Amutha Subramaniam, the founder and director of HERS Manufacturing, at the age of 47, embarked on an entrepreneurial adventure with no prior knowledge of e-commerce on Alibaba.com. Although she had decades of experience in supply chain and logistics, she didn’t know how she could make a living online but she believed the Internet was her future.
In the first two years of her business, she faced the daunting reality of making no sales. However, rather than succumbing to despair, she chose a different path – the path of learning by visiting the MATRADE office in Kuala Lumpur almost daily.
Armed with bucket-loads of ambition and a fierce eagerness to grasp the intricacies of online selling, Amutha dedicated herself to acquiring the skills necessary to navigate the world of business-to-business e-commerce through MATRADE’s seminars and workshops.
What makes Amutha’s journey truly inspiring is the fact that she started with zero capital and minimal knowledge. Following a divorce, she moved herself and her daughter from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur, the heart of Malaysia’s business landscape.
As a single mother striving to build a business, Amutha faced numerous challenges. Yet, she refused to let her circumstances define her. Her tenacity and willingness to step out of her comfort zone set her apart and gradually, she started to see the fruits of her labor when someone online took a chance on her, asking to purchase bottled water.
That was the beginning of her online business.
Today, HERS Manufacturing is a thriving 7-figure business. Specializing in exporting food and beverages to the Pacific Islands (which many don’t have any inkling about nor where the islands are on the world map), Amutha has carved a niche for herself in the competitive world of e-commerce. Her journey exemplifies the adage that age and initial setbacks are no barriers to success.
Amutha’s ambition and her desire to do everything “big” extends beyond her current achievements. Despite acknowledging the challenges, she is setting her sights on the African continent for further expansion. Her willingness to explore new territories showcases a fearless entrepreneurial spirit that knows no bounds.
“The sky is the limit, never give up” – these words are the backbone of Amutha’s philosophy. She believes that regardless of challenges, persistence is key and there is no limit to what one can achieve with determination and learning.
Amutha draws inspiration from Jack Ma, the visionary founder of Alibaba. She believes in the transformative power of e-commerce and the potential it holds for business growth.
When she is occupied with business, she is an avid reader of Jack Canfield’s books, finding inspiration in his principles of success and personal development. Additionally, her love for music, especially from artists like Marcus Miller and Eric Clapton, provides a much-needed respite for her entrepreneurial endeavors.
Amutha has also rekindled her passion for singing, a hobby that brings her immense joy.
An interesting facet of Amutha’s journey is her distinction as the first Indian woman selected as a silver lecturer by Alibaba.com. This recognition not only underscores her expertise in the e-commerce sector but also positions her as a trailblazer in her community.
Amutha’s story serves as an inspiration for those who are willing to take the necessary steps to turn those dreams into reality.
The essence of this podcast lies in the belief that each of us carries a powerful story within ourselves. These stories have the potential to inspire other women to embark on their own ventures, be it a business or a movement. Amutha’s journey from zero sales to now running a multiple million ringgit business is a wonderful story that we can all learn from.
If Amutha’s story has resonated with you and sparked inspiration, I encourage you to share this episode with your friends. Let’s spread the motivation and empower more women to achieve greatness!