Elizabeth Marini, Sarah Shah Nor and Thanuja Ananthan on redefining entrepreneurship
Women in Power.
Girl boss. Boss babe. Power woman. Call them what you want, but one thing is for sure — these entrepreneurs are redefining success in their respective industries with innovation, resilience and unwavering determination.
Elizabeth Marini, vice president of Marini’s Group
Tell us more about the beginnings of The Marini’s Group and your role as the company’s vice president.
In early 2012, my husband Cavaliere Modesto Marini and I were shown this amazing rooftop space in Petronas Tower 3, then a newly constructed building within KLCC. When he saw the space which was still rubble and cement, he knew exactly what he wanted to do with that space. I was rather nervous at that point since it is a big space right in the heart of KL, which also meant huge investment and resources.
Modesto promised them he would turn the space to become the most iconic rooftop in the country and region. We sealed the deal and within three months, we were operating the bar just in time for the oil and gas convention in the city. A month later, the restaurant and lounge followed suit. And the group has continued to expand since. This year, TMG will be 12 years old.
My forte has always been in marketing, given that I majored in Communications and started my career in a top advertising firm in the US and luxury brands in Malaysia and Singapore. So, naturally, I supported the business through what I knew then, which was brand management. Today, I’m still involved in the day-to-day back-of-house operations like admin, finance and marketing. However, the team is now mostly independent, so I will only meet them once or twice a week to discuss whatever needs my input.
Your husband, Modesto Marini, is one of the “OGs” in the local F&B industry. What are your tips on working successfully alongside your spouse?
I used to watch my parents work together and they fought every day. So I was rather nervous when Modesto asked me to quit my job and help him in the company. Modesto is, by profession, a trained chef, and he had already been in the industry way before we started TMG in 2012. With that in mind, I had to tell myself to trust him and support him and his vision.
It wasn’t easy as I was used to having people hear me out in the corporate world and when we started working together, I realised I wasn’t going to be heard on every issue by my own husband. To make it work, I had to take a step back and see how I can improve on his ideas and add value to it rather than fight it. So these days, I make it a point to hear him out first. And knowing we both have the same goals and objectives, we try to find the means to achieve them together.
How do you navigate gender biases in your line of work?
I believe it isn’t so much of gender inequality that is prevalent. Many of my best employees and key roles in my organisation are held by women. I have, in the past, also felt like I’m not taken seriously enough at the workplace, but as women, we should really earn our respect and not demand it. As they say, the empty vessel makes the most noise, so in certain male-dominant settings, I choose to just observe and listen rather than trying to fit in and blabber away. And I believe we will be heard when it’s our time to be heard.
What does female empowerment mean to you, and why is it important?
For me, female empowerment shouldn’t be about trying to match up to the males. I believe we were created differently because we have different tasks to do in life. Women have a nurturing nature, and we should play up our strengths and apply them to our everyday lives. Our duty to ourselves is to attain self-mastery. And if we want to stick with the word “empowerment”, then we should empower ourselves with wisdom.
Michelle Yeoh famously said: “Ladies, don’t let anyone tell you you’re past your prime”. Do you have anything to add to that?
Someone said to me a while ago: “When I grow old I want to be like you”. And another person told me: “You look sweet years back, but now you carry a different aura”. I didn’t even grasp those words until I realised how much I have grown — not just in years but in experience. There will be a time for every woman when she will reflect on her journey from a young maiden to a wise woman. You gain so much more certainty about what you want in life at this stage and start to revisit all the goals you can now achieve without all the fleeting worries that your younger self might have clung to.
Marini’s on 57, in particular, is celebrating its 12th anniversary this year. What’s your proudest moment in your journey as an entrepreneur so far?
All the awards and recognition that we have received over the years are all my proudest moments. It just makes our efforts to go beyond service so worthwhile. Getting both Marini’s on 57 and Marble 8 Steakhouse as Michelin-selected dining venues is obviously a very proud moment for our group as well.
What’s your favourite way to unwind after a long day at work?
A good warm soak in my oxygen bathtub at MAC Clinic at The Starhill to recharge, or just meditate and do my breathing exercises.
If you could only have one dish from any of your establishments for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Our freshly baked almond croissants and a cup of cappuccino from M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza at One KL on Jalan Pinang.
Lastly, what’s next for The Marini’s Group?
We’re always working on new novel ideas and even diversifying interests. But our vision is to always rise above ourselves in the name of hospitality and luxury. So look out soon.
Sarah Shah Nor, founder of CUURA
You call yourself an “accidental fashion entrepreneur turned beauty brand founder”. Tell us more about your career, and how CUURA came about.
In 2017, I was diagnosed with postpartum eczema while running a multi-label modestwear store called Modvier in Bangsar. This experience sparked my interest in gentle skincare, which I believed would complement our fashion offerings. When we were forced to close down the store during Covid-19 in early 2020, I had a team of seven who I couldn’t bear to let go. So I decided to shift my focus to growing CUURA, and internally, we promised to work our best to make sure this would be our future. Since then, the brand has grown tremendously, expanding not only online but in retail as well.
What makes CUURA a standout?
We strive to stand out by venturing into settings that other local beauty brands have yet to reach. Last year, we made history as the first Malay-owned skincare brand to host a prestigious pop-up at The Starhill KL. This year, we furthered our presence by opening our first retail experience store at The Exchange TRX mall. We try our best to showcase what’s going on behind the scenes so that we can foster a deeper connection with our consumers.
What initiatives have you taken to foster a supportive and inclusive work culture for women within CUURA?
Growth is very important to us. Half of the team was from our previous fashion business, so we ensure that they have the support of our beauty therapists in order to develop and enhance their skills. As I am also a wife and a mother, we recognise the diverse roles our team members play and understand the need for them to prioritise family commitments when necessary.
What are some of the challenges you encountered with Cuura?
In the early years, finding local manufacturers willing to use specific active ingredients was tough. They often rejected us, citing cost and our status as a small brand like CUURA. So, we took matters into our own hands and handcrafted everything ourselves. It was a challenge, especially since we couldn't get the certifications we wanted. But we believed in our formulations, and our customers kept coming back. Eventually, our ingredients supplier and chemist opened their own manufacturing practice thanks to CUURA's growth. Now, we're proud to say that a portion of our products are even HALAL-certified.
With more and more all-natural skincare brands around, how does CUURA plan to stand out?
We're always striving to set ourselves apart and step into spaces where other local beauty brands haven't ventured. Last year, we made waves as the first local Malay-owned skincare brand to host a prestigious pop-up at The Starhill KL. This year, we took another big leap by opening our very first retail experience store at The TRX Exchange mall. Additionally, you can find our products in 300 Guardian stores nationwide. That's our game plan for expanding our reach.
For the uninitiated, what’s the one CUURA product you swear by?
Definitely the first local Halal-certified sunscreen — our brightening sunscreen.
What’s your proudest moment in your entrepreneurial journey so far?
I'd say building the CUURA community and connecting with them at various social events.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to break into the beauty industry and establish their own businesses?
Stay true to what resonates with you personally, rather than following trends. Honesty is key when shaping the direction of the brand.
CUURA is in its 7th year now. What’s your goal for the brand?
We aim to launch more product offerings and venture into skincare-infused makeup. Wish us luck!
Thanuja Ananthan, founder of ByThanuja
How did ByThanuja come about, and what inspired you into entrepreneurship?
ByThanuja was born during the pandemic when my mom began making her Ayurvedic concoctions at home. Our family has been consuming this powder for as long as I can remember to strengthen our immune systems. We shared these concoctions with family, neighbours, and friends, and everyone felt great within a few days, asking for more. Inspired by this positive response, I decided to share my mom’s Ayurvedic health and beauty recipes with the world.
For the uninitiated, what essentially is Ayurvedic living?
Ayurveda is derived from two words: 'Ayur,' meaning life, and 'Veda,' meaning knowledge or science. It encompasses all aspects of life, including physical, psychological, spiritual, and social well-being. When I speak of 'Ayurvedic Living,' I refer to a lifestyle that prioritises health and wellness by returning to nature. This means eating natural foods, staying active, incorporating ancient Ayurvedic practices and herbs, and finding a delicate balance between the mind, body, spirit, and environment.
The ByThanuja Health and Beauty Powder has continued to make waves since its launch four years ago. Tell us more about the recipe and the benefits behind it.
Our ‘Living Herbs’ powder is our signature concoction and best seller. At home, we call it the ‘magic powder’ because it addresses a wide range of health and beauty concerns. It helps with hormonal imbalances in men, such as balding and enlarged prostate, and skin issues like acne and psoriasis. For women, it addresses reproductive issues like PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, and irregular or painful menstrual flow. It also helps regulate high and low blood pressure and can aid in achieving a flatter tummy by boosting metabolic rate. Additionally, those suffering from diabetes have experienced excellent results with regular consumption.
You’re an emcee, TV host, model and entrepreneur. As someone with experience in various aspects of the entertainment industry, how has that influenced your approach to entrepreneurship?
Coming from a background in front of the camera and engaging with people from all walks of life has positively impacted my journey as an entrepreneur. I am always open to learning and unafraid to ask questions, drawing insights from those around me, especially fellow entrepreneurs in the entertainment line.
How do you stay innovative and relevant in your career as both an entertainer and an entrepreneur?
I am constantly listening to my customers and clients to incorporate their needs into the vision and mission of ByThanuja and my personal brand.
What does female empowerment mean to you, and why is it important?
To me, female empowerment means enabling all women to live healthy and respectable lives in society. It involves confidently making decisions, dreaming, aspiring, and achieving goals. It also means reminding each other that we have a voice, the power to use it, and the ability to encourage others to listen.
What are some of the lessons learnt from your journey that might inspire other women looking to pursue multiple passions?
Never be afraid to dream big or listen to those who try to douse your fire. Most importantly, persevere in your passions. Keep searching until you find what truly excites you. As the saying goes, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." When you find it, pursue it with conviction and passion.
What’s your proudest moment in your journey as an entrepreneur so far?
My proudest moment as an entrepreneur is also one of my most humbling and joyful moments—receiving positive feedback and reviews from my customers. It's incredibly gratifying to hear that many experience life-changing benefits with ByThanuja products. I believe that the most valuable gift you can give anyone is health, and with my generational Ayurvedic recipes, I feel fulfilled each time I can help someone achieve their best health and beauty.
What’s next for ByThanuja? Are there any new products in the pipeline?
We're excited to introduce our latest addition, the ‘Lustrous Locks’ Ayurvedic hair oil, our exclusive premium-grade blend. And yes, stay tuned for our upcoming product launch! Here's a hint: "collagen." With the inheritance of my mom’s Ayurvedic recipes from her dad in India, we have many more secret generational Ayurvedic formulas to unveil with ByThanuja!
Photography Herbe Yap
Creative direction & styling Amelia Tan
Words Joan Kong
Hair C Kay Liow
Makeup Cat Yong
