Ever wondered what it’d be like to hit millionaire status in your youth? It’s a dream many have. There’s this one story that really hits home—it’s all about starting from scratch, facing challenges head-on, and hustling hard.
It’s the kind of tale that gets you pumped up, showing that no matter where you start, you can make it big in the entrepreneurial world.
Meet Munashraf Munawar, a young entrepreneur whose journey from hardship to millionaire status is nothing short of inspiring.
At just 23 years old, Munashraf has already built a thriving company called Biovet, valued at RM26 million and employing nearly 200 individuals. But getting there wasn’t easy; it took perseverance and determination to overcome the obstacles along the way.
Sell imported sneakers at 15 and kerepek at 19
When Munashraf was just 15, he dove into entrepreneurship by starting a dropshipping business. He sold sneakers imported from China and used social media to reach customers, making profits of RM10 to RM15 per pair. Even when he took a break at 17 to focus on school, his drive to succeed never wavered.
“I used social media to sell the shoes, both to my friends and the public. I made between RM10 and RM15 per pair of shoes,” he said.
Once Munashraf finished his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam, he jumped right back into entrepreneurship. He began as a product agent for ‘kerepek’ (crackers), starting from scratch, reported NST.
Whether he was selling chocolate jars on the roadside or representing different products, Munashraf was determined to sharpen his marketing, sales, and business management skills. While others relaxed, he was busy seeking out ways to improve his entrepreneurial know-how.
“I did direct selling, hawking chocolate jars by the roadside. I also became an agent for ‘kerepek’ (crackers) and keropok cheese. Whatever there was to be sold, I sold it,” he said.
“I learned how to do marketing, sales and closing. I looked for companies which I could become an agent for,” he added.
RM1 million in sales at the age of 19
Despite facing setbacks along the way, Munashraf encountered a profound loss when his mother passed away.
Yet, it was the unwavering support and encouragement from his parents that kept him going. Inspired by health issues among his friends’ pets and the lengthy queues at veterinarian offices, Munashraf saw an opportunity to create his own line of pet products. And so, the journey of Biovet began.
“I began looking into the idea of creating my own range of cat products,” he said.
With careful market research and sheer determination, Munashraf introduced Biovet’s line of cat vitamins, which took off quickly, bringing in nearly RM1 million in sales within the first year.
By the time he was 19, he had reached his first million, showcasing his relentless commitment and entrepreneurial skills. By 21, his contributions to income tax exceeded RM500,000, establishing him as a young entrepreneur making substantial economic impacts.
‘If you don’t have a vision, you will do things half-heartedly‘
Munashraf chalks up his success to a few things: having a clear vision, being willing to learn, not giving up, and getting solid support from family and his team. He says having a vision is key – without it, you’re just going through the motions.
Right now, he’s all about expanding Biovet and making it the biggest vet hospital in Malaysia. And he’s not letting haters get to him; he’s sticking to his vision no matter what. Even though he’s already achieved a lot, he’s still pushing himself and is currently studying law.
“If you don’t have a vision, you will do things half-heartedly. Even now, my vision is to expand Biovet as far as I can and to build the largest veterinary hospital in Malaysia.
“Also, don’t give up. Let people say what they want. Do what it takes to achieve your vision,” he concluded.
