SHE could not ignore it any longer – her inner compass was telling her it was time for a purposeful switch in careers. This was when Ummi Khaltum Junid decided to quit a steady job in a multinational company to begin her journey of self-exploration.
“For the past ten years, I worked in a 9am to 5pm environment, leaving me feeling trapped in a fast-paced lifestyle, disconnected from nature and our surroundings. “We seem to be constantly viewing the world through screens, and I realised that this was no longer my passion,” says the Malaysian-born batik artist.
The life-changing move ultimately resulted in the establishment of DuniaMotif, a homegrown batik canting (hand-drawn) label using natural dyes. Driven by a desire to learn more about batik and natural dye-making from around the world, Ummi began working with natural materials and subsequently, kitchen waste – helping her discover a sense of calm and purpose, while reducing environmental footprint.
For those starting with limited funds, Ummi shares that passion is the ultimate driver for long-term personal and business growth as it forms the foundation for truly understanding and valuing the work. —DuniaMotif
“My work had evolved—not just from natural dye-making, but to recognising the potential of creating colours (for batik motifs) from everyday waste.
“This journey led me to work closely with communities, aiming to minimise our environmental impact. I feel a responsibility to learn about the materials I use and how to incorporate them sustainably into my crafts,” she shares.
She soon discovered her niche, which was highlighting the art of slow craftsmanship and its deeper meaning.
For those starting with limited funds, Ummi shares that passion is the ultimate driver for long-term personal and business growth as it forms the foundation for truly understanding and valuing the work.
Noting the importance of balancing core values with adapting to changing trends, Ummi says one should view moments of uncertainty as opportunities for growth.
“It can be difficult to remain authentic while trying to stay relevant in a competitive market. I maintain sustainability in my business by keeping expenditures minimal and using waste materials as my primary resource. Instead of consuming new materials. I focus on transforming waste into opportunities.”
Recognising that this is still a niche market in Malaysia, Ummi has incorporated education into her business model by hosting workshops and collaborating on community projects to raise awareness about the importance of reducing waste.
“This approach not only sustains my business but also encourages others to see value in sustainability. For other startups, combining resourcefulness with community engagement can be a powerful way to create lasting impact.”
Hoping that her work in crafting could raise awareness among Malaysians about the importance of sustainability, Ummi notes that DuniaMotif aims to inspire other businesses to adopt holistic, sustainable practices.
“Partnering with like-minded individuals or businesses not only strengthens your mission but also helps expand your network and reach. By staying committed to sustainable practices and fostering collaboration, you can create a business that is both meaningful and impactful.
“The long-term goal is to lead the natural dye movement in Malaysia while continuing to innovate within the realm of traditional craft-making.
“Ultimately, our vision is to set a new standard in the industry, showing that environmental responsibility and artistic excellence can go hand in hand,” Ummi emphasises.
