Instagram may have started out as a medium to share photos and videos, but it somehow has grown to be much more than that. Many young entrepreneurs and individuals have successfully used the social media platform to either kickstart or further expand their products and brands.
These are entrepreneurs who use social media to the max!
1. Vivy Yusof, co-founder of Fashion Valet and The dUck Group
Datin Vivy Yusof is an entrepreneur and the co-founder of Fashion Valet and The dUck Group. Starting as a blogger, she has been actively shared about her life and entrepreneurial journey through her personal blog.
Interestingly, Fashion Valet was founded when she was 23 years old. Now, Fashion Valet is a multi-million dollar company with over 150 employees and carrying 500 fashion brands. They have warehouses in Malaysia, Jakarta, Singapore and basically ships parcels daily to customers all over the world.
Being a Gen-Y, Vivy knows how to tackle the potential market. With over a million followers on Instagram, she actively uses the platform as a tool to interact with her fans. She’ll keep her feed updated with an ‘outfit of the day’ post and make sure to tag all the outfit worn by Fashion Valet. Making it easier for her followers to buy the same piece as her via Fashion Valet website. Great marketing strategy huh?
2. Shalma Ainaa, founder of SHALS
Some might know Shalma Ainaa through Astro programme. She is a TV host for HLive and also a TV producer. After a few years of hosting, she then took a break to continue her studies at the University of Middlesex taking fashion course.
Upon returning home, she decided to start her own clothing brand together with her sister – SHALS. SHALS is a clothing brand that has expanded to include a range of ready to wear, accessories and handbags. Inspired by the traditional technics and silhouette, SHALS combines the elements of the modern and minimalist aesthetic.
As a new kid on the block where the competition is really high, she knows the best way to amplify her brand. Using her influence with over 160K followers on Instagram, she markets her brand and builds her own fans. Now, the team is growing and they even have a physical store. They also have expanded to ‘SHALSMEN’ clothing line for men and have their own market in Brunei.
3. Dahlia and Luqman, founder of SO.LEK Cosmetics
SO.LEK sets a great benchmark for a local product that has achieved such a great milestone. Promoting lip matte, SO.LEK is a homegrown product with Halal certified and approved by KKM.
Founded by two siblings, Dahlia and Luqman, Dahlia shared that she was inspired to venture in the industry when she went to local pharmacies in New York City and amazed how affordable were the cosmetics sold there without jeopardising the quality of the product. Hence, SO.LEK Cosmetics committed to give their best in terms of service and product quality and to retain very affordable pricing.
SO.LEK Cosmetics are available at Guardian, Isetan, Parkson Play Up, Robinsons and Fashion Valet. It required a lot of effort to be where they are today and social media play a huge part in making it happen.
