be symmetrical. Earrings are the easiest. A small one might take 20 minutes, but bigger colourful ones can take much longer," she said.
Nain said she landed a spot at SKCCM after a friend pulled out at the last minute, but she is grateful for the opportunity.
"I am not complaining. Events like this help promote my work and let me earn a little extra," she said, adding that she frequently participates in cultural exhibitions, especially during Kaamatan.
She said the experience has been fulfilling, adding with a laugh: "I enjoy it. It keeps me going, and it helps my family. Who knew a simple hobby would turn into a full-time job for a housewife like me."
A few steps away, Norlizah Muis, 45, from Kampung Lasau Podi in Kota Belud, showcases Kapingkiss, a Kadazandusun term meaning "the first wonderful taste in your mouth".
Her venture began as home-based catering for office meetings and gradually evolved into a bottled sambal business reaching customers nationwide through Shopee, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.
"The feedback was very positive. People kept asking for more, so I decided to take it seriously," she said.
Her husband, formerly an accountant, now helps with production while she focuses on marketing.
"When we got married, my husband moved from Shah Alam to be with me here. He struggled to find work for about a year, and that was when we decided to seriously pursue the sambal business," she said.
Without support from any agency, the couple used their savings to set up a small workshop near the Polytechnic Business Centre in Sepangar.
"The first two years were really tough, but giving up was not an option. Once, a group of tourists from China bought all my products … they had been ‘kopingkiss-ed’," she joked.
The carnival also drew visitors searching for travel deals and exploring the diversity of local crafts and cuisine.
Litty Jomboh Anthony and her husband Barnabas Sokial, both 73, attend every year to plan their family Christmas getaway.
"Last year we camped by the river in Keningau, so this year we are checking for the best deals again," she said.
Rosalind Jaimin, 42, said she was equally impressed by the variety of local crafts.
"It is nice to see local talent getting this platform. I ended up buying more than I planned," she said with a laugh.
The Sabah edition of SKCCM features 79 booths under one roof, including 39 travel booths, 31 food and beverage vendors, and nine local craft exhibitors.
Visitors can explore discounted travel packages, regional cuisines and handmade souvenirs from 10am to 9pm.
A key highlight is the official launching ceremony on Saturday (Nov 15), officiated by Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, who is expected to highlight efforts to boost domestic tourism and position Sabah as a must-visit destination for Malaysians.
SKCCM-Sabah also features live performances by popular local artistes and traditional cultural dance showcases, creating a vibrant space for both artisans and travellers.
