Entrepreneur’s determination boosted by BEEP-plus

16 March 2024

By Nabalu News Journalist

PENAMPANG: A successful entrepreneur possesses several key characteristics that contribute to their success and this include decisiveness, persistence, confidence, passion, vision, flexibility, risk-taking, networking, open-mindedness, and empathy.

However, these ventures require strong financial support, and that's where SME Corp through TUBE and BEEP Plus step in to provide assistance. Cassandra Timothy, the entrepreneur behind Cazel's Skinworks at Wisma Langat in Penampang, has this to share about her entrepreneurial journey from her humble beginnings with limited funds.

To pursue her passion for skinworks, she first completed a series of short-term courses to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. Cassandra understood the importance of being well-informed and passionate about her products before venturing into business.

This was especially true as skinworks deals with human skin. This includes Eyebrow and lips embroidery, and eyelash extensions, all cosmetic procedures related to enhancing the appearance of the face. These procedures are often performed by trained professionals in specialised beauty salons or clinics. They can help individuals achieve their desired aesthetic goals and reduce the need for daily makeup application.

Eyebrow embroidery is a procedure where semi-permanent pigment is implanted into the skin to create the appearance of fuller, well-defined eyebrows.

Lips cosmetic tattooing, is a procedure where pigment is applied to the lips to enhance their colour, shape, and definition. It can be used to create a more even lip tone, add definition to the lip border, or achieve a desired lip color.

Eyelash extensions are synthetic or natural fibers that are individually attached to the natural eyelashes to create the appearance of longer, fuller, and more voluminous lashes. The extensions are typically applied using a semi-permanent adhesive and can last for several weeks before requiring a touch-up.

She also carries out body massages, assisted by two professionals in the comfortable establishment with a relaxed ambiance. It was not always like that though. In the past she had to do everything on her own, assisted by her mother, whom she trained in the massage and beauty care.

“In 2016, I joined SME Corp TUBE 3.0 where I acquired RM17.5k. This money went into my training in esthetic as well enhancing my skills and services. I also joined Pitch Borneo in 2017 and won RM20k and this too went into enhancing my services,” she said, adding that the present outlet cost RM30K in making it presentable as a beauty skin care centre.

She shared that she also applied for Bumiputera Enterprise Enhancement Programme (BEEP) Plus, which was initiated by the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative Datuk Ewon Benedick. His Ministry had allocated special grants for Bumiputera entrepreneurs in Sabah and Sarawak called BEEP Plus.

The SME Corp channeled the grant under the Micro MADANI programme to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) throughout the country, he has stated.

She has been listed as a recipient for BEEP Plus funding, although she had not received the funds yet at this time of writing. She shared that the funds will go towards enhancing her facilities and services, such as the purchases of massage beds.

“I am very grateful for being in the list of recipients and I hope that the assistance through BEEP Plus will continue indefinitely, as it can help aspiring entrepreneurs and is of great encouragement to us all. I thank the Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick for initiating BEEP Plus. He has done a lot for us here,” she stressed.

On her opinion about aspiring entrepreneurs, she said they should know their products and be committed to whatever type of businesses they embarked on. She also advices them to know basic accounting so they could manage their finance well.