KOTA KINABALU: Forty-one year-old Siti Fatimah Matali was born without hands and legs but decided not to think about what she does not have.
She believes everyone in the world has a dream, an aspirational dream that could transform to a better live.
“It is not easy for me facing physical obstacles and career rejection but I don’t think disabled people like me should sit alone at home without even trying to do something.
“We cannot predict the future but we can create our own path as long as we dare to set our goals and keep trying to achieve them,” she said.
Despite the fact that she was born handicapped, the strong-minded lady has never given up hope. She started her journey in direct selling with RM5 as capital to register as a member with Avon.
After five years of selling Avon products to her relatives and women in her village, she is now earning RM200 to RM500 net monthly.
RM200 may not be that much for some people, but that is what Siti Fatimah could provide for her family. She is helping her retired parents buy food supplies and even pay water bills.
Siti Fatimah who hails from Kampung Warisan Inanam, is living with her parents. She knows Avon from her mother who was an Avon representative and has been seeing her mother enjoy selling Avon door to door.
He mother is old now and she wants to continue what her mother has done to support their family.
She has found her career and she is loving it. With Avon, she is making lots of changes in her life. She believes she can do better and make a difference in her life.
“I am glad that I have found my career with Avon because of the nature of the job that is so flexible, and what is more, nobody can fire me as I am my own boss.
“I have also built my self-esteem after five years with this company. I now know how to apply skincare products and I also know how to put lipsticks on my lips. Disabled people like me also want to look good and smell nice. I learnt how to take care of myself through Avon,” she added.
Siti Fatimah said she dreams to buy a shop lot one day. She also wants to share her experience to inspire more women to succeed.
“If a disabled person like me can earn money from selling Avon, why are many people complaining about unemployment? I am calling unemployed women who are reading my story to think about their future and career opportunity with Avon.
“Those who are disabled but have the passion to transform their living standard, Avon is the answer. I work independently with the help of my supporting friends and Avon’s zone manager. If I can do this, why not you?”
Siti Fatimah was interviewed by reporters at Le Meridien Hotel yesterday.
Avon as the company for women, has been around for the past 127 years. Its mission to improve women’s lives and is supported by various programs, including credit facilities, car program and holiday incentive programs.