With three startups under her belt, Raeesa Sya, the founder of Orkid Cosmetics is one of the rising youth entrepreneurs in Malaysia's startup scene. She was selected as one of Marie Claire's 10 awe-inspiring women of Malaysia 2017, adding to her list of accolades which also included Tech in Asia 12 under 30 promising SEA entrepreneur 2016 and CLEO Hotshots 30 under 30 2014.
Orkid Cosmetics was founded in February 2017. The brand set out to create halal and stylish beauty products that everyone can afford. Their high fashion matte-suede liquid lipsticks are not just halal, vegan and cruelty-free but also paraben free. Despite being new in the market, they bagged the 'Best Local Matte Liquid Lipstick' award in Cleo beauty awards 2017.
In celebration of International Women's Day 2018, we interviewed Raeesa to learn more about her and the story behind Orkid Cosmetics. Read on the interview below.
The Min List: What inspires you to start Orkid Cosmetics?
The market gap in fun, affordable halal and vegan cosmetics for millenials!
The Min List: What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty is not just on the outside but true beauty shines from within.
The Min List: Which Orkid lip shade that you can’t live without?
I love all the colours! If i have to choose, it’ll be Mars!!!! It give a natural look on your lips but better colour.
The Min List: Do you have any role model?
Yes, Catherine the great, 18th century empress of Russia. Catherine II (1729 – 1796), known as Catherine the Great, was the Empress of the Russian Empire for a period of 34 years from 1762 till her death in 1796, making her the longest-ruling female leader in the history of Russia. By the end of her reign, around 200,000 square miles had been added to the territory of the Russian Empire.
She founded the first educational establishment for women in Russia and the renowned Hermitage Museum began as her personal collection. Catherine II also played a key role in encouraging the Russian Enlightenment, which saw the flowering of the arts and sciences. She is considered one of the greatest monarchs of Russia and such was her impact that the period of her rule is known as the Catherinian Era.
The Min List: Any upcoming plans for Orkid Cosmetics?
We plan to have more distributors globally and create more products. A growing community with like minded #orkidgals would be great too!
The Min List: Any advice to budding female entrepreneurs?
Just do it. Nothing was built in a day. It takes consistency and perseverance. Don’t compare yourself to others but be knowledgeable. Always innovate. Be the leader never a follower. Have your own voice. Most importantly, have impeccable customer service. In order to be great you will have to go through a lot of setbacks. So surround yourself with people who you can trust and smarter than you.
We hope Raeesa's story has inspired you. Whose story are we revealing next? Stay tuned next Thursday!
P.s: If you are interested to purchase Orkid Matte Liquid Lipsticks, click on this link to shop now!