Author: Candy Loh
Company: SPIC International College
Profession: Beauty
Position: Tutor
At the age of sixteen, during a school holiday, I accompanied my family on a trip to Kajang to visit relatives. What seemed like an ordinary family visit quietly became a turning point that would shape the direction of my life.
One day, I followed my mother to my aunt’s beauty salon. She was preparing a bride for her evening wedding reception. As I watched the bride transform in front of the mirror—from nervous and uncertain to confident and radiant—I felt something deeply moving within me. At that moment, I realized that helping someone look and feel their best during one of the most important moments of their life was an incredibly meaningful and fulfilling experience.
At that time, I had no clear vision for my future. Yet that single moment sparked a strong interest in the beauty industry. My aunt explained that beauty was much more than makeup; it required extensive professional knowledge, technical skills, and continuous learning. Inspired by her words, I spent the rest of the holiday experiencing life in the salon. From welcoming clients to learning basic skincare treatments, every day strengthened my passion and gave me, for the first time, a sense of direction and purpose.
After the holiday, I returned to school and completed my studies. Two years later, I came back to Kajang to formally train under my aunt and learn professional beauty techniques. Among all the skills I acquired, massage therapy became my favorite. Seeing clients relax during treatments and leave with genuine smiles brought me immense satisfaction. Their trust and appreciation became the driving force behind my commitment to the profession.
However, two years later, life presented me with a devastating challenge. Due to an uncontrollable health condition, my doctor advised me to leave the profession. It felt like a bolt from the blue. I had finally discovered a career that I loved, only to be told that I could no longer continue pursuing it.
Fortunately, during my darkest and most uncertain period, a friend offered a simple yet life-changing piece of advice: “If you can no longer work as a therapist, why not become a consultant?” Those words awakened a new perspective within me. I realized that the beauty industry was far broader than I had imagined. Success in beauty was not defined solely by technical skills; it also required knowledge, guidance, and professional expertise.
Determined to start again, I devoted myself to learning and professional development. Within a year, I successfully obtained the internationally recognized Global CIBTAC and CIDESCO diplomas. Later, through a fortunate opportunity, I met Ms. Rehneel, the founder of SPIC. She introduced me to the field of beauty education and gave me the opportunity to share my experiences and knowledge with the next generation of beauty professionals.
Looking back, I now understand that those setbacks were never the end of my journey. Instead, they became the turning points that shaped my growth and resilience. My rise did not come from a life free of challenges, but from choosing to keep moving forward after every fall.
If you are currently feeling lost or uncertain, remember this: when one door closes, it does not mean all opportunities disappear. As long as you are willing to keep searching, you will eventually find the path that is meant for you. And one day, when you look back, you will realize that the fearful person you once were has transformed into someone stronger, braver, and more determined. Because true rising does not begin with success—it begins with the decision never to give up.