From Adversity to Empowerment: Norhanisah’s Journey as a Woman PWD Entrepreneur

Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges in business, from gender biases to financial barriers. For women with disabilities (PWDs), these challenges are often compounded by accessibility limitations and societal misconceptions.

Yet, women like Norhanisah are proving that resilience, knowledge, and support systems can drive success.

Born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or Brittle Bones Disease, Norhanisah has overcome physical limitations, industry biases, and financial struggles to build a thriving business. Her journey is a powerful example of how inclusive entrepreneurship can create opportunities for women PWDs to achieve financial independence and economic empowerment.

Breaking Barriers as a Woman PWD Entrepreneur

Norhanisah’s early entrepreneurial journey began with selling cookies and handmade crafts. In 2018, she pursued her passion for beauty, becoming a professional makeup artist.

However, as a woman and a PWD entrepreneur, she faced several obstacles:

• Skepticism about her skills – Clients questioned whether she could deliver high-quality services.
• Financial challenges – Professional makeup tools required significant investment.
• Gendered expectations – Women entrepreneurs often struggle to access business funding and market visibility.

Determined to challenge these barriers, Norhanisah sought ways to refine her business model and prove her capabilities.

Transformation Through the R.I.S.E. Program

Norhanisah’s breakthrough came when she joined the R.I.S.E. (Reach Independence and Sustainable Entrepreneurship) program, an initiative by Maybank Foundation and supported by us at People Systems Consultancy (PSC).

Designed to empower PWDs, the program provided:

? Entrepreneurial training tailored for PWDs

? Financial literacy training to enhance financial independence

? Business growth strategies to expand their enterprises

This support helped Norhanisah turn challenges into opportunities, diversify her income, and scale her business sustainably.

Diversifying Her Business for Long-Term Success

Through the Blue Ocean Strategy module, she learned how to differentiate her business and avoid direct competition in a crowded market.

She expanded her brand by:

• Selling makeup tools and accessories alongside her beauty services.
• Bundling makeup services with product sales, creating a unique business model.
• Leveraging online sales, allowing her to serve a broader customer base.

This diversification not only increased her income but also strengthened her business resilience.

Building a Digital Brand as a Woman Entrepreneur

The Sales Strategies module introduced her to digital marketing and brand positioning. Through TikTok and social media, she:

• Created beauty tutorials, demonstrating her skills to a wider audience.
• Engaged with potential clients, breaking down skepticism about PWD entrepreneurs.
• Became a trusted beauty professional, attracting more customers.

As a woman entrepreneur leveraging digital tools, she built a strong brand identity, gaining recognition beyond her immediate community.

Reviving Her Handicraft & Food Business

Beyond beauty, Norhanisah revived her handmade crafts and food business, applying strategies from the Business Operational Planning module to:

• Sell at bazaars and online platforms
• Offer custom-designed semi-precious stone bracelets
• Expand her baked goods and snacks business

This diversification gave her financial security, ensuring multiple income streams.

Beyond Business: A Leader for Women PWD Entrepreneurs

Empowering Other Women in Business

Norhanisah is not just building her own success—she’s lifting other women up.

She offers free makeup workshops to family and friends, sharing skills that can help other women, especially PWDs, generate their own income.

By mentoring aspiring women entrepreneurs, she’s playing a direct role in fostering financial independence for other PWD women.

Achieving Financial Independence

Her business success has enabled her to:

? Contribute to her family’s finances

? Support herself independently

? Invest in mobility aids, vitamins, and healthcare

Investing in Health & Well-being

Living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta means chronic pain and fatigue. Many PWD women struggle to afford healthcare, but thanks to financial literacy and income stability, Norhanisah can:

? Purchase vitamins and pain management supplements

? Invest in ergonomic business tools

? Plan for long-term health security

Her economic empowerment as a woman PWD entrepreneur ensures that she can continue growing her business while maintaining her health.

Women PWD Entrepreneurs Leading Change Across ASEAN

Norhanisah’s success is not just an isolated story—it reflects the growing movement of empowered women PWD entrepreneurs across ASEAN.

The R.I.S.E. program has trained and supported women PWD entrepreneurs in:

?? Malaysia

?? Indonesia

?? The Philippines

?? Cambodia

?? Laos

These women, like Norhanisah, are breaking barriers by building sustainable businesses, proving that financial independence is possible for all, regardless of gender or disability.

By equipping them with financial literacy training and entrepreneurial skills R.I.S.E. is helping women PWDs become business leaders, creating a more inclusive economy.

A Future of Inclusive & Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Women PWD entrepreneurs are changing ASEAN’s economic landscape. The success of Maybank R.I.S.E. participants like Norhanisah proves that:

? Investing in women entrepreneurs creates economic impact

? Financial inclusion strengthens marginalized communities

? Accessible training programs enable long-term business success

Want to Learn More?

Norhanisah’s journey is just one of many within Maybank R.I.S.E. To explore more about how the program is transforming lives:

?? Visit the Maybank R.I.S.E. page on the Maybank Foundation website here.

?? Learn more about implementation and impact on the People Systems Consultancy (PSC) webpage here.

Together, we can continue empowering women PWD entrepreneurs and building a future of financial inclusion and economic independence across ASEAN.

#MaybankforASEAN #ForAllWomenAndGirls