Suzzane Francis: A journey of passion and entrepreneurship

25 October 2024

By AVV

PENAMPANG: Suzzane Francis, 50, from Kampung Hungab, here has cultivated a deep passion for plants, flowers, landscaping, and handicrafts, though not necessarily in that order. She has turned them into a lucrative venture.

Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2003 when she borrowed RM10,000 from TEKUN Kota Kinabalu.

She has since paid off that loan and had then approached TEKUN Penampang for another loan. She secured a loan of RM20,000 in 2021 and has paid off that one too. She loaned an additional RM40,000 this year to go towards developing her business further.

Suzzane's foray into landscaping started in 2007 that include garden maintenance for both residential and commercial properties. Notably, she completed the landscaping for government departments and private companies, transforming landscapes from scratch.

Her portfolio also includes landscaping for private homes, including those of prominent individuals in the Penampang area, all of whom have expressed satisfaction with her work.

Her skills were honed during her stay in New Zealand, where she learned the intricacies of landscaping.

Unlike gardening, which primarily focuses on plant maintenance, landscaping aims to create aesthetically pleasing and functional outdoor spaces. This involves a comprehensive understanding of various site characteristics, such as soil type, drainage and sunlight exposure.

Creating a sustainable landscape requires careful plant selection, taking into account color, texture, and type to enhance visual appeal, she shared.

Effective landscaping is a thoughtful design process that balances aesthetics with functionality, ensuring that the layout of plants and hardscaping elements meets the specific needs of the space.

“Additionally, landscaping offers numerous environmental benefits, such as improving air quality,” she added.

Suzanne's projects range from beautifying gardens for notables.

A politician had his landscape done for RM20,000 while a celebrity's home was done for RM49,000.

Her largest undertaking was a RM300,000 project involving the delivery of 300 trips of Grade A cow grass to Kimanis Petronas.

Conversely, her smallest job involved decorating a garden with potted plants, demonstrating her ability to work within various budgets. Clients can visit her shop at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) building to discuss their landscaping needs. She also has an outlet at Dongonggon Square called Sue Garden Centre.

Her team consists of five dedicated staff members, all from Paitan District, who previously worked in plantations. Together, they share a commitment to delivering quality work.

In addition to landscaping, Suzzane has a passion for handicrafts, which she began exploring long ago. She enjoys embroidering and creating jewelry, such as earrings and necklaces, using carefully selected beads—often sourced from Kalimantan for their superior quality. She also sells massage oils, including the renowned “minyak urut Ibu Dayak” from Kalimantan.

Furthermore, she offers customised packaged gifts for clients, allowing them to choose items for special occasions, including government functions, all beautifully presented.

The RM40,000 loan from TEKUN will be invested in a wood shredder, an essential tool for managing yard waste effectively.

Suzzane emphasises that shredded wood can be transformed into useful mulch, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable outdoor environment. This practice not only benefits landscaping projects by keeping soil moist and discouraging weed growth but also aligns with her vision of reducing landfill waste.

"I have seen this being done overseas, especially in children’s playgrounds," she notes, highlighting her commitment to innovative and environmentally friendly practices.

She is quite successful in her business garnering an approximate of RM20,000 nett a month depending on jobs procurement.

She said young entrepreneurs can venture in business although they have to be resilient and be persistent in running a business as it can be quite challenging.

“You can approach TEKUN for assistance and advice,” she said.

In summary, Suzzane Francis embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship through her dedication to landscaping and handicrafts, creating beautiful and sustainable outdoor spaces while also contributing to her community through her artisanal products.