Hello Mentor EP30 | Adlina Nadirah - On Building a Homegrown Cosmetics Brand in Malaysia: Velvet Vanity
Discover how Adlina Nadirah built Velvet Vanity Cosmetics with self-love, strong team management, and innovative strategies.
By Chloe Chen on 2024-12-02 at 8:21 AM
Updated on 2024-12-02 at 10:03 AM
Adlina Nadirah, a 28-year-old architecture graduate, is the visionary founder and managing director of Velvet Vanity Cosmetics. Established in 2016, Velvet Vanity has become a trailblazer in Malaysia's beauty industry, offering high-quality, locally made products that celebrate individuality and self-love.
Adlina’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident during her university days, where she started an Instagram shop selling imported beauty products. Frustrated by the limitations of importing, she channeled her creativity and passion into building her own brand, one that resonates with customers through its message of authenticity and self-acceptance.
Velvet Vanity is more than a beauty brand—it’s a movement. The name reflects the brand's core philosophy: self-love. Adlina believes beauty should enhance, not change, a person’s natural features. From the product formulations to marketing campaigns, Velvet Vanity emphasizes individuality and confidence.
One of the standout campaigns, "Break the Internet," featured a male model, challenging traditional beauty norms and promoting inclusivity. This bold move not only resonated with diverse audiences but also expanded Velvet Vanity’s loyal customer base across Malaysia and Singapore.
Adlina’s success is rooted in her ability to foster a positive and creative work environment. Her approach to team management includes:
By prioritizing open communication and a supportive culture, Adlina ensures her team is aligned with the brand’s mission of spreading self-love.
Adlina’s journey exemplifies the power of entrepreneurial spirit. Key lessons from her experience include:
Operating in Malaysia comes with unique challenges, such as competing with brands using reseller-based business models. Despite this, Velvet Vanity thrives by maintaining direct customer relationships and leveraging platforms like Shopee to enhance accessibility and convenience.
Adlina also highlights the importance of exclusivity as an indie brand, offering products that are thoughtfully crafted and not mass-produced, giving her customers a sense of uniqueness.
Adlina Nadirah’s story is a testament to the transformative power of self-love, effective team management, and entrepreneurial spirit. Velvet Vanity Cosmetics continues to inspire with its innovative products and bold campaigns, proving that staying authentic to your values can pave the way for success.
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Hello Mentor is a podcast offering candid conversations on entrepreneurship, career growth, and ambition. Each episode features inspiring individuals who share personal experiences and actionable advice.
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By Chloe Chen on 2024-12-02 at 8:21 AM