Home Beauty #SapotLokal: It’s all about the lashes and boosting confidence with MLab

#SapotLokal: It’s all about the lashes and boosting confidence with MLab

by Grace Sundram

MLab was founded by 4 ladies that all hailed from the same beauty academy, Sense & Style. As a team, Elaine, Constance, Sabrina and Aijia decided to open up their own beauty salon that screams sisterhood. Over at MLab, you might have heard of their popular service which is the Yumi lash lift and tint, however, the beauty parlour also offers different services such as eyelash extensions, eyebrow waxing & tinting, eyeliner, eyebrow and hairline embroidery as well as bridal makeup and hairdo. We at 2CENTS had the chance to speak to one of the co-founders named Elaine Tan as she shared with us her passion for the industry.

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Born and raised in USJ, Subang Jaya, Elaine always enjoyed making people look beautiful whilst helping them feel confident about themselves. Before she dwelled into the beauty industry, she knew that it would be a risk as the industry in Malaysia used to be very frowned upon. However, as time went by, she realised the industry is booming and there is a demand which makes others appreciate it more as it is a form of art. Perfect for creative minds just like her and her friends.

What are the biggest misconceptions people have about the work you do?

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That we are over-charging for our service. It’s true! But the products we use are high quality, we take years of practice to master what we are good at now!

What are the most unforgettable memories and unspeakable challenges that you have faced in your career?

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Unforgettable memories were the peak of the lash lift trend and being able to meet so many people and celebrities, teaching courses for beauty salons and being featured in the newspaper! The challenges faced was when the trend slowly died down, and that was when I needed to think out of the box, come up with more services and ideas to help my business grow.

How do you cope with rejection? Both professionally and personally.

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Acceptance. There will always be failures and rejection everywhere you go. Know your conviction so that you are able to accept it in a positive manner and move on =)

Share with us something that you’re working on improving about yourself and how will that help with your goals?

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Small habits! Being consistent and keeping busy. I feel a lot of people can have a good start but not go the long way. Consistency is the key! Also, keep busy always, because time is short and you want to make the most out of every opportunity!

Do you have any life-defining moments that have shaped you into the person you are today?

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Yes, I’ve always thought I could never excel in anything since I wasn’t doing so well academically growing up. In college, one of my college lecturers said that they loved my work but I just needed to work harder. That was the first time someone has ever believed in me, and from then on I realised I needed to start believing in myself as well!

Throughout your career, were there any regrets? If yes, what would you re-do if you could go back in time?

Yes, many! I would change my choice of friends. Mainly ’cause a lot of my time was wasted with them when I could have excelled earlier but instead, they were holding me back.

How did your parents influence you to be the person that you are today and what lessons and values can you share with us?

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Unfortunately, some time back my parents were not supportive of what I did. In the end, that is what made me a fighter to fight for my passions and dreams. It also has made me the independent person I am now today.

What advice would you give to those who have a passion in the same industry as you?

Never give up. Keep up with the trend and know that the beauty industry is ever-changing, as it changes so will we. We need to enlarge our capacity to learn more! Don’t do it for money, do it for the end result.

What makes you excited when you get to work? Do you have a mantra or life quote that you go by?

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What makes me excited is my passion! Love what you do! My life belief is to always enlarge your capacity to do more, and be better – be it in work or personal life!

During the MCO and even RMCO, how did your business cope and how is business now?

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Definitely difficult but thankfully, we have savings which helped us pull through and we also sold lash and brow serum to cover the months we had no customers!

Lastly, how do you stay true to yourself and what’s your definition of success?

Know your conviction, because some success may seem small to others but is a big success in your heart. That’s all that matters.

MLab

Hours: 9am – 7pm

Address: A-1-06, Eve Suite @ Ara Damansara, Jalan PJU 1A/41 47301 Petaling Jaya

Pictures by Elaine Tan & Bash Clothing

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