Ayu Ihwana (33 years) or usually called Ayu is one of the alumni of the make-up and hairdressing training organized by the Foundation of Inspiration for Indonesia Development or known as Yayasan Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun (YIIM) with Insight Investments Management Company in the year of 2022. This program is one of the community’s economic empowerment programs that aims to improve the economy of underprivileged communities. This program is in line with the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDGs number 1 regarding on ending poverty and number 2 regarding on ending hunger.

Ayu is a mother who currently lives with her husband and her 14-year-old only child in the Pondok Aren area, South Tangerang City. The husband is an expedition courier. Before starting her business, Ayu worked as an SPG (Sales Promotion Girl). However, due to her deteriorating health, Ayu finally stopped.

The Beginning of Opening a Business

In the year of 2018, Ayu dared to open a business in the beauty sector including eyelash extensions, lashlifts, henna eyebrows, and make up with the business name “Ayulash Eyelash Extension”. She runs this business by herself. The reason Ayu opened this business was because she wanted to earn with flexible time. To start this business, Ayu attended training for eyelashes and also learned self-taught cosmetology.

Participate in various trainings to increase self development

To expand her business, Ayu often attending training to improve her makeup skills. One of them was in 2022, when Ayu was informed by her sister-in-law that there was a make-up and hairdressing training held by YIIM and INSIGHT, Ayu immediately signed up for the training.

During the training, Ayu learned a lot of new knowledge about makeup. With this training, Ayu is very happy to be able to practice her ability to do makeup.

“I got another lesson by participating in the training, so I know where the makeup is missing and I also know some techniques in makeup. Then I also learned about make-up mixtures like foundation.” Ayu said.

Starting to Increase Business in the Field of Cosmetology

After attending make-up and hairstyling training with YIIM and INSIGHT, her business has increased. Previously, Ayu only received offers of makeup services from around 1 to 2 people a month. Now she accepts offers of makeup services from around 4-5 people to more in a month.

“Since I took part in the training at YIIM and INSIGHT yesterday, I displayed the certificates at home and also many people word of mouth recommended my make-up results. So my customers are getting more and more widespread from various areas in Tangerang.” Ayu said.

Ayu received various kinds of make-up, starting from make-up for invitations, graduations, engagements and contracts, to make-up for dance groups. The price of her makeup services starts from IDR 50,000 to IDR 200,000 and above. To promote her services, Ayu often posts on personal Instagram, whatsapp and word of mouth.

Increasing her Business Income

In addition to increasing customers, Ayu’s income from this business has also increased. Currently her net income for one month is IDR 1,500,000, if it’s busy it can reach IDR 4,000,000 to IDR 5,000,000 in one month.

“Income is definitely increasing. Especially when the month of Eid is approaching, there are many eyelash extension customers. Also, during the graduation season and weddings, many people ask me for make-up services.” Ayu said.

Even though Ayu has limited makeup equipment, she is slowly able to repay these deficiencies. Ayu wants to continue to develop her skills in make-up and hopes that her business will continue to grow.

If friends are interested in using Ayu’s services, you can contact this number 089635420679 and visit her Instagram, namely @ayulash07

Greetings Inspiration!