Small Steps from Nglinggi Toward an Endless Dream

Perseverance and courage can create promising opportunities. Rani Agung Pujiastuti, affectionately known as Rani, is a strong and creative mother from Nglinggi. For years, she has been familiar with sewing machines, fabrics, and all things related to the garment industry. But her story is more than just about threads and patterns. It is about courage, change, and the spirit of learning amidst limitations. At first,Mrs. Rani worked like many others, until one day the company where she worked relocated to Malaysia. That moment became a turning point, she decided to return home. But she didn’t return to stop; she returned to start anew by continuing her husband’s family business, a pants workshop that had been established since 2008.

In 2021, Mrs. Rani shifted her focus to T-shirt production. This decision wasn’t without reason, it was influenced by her location in Wedi, Klaten, a well-known center for garment production. She named her brand Al Fazza, which means “victorious,” with the hope that her business would continue to grow and thrive. However, most customers know her business by the name Danang Kaos, inspired by her beloved husband, Danang. The name was chosen as both a tribute and a symbol of togetherness in building their family business. With her sewing skills and creativity, Mrs. Rani designs the T-shirts herself. Orders are handled through a pre-order system to match customer needs while ensuring quality. At first, her business grew slowly, relying only on word-of-mouth promotion. She was hesitant to take on too many custom orders due to limited networks and marketing reach.

Joining DIVA UMKM became one of the most important turning points in Mrs. Rani’s entrepreneurial journey. The program was more than just training, but a bridge of knowledge that opened her eyes, especially in digital marketing. Previously, Mrs. Rani had very little understanding of business digitalization. Promotion was only through word of mouth. But after joining DIVA UMKM, she realized how important digital presence is for building a brand and reaching a wider market. "Before joining DIVA UMKM, people only knew my business through word of mouth, because my network was limited. After the training, people found me through Google Business," she said enthusiastically.

Now, she actively utilizes Google Business to showcase her location on digital maps and has begun building a presence on social media. She also applies copywriting techniques to every piece of content she uploads and strives to stay consistent so her business gains greater recognition.

Mrs. Rani’s journey with Danang Kaos exemplifies how small businesses can flourish with perseverance and a willingness to adapt. From humble beginnings rooted in personal connections to a vibrant digital presence, Rani continues to stitch together opportunities with determination and courage.