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A Day in the Life of a Home-Based Skincare Business

In the heart of a bustling city, a dedicated Muslim woman runs a thriving home-based skincare business from her four-room HDB flat. For safety and cultural reasons, she serves only female clients, adhering to her values while providing personalized facial treatments. Her unique journey, shaped by personal challenges and a passion for skincare, offers a glimpse into the life of a resilient entrepreneur balancing work, family, and ambition.

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A Unique Setup for Success

The layout of her HDB flat is ideal for her business. “When I saw the layout plan, I was fascinated,” she says. “It’s perfect for my facial room because it’s separate from my personal spaces.” Her treatment room, dubbed the “Face Canvas,” is a cozy yet efficient space filled with essential supplies. Though compact, every inch is maximized for functionality. She dreams of expanding with more advanced machines to offer clients additional treatment options, which would also boost her revenue. “If I had more space, I’d definitely invest in more machines,” she shares, noting that some equipment allows her to charge premium rates.

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Challenges of a Home-Based Business

Running a home-based business comes with unique hurdles. Many suppliers initially dismissed her, assuming home-based operations lack the purchasing power of larger salons. “One supplier told me they don’t sell to home-based businesses,” she recalls. “Even though we’re licensed, they see us as less serious.” To overcome this, she attended trade expos to source quality products, moving beyond the school supplies she used in her first two years. Her persistence paid off, and she now carefully curates products to meet her high standards.

Another challenge is balancing work with motherhood, especially during school holidays. Her young son, who attends student care on regular days, stays home in June, occasionally interrupting her work. “He’ll ask, ‘Are you done?’ or wander around,” she says with a laugh. To keep him occupied, she assigns small activities, like coloring, rewarding him with small incentives. “I tell him to sit quietly so clients can rest,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of creating a serene environment for her customers.

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A Typical Day

Her day begins early, getting her son ready for school by 7:30 AM. Once he’s off, she has the day to focus on her business, typically serving three to four clients daily. Each session starts with a warm welcome, followed by a thorough skin analysis and treatments like hyaluronic acid with peptides. Between appointments, she manages her son’s screen time, ensuring he sticks to approved activities like playing Minecraft. “I let him know when to stop,” she says, maintaining a balance between discipline and flexibility.

During treatments, she ensures a professional experience, offering clients water or tea and following up a week later to check on their progress. Her schedule is packed, with bookings secured two months in advance, a testament to her skill and reputation built over a decade in the industry.

A Journey Rooted in Family and Resilience

Her path to entrepreneurship was inspired by her mother, a facialist who hosted clients at home. Growing up, she assisted with small tasks like changing water, sparking her interest in skincare. After working as a management support officer, she felt unfulfilled and decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps. “I told my mom, ‘You’re retiring soon; I’ll take over.’ She insisted I learn properly at a school,” she recalls. In 2011, while working, she enrolled in a night course to become a licensed therapist.

Her journey took a dramatic turn when, at 23, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. “I had to stop everything for six months during chemotherapy,” she shares. The experience was a wake-up call, motivating her to pursue her passion fully. After completing four cycles of treatment and recovering, she dedicated a year to gaining thousands of hours of experience, earning her certification. “I was young and felt I hadn’t done enough,” she says. “That pushed me to start this business.”

Building a Legacy

Now, ten years later, her business is thriving, and she’s grateful for her loyal clientele. “I’m fully booked for at least two months,” she says proudly. Her mother, who inspired her journey, beams with pride: “She worked very hard, and now she has a lot of customers. I’m happy for her.”

Looking ahead, she dreams of expanding beyond the constraints of her HDB flat. Current regulations limit her ability to hire external therapists, as only residents can operate the business. “I’d love to open a shop and collaborate with others, like someone who does manicures or lashes, to create a beauty hub,” she envisions. She also aspires to mentor others and host skincare workshops to diversify her income.

Balancing Work and Family

Despite her success, she values family above all. During the last week of June, she intentionally keeps her schedule free to spend with her son, who she feels compromises during her busy workdays. “We rarely take him out, so this is the best time to let him feel the sun, sand, and nature,” she says. These moments of connection, whether playing outdoors or enjoying a holiday break, recharge her for the demands of her business.

Her story is one of resilience, adaptability, and heart. From overcoming health challenges to navigating the biases of a home-based business, she has carved out a successful niche in the skincare industry. With dreams of growth and a commitment to her family, she continues to build a legacy—one facial at a time.

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