Author: Melodii Leong
Company: Dreamwork Builder Sdn Bhd
Profession: Real Estate Value Enhancement and Spatial Integration Planning
Position: Founder & CEO
From a Life Burdened by Debt to Becoming Someone Who Creates Value
There was once a time in my life when I felt completely lost.
I still remember being in my twenties, going through one of the hardest periods of my life. At that time, I was earning less than RM2,000 a month, yet I had to help carry my family’s debts while supporting my mother-in-law and younger brother. There were even days when I could not afford my car instalments, and I had to secretly hide my car at night, fearing it would be repossessed by the bank at any moment. The helplessness and anxiety I felt back then are something I still remember clearly today.
But it was also during that difficult season that I truly understood the meaning of responsibility.
With the understanding and support of my boyfriend, and with my family depending on me, I told myself that my life could not remain this way forever. To change our situation, my boyfriend and I started running small stalls together — selling at the morning market and continuing again at night markets. During that period, I only slept three to four hours a day. Looking back at old photos now, I realized I had once become so thin that I weighed only 38 kilograms.
Even though life was difficult, I never rejected any opportunity to earn a living.
I always believed that as long as I did not give up, life would eventually change. I often reminded myself:
“Children without umbrellas are the ones who learn to run fastest in the rain.”
Later, I stepped into the sales industry. While others worked eight hours a day, I worked twelve to fourteen hours, because I knew that if I wanted to change my destiny, I had to work harder than everyone else.
Because of that persistence, my life slowly began to transform completely.
Not only did I manage to clear all my debts, but I also bought my first and second properties. I later became a co-founder of a property sales company, and today, I run my own design and renovation company with a growing team, brand, and business system. Most importantly, I was finally able to free myself and my family from the constant fear and uncertainty we once lived with.
Looking back, my greatest realization is this: life will not stay in darkness forever. What truly determines the outcome is the mindset you choose to carry through the journey.
If you are currently struggling, trying your best to survive and move forward, please do not give up on yourself. We are all here to experience life, and every challenge carries meaning. As long as you continue believing in yourself, your future will always hold endless possibilities.
May every woman who is striving to live, to build, and to grow, find the courage to shine in her own way.