KUALA LUMPUR: As the world celebrated International Women's Day recently, single mother Fazlianti Omar recalled all the challenges she had faced and was counting her blessings.
The mother of two had experienced a bitter divorce last August, and was left in the lurch to fend for herself and children.
Not only was she left penniless but Fazlianti had to cope with the mental and emotional stress from the divorce.
Fortunately, Fazlianti, 37, gathered her strength and courage to fall back on what she had been best at the past 20 years – working at or running an eatery.
Thus, with whatever little finances she could garner from loans, the gutsy lady successfully established Fazlianti Corner at Dataran Selera Perda, Simpang Ampat in Seberang Prai, Penang, last November.
"I decided the safest bet was to turn back to what I knew best for since I left Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jabi, I have been involved in the food business.
"I guess I have been passionate about it and that has always been the easiest way for me, suiting my lifestyle.
"The start-up had been very difficult having to deal with the company's registration and with a paltry income, no thanks to the Movement Control Order (owing to the Covid-19 pandemic).
"My business was largely reliant on factory workers in the vicinity," Fazlianti told The New Straits Times.
Fortunately, she added, she was introduced to the online food delivery company Foodpanda.
"I am every grateful to companies like Foodpanda which has helped me to greatly increase my sales and revenue with a steady stream of orders - supplementing my income, increasing it by 50 per cent," said Fazlianti, who hails from Kampung Keriang Kenora in Pokok Sena, Kedah.
Relating her divorce, Fazlianti said that she felt lost following the episode.
"At that time, I was helping my ex-husband run a restaurant owned by him, for several years.
"After the fallout, we lived separately and me and my children were not financially supported by my ex-husband.
"I had nightmares wondering how to survive.
"That is when I decided to venture out on my own," said Fazlianti, adding that with the easing of the MCO, business was picking up.
Asked how she was coping with her operations, Fazlianti said that running her own restaurant gave her the flexibility needed of a single mother.
"Because I own the business, I am able to choose my own working hours and ensure I have enough time for my children.
"For the time being, I can open up late in the morning, only after sending my children to school.
"Then, there is a short break after lunch, for me to fetch them after school," said Fazlianti, who single-handedly runs her restaurant, making about RM1,500 monthly.
Fazlianti added that over time, her children had comprehended the difficult family life they were enduring.
"We took it all pretty badly, initially.
"It was quite a struggle to come to terms with the situation.
"When it came to juggling my business and looking after my children's welfare, I had to make them understand what was going on and ensuring they were appropriately cared for," she said.
Fazlianti added that although she was far from successful, she was grateful to be able to fend for herself and her children – son Muhammad Afif Syahmi, 15, and daughter Nur Anisa Ilyani, 14.
Fazlianti said that once her business had stabilised with a comfortable source of income, she intended to hire one or two workers to help her out.
"This way, I can operate my business for longer hours while I can cater more for my children's needs.
"Also, with a bigger team, I will be able to offer a greater menu with new and trendy dishes.
"I hope by then, more people can find out about my restaurant and come try my food," said Fazlianti.
At the moment Fazlianti's Corner offers nasi ayam at RM5; mee curry at RM4; laksa at RM3.50; mee kicap Ipoh-style at RM5; char ho fun at RM6; and sizzling mee at RM6 a plate.