COVID-19 period was like a stepping stone for Larut to move forward, because when we first started we didn’t have much experience so we learned from mistakes and moved through the challenges. When COVID-19 striked, we had more time to develop Larut.
Adi Rusyaidi, Founder Larut Co.
Assalamualaikum, my name is Adi Rusyaidi. I am the co-founder of Larut Co.
How was 2020 to you?
2020 was quite a challenge but alhamdulillah through the hardships and challenges I faced, and the personal experiences that I gained, I am looking forward to a better year.
Were you affected by COVID-19 and how?
Personally, my job was affected. I had to work from home but that was a blessing in disguise because I had more time to focus more on Larut. Because of COVID-19, we had no choice but to be at home more, thus it gave us more time to focus on the company.
COVID-19 period was like a stepping stone for Larut to move forward, because when we first started we didn’t have much experience so we learned from mistakes and moved through the challenges. When COVID-19 striked, we had more time to develop Larut.
How did Larut start?
The idea of Larut came overnight, during my trip to indonesia. The idea to start a business started ever since university years, my friends and I had dreams to open a cafe or a restaurant. So when I had the opportunity in Indonesia, I figured, “why not I start selling coffee?” as that was where and when I fell in love with coffee.
What is your reaction to the support given?
Alhamdulillah, I was very happy with the amount of support I received, be it via purchases, kind words and assistance in sharing and promoting.
I believe support is not solely from purchases but in many other ways as well, so alhamdulillah, in any way you have supported Larut, my team and I are touched with the all of the support given. We first started by sharing to our own families, close friends then our circle grew until what it is now. Even non-muslims buy our coffee, alhamdulillah! Without your support, we wouldn’t have managed to reach this far. Do pray that we continue to always move forward.
Plans for 2021
I have a lot of things in mind, but mostly to focus on Larut, trying to give the best and as much as I can, to move Larut forward with the blessings of your prayers and support.
Words of advice for those who worry about job opportunities?
I understand it’s a very tough time for everyone, but from what I have personally learnt, I am still doing okay even though I had to quit my job during COVID-19, alhamdulillah. You should believe in yourself and see what you can do. Do anything that you can, if you have a car, do delivery, if you’ve got skills to edit videos, then take up projects. There are many things that you can do! What more in this pandemic period, where there is a higher demand in skills, so your work should not only be limited to permanent full time jobs. You can also try to widen your scope in attaining sustenance, and In sha Allah many opportunities will come to you, if you have the right intentions. In sha Allah, Allah will make it easy for you.
Scribed by: Firdaus Sedek
Edited by: Sharifah Inshirah Aljunied