Sabahan makes inroads in Japan image - consulting
Published on: Wednesday, September 11, 2024
By: Jessie Lee
Connie at her consulting studio. (Pics: Connie Siaw / @color_me_tokyo)
Kota Kinabalu: In the bustling city of Tokyo, where fashion and image are deeply ingrained in daily life, one Sabahan entrepreneur has made a name for herself by bridging cultural gaps through her unique image consulting business.
Connie Siaw launched her mark “Color Me Tokyo” with the goal of helping clients make lasting first impressions.
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“Image consulting is about beauty service on how to dress and look good. A session to make a good impression,” she told Daily Express, recently.
Her journey into the world of image consulting began in 2018 with a curiosity about why the Japanese are often perceived as stylish and youthful.
“I was curious about why Japanese people always look so good and young. I went to learn the trick and theory, I liked it and decided to make it my career,” she said.
Starting any business is a challenge, and this was no different for Connie.
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She recounts the early days of her business when client acquisition was a struggle, but her passion for beauty kept her motivated.
“I have brainstormed on how to attract clients and tried many trial and errors,” she said.
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She credits her success to re-positioning her marketing approach during the second year, which coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I am grateful for the Internet tools,” she said, acknowledging the role of digital platforms in helping her business thrive.
From having zero clients to being fully booked, her determination and resilience paid off.
What sets her services apart in Tokyo’s competitive market? The answer is simple yet powerful.
“The service is all in English,” she said, catering to an international clientele in a city where English-speaking services can be a rarity
Living and working in Japan has influenced Connie’s approach to image consulting, particularly through her innate curiosity.
When asked about the similarities between fashion and beauty standards in Sabah and Japan, she pointed out a significant difference.
“In Japan, it is crucial to dress according to the occasion. Another word is know your uniform when you go to work, meeting, holiday, shopping, school, afternoon tea.
“For example, gym wear for gym only, avoid gym wear outside the gym,” she said.
Meanwhile, Connie said her family in Sabah plays an important role in her business practices in Japan.
“I came from a business family background. I learnt from my parents and siblings on how to position myself in the business world,” she said.
When asked if the possibility of expanding her services to Sabah or other parts of Malaysia is something she has seriously considered, she gave a positive answer.
“Yes! Of course, Kota Kinabalu, if Sabahans are willing to open their minds to the next level of styling,” she said, envisioning the potential for growth in her home state.
The image consulting industry in Japan has evolved over the years, and Connie has adapted to these changes by constantly re-evaluating her approach.
“This image business in Japan is already matured, it existed more than 20 years ago,” she observed, indicating her awareness of the established nature of the market she operates in.
For aspiring entrepreneurs in Sabah who are interested in starting a business abroad, particularly in niche markets like image consulting, her advice is clear.
“Believe in yourself and your vision,” said Connie, as she sees the future of her business going digital in the next five years.
She believes that image and presentation play a crucial role in professional success, a lesson that Sabahans can greatly benefit from.
“The dress and look also do the talking. How you wear and carry the dress leads to how confident you are. It’s all about self-confidence,” she emphasised.
Reflecting on her journey, Connie shared stories that have deeply impacted her as an entrepreneur.
“I remember one client wrote to me to thank me for opening this business so that she could look better. Touching!
“There is also one client who took one session with me as a reward after knowing she is cancer-free. Glad I could help to get back her beauty and confidence again after the situation,” she said, clearly moved by these experiences.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Tokyo’s fashion scene, this woman entrepreneur continues to carve out a unique niche, blending the best of both worlds – Sabahan roots and Japanese innovation – into a successful and impactful business.
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