At 55, former homemaker Rozario is delighted to be running her own small business. “After so many years as a homemaker, it’s something new and exciting. I love to meet people, talk to people.”
Creating natural, handmade products is her passion. And Tan’s passion in turn, is supporting his wife. The 61-year-old, who is retired said he has used his corporate expertise to develop the brand as he wants his wife to focus solely on the creative side of the business.
Rozario said, “I always want to go natural. There are so many chemicals out there. It’s not good for our skin.”
She attended a course on soap making and began experimenting with natural ingredients. She also learned how to make her own essential oil blends.
All the ingredients for their products are locally sourced to keep costs low and support the producers of local products.
Like many first-timers, Rozario said she was nervous about starting a business. But her husband persuaded her to give it a go. At first, they didn’t make much profit but since they kept getting a steady stream of orders, the couple stuck with it.
From one humble kiosk in Amcorp Mall, they now have several kiosks operating in different locations. Soon it became apparent that they would need all hands on deck to manage the increasing volume in sales.
They roped in their daughter Desiree and her husband to help man the kiosks. Desiree also manages the social media aspect of the business, a job that proved invaluable during the pandemic when customers were ordering the products online.
While Manja Skin started off primarily with soaps, their line of products now includes handmade bath bombs and other bubble bath products.
“We want to be the place where in the future, if you think of bath bombs or bubble bath, Manja Skin is where you go,” Tan said, adding that they are committed to keeping their products affordable.
Tan also said that since their products were targeted at the younger generation, it was important to offer different aromas and colour combinations.
Describing her personality as “colourful”, Rozario said she was insistent about infusing the elements of fun and colour into her products as well. “I try different techniques to make the products look appealing. I want them to appeal to all the senses.”
Rozario added that Manja Skin has many repeat customers who have found that their natural, preservative-free soaps help control and reduce skin problems like eczema and adult acne.
“Commercial soaps contain a lot of preservatives. But our soaps are made in small batches and frequently, so it’s always fresh,” she said, explaining that their products have a shelf life of eight months to a year.
“We are truly grateful and thankful for all the support and love from our family, friends and customers who have used and tried our products. All the positive feedback is what keeps us going and motivated to continue producing more and creating new products,” Tan said.
He said he and his wife look forward to every day as they see the business as more like a hobby. “The best business is the one that comes from your hobby. It’s not work anymore, it’s pure fun.”
Tan said that even when they’re both working at the kiosk, or sourcing for ingredients, it’s not because the task requires two people. “We simply enjoy each other’s company and we enjoy running Manja Skin.”
Follow Manja Skin on Instagram and Facebook for updates on their kiosk locations and new products and to place your orders.
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