Women entrepreneurs share their journey at Lenten campaign event

Mar 28, 2025

KEPONG: The Lenten Campaign 2025 KL North District, organised by the Women Ministry of AOHD, took place at the Church of Christ the Light on March 8. This year’s event centred around the theme Women Empowerment, highlighting the achievements of women entrepreneurs and encouraging them to become Pilgrims of Hope.

The campaign aimed to inspire women who are starting out in the business world to harness their talents, create livelihoods, and expand their impact within their communities and beyond.

For Jeanne Pereira of the Church of Jesus Caritas (JCC), International Women’s Day represents more than a celebration — it’s a call to action, a reminder that when women thrive, entire communities and economies benefit. At 60, Jeanne started her venture, ‘Tastebuds’, and authored the cookbook Cooking Without Borders. Her story serves as a powerful example of perseverance and entrepreneurship.

As an advocate for women in business, Jeanne left the event feeling inspired to continue supporting, mentoring, and uplifting future female leaders.

Janet Ng, also from JCC, began her home bakery during the 2021 lockdown. With the help of her children, who designed the logo and assisted with photoshoots for “My Home Bakery” and “What’s for Tea”, Janet slowly grew her business with just a hand mixer and a small oven. She initially sold butter cakes to friends, family, and neighbours, but business was slow. Janet shared, “On days when I felt discouraged, I would recite Philippians 4:13: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ And that kept me going.”

With the support of her family, friends, and church community, Janet’s business began to flourish. She also encouraged a neighbour, a single mother with three children, to sell her murukku at the church bazaar. Janet believes that empowering and inspiring other women is essential in fostering a church community where “Sharing is Caring.”

Elizabeth Saro from the Church of Christ the Light (CTL) launched her business, ‘Triple Three Stars Trading’, eight years ago. What started as a simple gesture of sharing her home-cooked meals with a neighbour blossomed into a catering business serving ten families five days a week. Over time, Elizabeth expanded her services to cater for engagement and birthday parties. She proudly shared that the income from her business has been essential in supporting her household.

Helena Roberts, a fellow parishioner, began her entrepreneurial journey in 2020 with four friends, selling bottled sambal under the name ‘Achik N Machik Food Products’. Reflecting on her success, Helena attributed it to the three Cs’ — Confidence, Commitment, and Consistency — values that have fuelled her growth in the business world.

Bernedette Anthony from the Chapel of Kristus Aman started selling banana chips in her hometown in Johor, eventually receiving orders from family and friends across other states. After relocating to Petaling Jaya, she expanded her business and founded ‘Celine’s Kitchen’, where she now sells cookies and cakes. Bernedette emphasised the importance of not only family support but also having a good mentor who can offer guidance and encouragement along the way.

The final speaker, Sandra Anne Ghouse, an experienced trainer specialising in empowerment, people development, and productivity improvement, congratulated the women entrepreneurs who had shared their inspiring stories. Sandra delivered an insightful talk on not only growing a business but also taking it to the next level by boosting sales and expanding its reach. She provided numerous examples of both local and international businesses that began from humble beginnings and became highly successful.

Sandra encouraged the entrepreneurs to step outside their comfort zones and explore new opportunities, such as setting up booths at malls or participating in exhibitions to market their products. She also invited aspiring entrepreneurs in the audience to learn from the experiences shared by the speakers and to take the first brave step towards starting their own ventures. Sandra emphasised the importance of believing in oneself and having faith in God.
After her talk, many participants approached Sandra for advice, seeking guidance on how to move forward with their business aspirations.

The bazaar buzzed with activity as participants mingled, chatted, and showed support for the entrepreneurs. New friendships were formed, and many attendees who had been hesitant to take the first step into business were inspired and emboldened after hearing the speakers.

Susan Thomas, Coordinator for the Women Ministry, expressed her joy at the overwhelming support from the KL North District churches, as well as the participants who travelled from various districts, bringing the total attendance to over 80 people.

She also extended her heartfelt gratitude to Fr Peter Anthoney, parish priest of CTL, who did the opening prayer and blessings, and stayed to enjoy the event with the participants. A special thanks was given to Dass Francis and the leaders in the KL North District, whose efforts were instrumental in organising the event, arranging the speakers, and encouraging their parishes to attend and support the gathering. Women Ministry AOHD