IMC Exhibition: Transform your look and elevate your confidence at Salon & Spa Muslimah

By, Afifah Syahmina Nordin & Elesa Zainal

GOMBAK, 29 May 2024: IIUM students were exposed to the varied local businesses and entrepreneurs that opened their booths in conjunction with the Exhibition on Empowering the Local Entrepreneurs in Gombak on 29 May 2024. The program was organised by Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) students and the Communication Students’ Association (COSA). It was held in Human Sciences Square at IIUM Gombak.

One of the local businesses that participated in this program was Salon Spa Muslimah Qaseh Iman, it is under the guidance of its founder, Mrs. Nurul Aien Zulkifli. She is a passionate person that dedicated her passion into the cosmetology industry. She obtained the skills of running a spa and salon after training in Institusi Kemahiran Belia Negara (IKBN) and continued to sharpen her skills by working with several salons and spas until she decided to open her own business.

This business started as a home-based spa until she managed to secure a shop lot near her house in Pangsapuri Laksamana, Batu Caves. The aim of the business was to enable the Muslim women to seek salon and spa services whilst maintaining and honouring their modesty and dignity. “I heard a complaint from my mom that it is hard to find a salon especially for Muslimah nowadays,” said Mrs. Nurul Aien when asked what inspired her to form the business.

Next, Mrs. Nurul Aien also shared the uniqueness of her business compared to other salons and spas, she is very particular in accepting the customers to her salon and spa so that she can make her customers feel comfortable while enjoying the services. She also makes sure that no males are allowed to enter the spa even though they accompany their wives, siblings or daughters. Thus, the aurah of their customers can be protected. She also added that most of the ingredients that she used were safe to be used by their customers. It mostly comes from the natural ingredients that will not harm their customers.

Her new business branch will open in July in the Damansara area, decked out with all the latest equipment and modern tools. This beautiful place for spoiling and wellness blended a fresh and innovative touch with classic, time-honoured methods. The doors were wide open, inviting all Muslimah to escape the ordinary and feeling the freshness.

Though the cruel pandemic threatened to shut down her dream, her resilient spirit refused to give up. She created a relaxing retreat right in her home with her skilled hands delivering amazing spa and salon treatments while following strict cleanliness rules. Each massage and facial was like a mini vacation for the customer who were enjoying her time.

She stays on top of all the latest trends by monitoring social media. But she was very careful about protecting her cherished spa, only allowing small, approved glimpses to be shared online. For her loyal clients, it was like entering an enticing world of self-renewal – a beacon drawing them towards new frontiers of revitalization. Her spa was an untouchable ivory tower where desires for transformation came alive.

Her advice to all new business owners – it is important to always know the field you are interested in. For her, the spa and salon field plays an impact on the customer. Even though she has professionally-trained workers, do not be dependent on the staff totally and always be ready to learn.

There are a variety of packages provided by Salon Spa Muslimah Qaseh Iman which are: the bridal package, facial treatment package, massage full body and many more. Mrs. Nurul Aien introduced these packages so that her customers can choose freely based on their preferences.***

(This article was written as a class activity for COMM2312: Basics of Writing.)