Author: JOAN CHEN
Company: FRANEVYNS BEAUTE INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD
Profession: Beauty Services Industry
Position: Sales Marketing
My story may not be extraordinary, but it is a genuine reflection of my journey of growth, perseverance, and transformation over the years.
I have been with La’Derm for the past 17 years. To this day, I vividly remember my first job interview—it was on April 1st, April Fools’ Day. Whenever I mention it, people often laugh and ask, “Is that true?” For me, however, that day was no joke. It marked the beginning of a life-changing journey, as if destiny had quietly opened a new door for me. Looking back at the young woman who stepped into the company with uncertainty, nervousness, and hope, I now realize that true growth can only be cultivated through time and experience.
I have always held myself to high standards. Whether at work or in life, I strive to approach every responsibility with sincerity, commitment, and excellence. To others, I may appear calm, gentle, mature, and independent—someone who can handle challenges with composure. Yet only I know that this journey has never been easy. There were moments of confusion, self-doubt, and overwhelming pressure when I silently carried every burden alone. I learned to hide my vulnerability because I understood that some responsibilities could only be shouldered by myself, and some paths had to be walked alone.
These 17 years have been far more than a career—they have been a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. I have experienced exhausting days, demanding challenges, and the satisfaction of seeing my hard work recognized. I have witnessed the realities of human relationships, while also being deeply touched by genuine kindness and sincere support. Through every obstacle and every lesson, I gradually became more independent and learned how to find my own direction amidst the complexities of life.
Over time, I have come to understand that growth is not about suddenly becoming strong. It is about choosing to rise again after every setback, disappointment, and even moments of emotional breakdown. Success does not always come immediately, but I firmly believe that no sincere effort is ever wasted. Every challenge shapes us into stronger, wiser versions of ourselves.
Many people see me as rational and resilient, believing that I always have everything under control. The truth is, I get tired too. There have been countless nights when I questioned myself, wondering, “Have I done enough? Am I good enough?” At one point, the stress even caused severe insomnia. Yet I refused to give up. Deep inside, I knew that I wanted more than simply getting through life. I wanted to build a stable future, enjoy the freedom to make my own choices, and have the ability to care for my family and the people I love.
Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported and encouraged me throughout this journey. My deepest appreciation goes to my family, my employer, my colleagues, and all of my trusted business partners. Your encouragement, trust, and companionship have made every step of this journey possible.
As I look ahead, I will continue to embrace every challenge with courage, keep learning, keep growing, and strive to become the best version of myself.