Whether it’s a wedding, birthday party, fashion show or a corporate dinner, since 2016, De’Laman Event Space and Management has made its mark to become the number one event space and management company. The famous event space that is located at Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam has already made a huge stride in the industry where they hosted a wedding reception of a famous comedian, Tauke Jambu Maharaja Lawak. Due to their outstanding exposure and credibility, clients normally have to booked 6 months prior to secure the venue. However, behind all the fame not many aware the venue is owned by a young entrepreneur.
Donning a navy blue blazer with a charming smile, Nik Muhammad Fitri Bin Mustafa or better known as Fitri Mustafa is a man who has a positive character and
Extensive experience
Fitri who completed his Diploma in Theater and Animation in UiTM proved that nothing is impossible with great dedication and passion. After completing his Diploma, he then took a drastic turn by taking a
His first job gig was as an advertiser in a notable media company, Utusan Media. After several years, he then joined an oil and gas company polishing his skills in sales marketing. Talking about his nonparallel career movement, he explained that he just wanted to grab any job opportunity offered when the economy was at stake. “I never regretted my decision as I believed all the experiences prepared me to be who I am today,” he said.
I always wanted to be an entrepreneur since before. Be my own boss
Without any knowledge in managing event, it didn’t hinder him from pursuing his passion. Coming from a family with a background in corporate catering, the brought up somehow exposed him to the event management industry. “My parents do corporate catering and it’s different than managing wedding event. But, I slowly picked up the skills and decided to start my own business in managing event,” he shared.
Never let your past determine your future
Behind the friendly smile and charismatic appearance, not many know the other side of him. He was once caught at the lowest point in his life which shaped who he is today. Asking about the traumatic experience, Fitri refused to elaborate more about it as it left such a big impact on his life. “ I believe in this verse ‘every hardship comes ease’. So I told myself not to cry or questioning the event. That’s the moment when I realised I need to start fresh and do something. After much thought, I decided to venture in business as it has always been my passion,” he expressed.
The beginning of everything
Talking about his drastic career move, he uttered that he got an offer from his friend together with a small amount of fund. Without thinking twice, he accepted the offer and never look back afterwards.
“We started with a small-scale budget. With that money, I secured the location, renovated the whole building and planned everything.” Indeed, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Initially, there were four business partners in total, but slowly two of his business partners left but that didn’t stop him from thriving the business. “It was really hard at the beginning but I managed it. I must say I’m proud of myself to be able to pull it through.”
I won’t lie, everything wasn’t a smooth-sailing since the beginning. I dealt with a few cheaters before but I didn’t give up
In tackling the biggest obstacles in managing events, Fitri shared that fulfilling clients’ need is the biggest nightmare. “We work hard to provide the best services, but it’s not easy to make sure everyone happy. In event management, you have to work with many people as in the caterer, the photographer, the bride and groom, the family, but so far, all our customers gave positive feedback.”
Rising and moving forward
“De’Laman had successfully organised a wide range of events from the VIP list. We do host a fashion show, birthday party, gathering and so on,” shared Fitri who is proud to host a wedding ceremony of a famous comedian Tauke Jambu Maharaja Lawak.
Passion and interest are the most important elements in starting a business
Although De’Laman commenced its business in August 2016, they have successfully challenged competitors in Klang Valley area in providing top quality service with affordable price. “I believe that De’Laman can compete in this fast-growing industry with our high-quality services and package that we offer. As long as we deliver a great service, customers will always come and seek us.” He added that since the commenced of De’Laman, the demand is always high and they sometimes had to decline clients’ request!
Do everything with a purpose
When asking about his secret tips in managing business, he shared that the most important element is to have a strong passion. He also mentioned that parents’ blessing is really important and that what has helped him to go through everything.
I won’t be here without my parents’ blessing. That’s the important thing that motivates me
Talking about his future plan for De’Laman, they will continue to spread their wings in Klang Valley area. “Starting this year, De’Laman will be known with a different name, which is as ‘EW EVENT WEDDING & CATERING in providing event management that caters large-scale locations.”
He ended the interview with a line of advice to all young entrepreneurs, “if the opportunity is right in front of you, grab it will it last. It may come once in your life and you don’t want to regret it.”
