Author: Goay Hooi Peng
Company: Xuan Secret Beauty Tattoo Academy
Profession: Tattoo Artist/Eyelash Extension Artist/Beautician/Permanent Makeup Artist
Position: Founder
Setting Sail with Beauty, Breaking Stereotypes
My name is Hooi Peng, and I am from northern Malaysia. I am a beautician, eyelash artist, permanent makeup artist, and tattoo artist, as well as the founder of Xuan Secret Beauty Tattoo Academy. I am also a wife and the mother of two children. Through my passion for the beauty industry, I have built a career that truly reflects who I am.
Before 2018, I worked a regular office job while running an online business as a side hustle for nearly ten years, leading a sales team and building a loyal customer base. When the company I worked for closed down, I received a small severance payment of a few thousand ringgit. I used it as my startup capital and took the leap into entrepreneurship.
Out of curiosity, I first enrolled in permanent makeup training. Later, an opportunity led me to learn tattoo artistry, and I quickly fell in love with this creative profession. From that moment on, I devoted myself wholeheartedly to mastering the craft.
In the past, tattoos were often associated with negative stereotypes and viewed as a symbol of rebellion. To me, however, tattooing has evolved into a highly artistic discipline within the beauty industry—one that celebrates individuality, self-expression, and creativity. I have remained committed to refining my skills and proving that excellence can change perceptions. In 2024, I was awarded First Runner-up in the Black & Grey Small Tattoo category at the International Beauty Skills World Cup. In 2025, I won Champion titles in both the Tattoo and Eyelash Extension categories at the IBDR Hong Kong International Beauty Skills Competition. Today, I am dedicated to promoting tattoo artistry and helping more people appreciate its artistic value.
My journey has never been one I walked alone. The unwavering support of my husband and mother has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly. The trust and relationships I built during my years in the online business also provided a strong foundation for my entrepreneurial journey. I firmly believe that passion is the greatest source of perseverance.
I also hope to create opportunities for others through this profession. Many aspiring beauty entrepreneurs dream of starting their own businesses but are not yet financially ready to open a salon. Through my beauty academy and salon, I provide them with a platform where they can learn, gain hands-on experience by serving real clients, and gradually build the confidence and skills needed to succeed. At the same time, I actively collaborate with fellow beauty professionals, integrating resources and supporting one another to elevate the industry together.
My mission is clear: to move tattoo culture further away from social prejudice and closer to artistic appreciation and authentic self-expression. Through my work, achievements, and dedication, I hope to show that tattoos are not labels, but a beautiful form of artistic expression and individuality.
Looking ahead, I will continue to pursue this passion with unwavering commitment, deepen my expertise in the beauty industry, and inspire more people to see that beauty should never be limited by stereotypes or misunderstood.