Drive past Sunway Giza and you can’t miss the bright red front of Melissachens, the new spa by skincare veteran Melissa Chen. It could be easily written off as yet another spa chain, but what most people don’t know is that the woman behind her namesake spa has 27 years of skincare expertise with an impressive resume. Melissa Chen is behind some of the longest running spa brands in Malaysia, including Dermalogica, Leonard Drake, Aster Spring, and was the Chief Technical Advisor for cosmetic brands like Averine, Bioxil and Clinelle. Tongue in Chic sat down with this self-made skincare entrepreneur.
1. How did you get into the skincare business in the 80’s?
As a young girl, I loved looking at beautiful women and beauty products & trends. My family at the time was living hand to mouth; my father had failed in his business, so I wanted to come out to work as soon as possible. My aunt invited me to join her direct-selling business and by travelling and learning I realized that I really wanted to help women look and feel good about themselves.
2. How did you go from direct-selling to owning the Dermalogica franchise?
After being a pure product salesperson, you slowly realize that you all you know about skincare is the product. I wanted to know more, so I had to go and study about skin conditions, etc. Along the way I stumbled across Dermalogica, which was able to give my clients real results, especially for those with problem skin. The product range 30 years ago wasn’t well segmented and I felt that I could turn it around, and did.
3. How do you stay relevant in the skincare industry?
You must stay in touch with what your customer needs.
4. What are the most important qualities a female entrepreneur has got to have?
Determination, a killer instinct, innovation and passion.
5. Natalie Massanet, the founder of net-a-porter, gave this entrepreneurial advice to women: “Choose the right husband and nanny and then don’t worry about a social life.” Do you agree?
Yes! And get a good cook too!
6. Every month there is a new skincare fad. How should a young woman navigate her way around these new fads?
Honestly, it’s very tough. But the one thing you can do is educate yourselves. Attend workshops and understand that different skin has different needs.
7. What is your beauty philosophy?
Get good sleep, be happy and have a good skincare regime that can support, repair and nourish your skin.
8. What is your personal beauty regime?
Regular facials! I have facials 1-2 times a week. At home, I cleanse every day, do a soft peel every alternate day and then finish with an instant hydration masque as I shower. I’m always multi-tasking! After that I tone, apply my serum then moisturize. You must be disciplined.
9. What are your beauty tips?
1. Go for facials regularly, 2. Have a good home care regime, 3. Have discipline to care for your skin, 4. Exercise and drink a lot of water.
10. True or False: Organic products are better for your skin.
Not really, no. Organic products can sometimes be lacking in certain boosters that are important to certain skin types.
11. True or False: Never pop your pimples because it will scar.
If you don’t pop it, it will leave scars too! You have to, but it should be professionally done.
12. True or false: It’s okay to sun-tan as long as it’s before noon.
Skin has memory, so it depends on how long you are in the sun for. Early morning sun is best, and never for more than half an hour.
Melissachens can be found at :
Sunway Giza Mall, Block C, C10G Jalan PJU5, Kota Damansara | Tel: 03-6140 6437
S117C, 2nd Floor, 1 Utama Shopping Centre,
No.1 Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama,
Damansara, 47800 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor
T: +603-7727 1093
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissachens
Website: www.melissachens.com
