Ayu Ihwana (33 years old) or usually called Ayu is one of the alumni of the make-up and hairdressing training organized by the Indonesian Building Inspiration Foundation (YIIM) together with PT Insight Investments Management (INSIGHT) in 2022. This program is one of the community economic empowerment programs which 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 concerning ending poverty and number 2 concerning ending hunger.

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

Beginnings of Opening a Business

In 2018, Ayu dared to open a business in the beauty sector including eyelash extension, lashlift, eyebrow hair, and make up with the business name “Ayulash Eyelash Extension”. He runs this business himself until now. The reason Ayu opened this business was because she wanted to earn income with flexible hours. To start this business, Ayu took training for eyelash and also taught herself make-up.

Participating in Various Trainings to Develop Yourself

To develop her business, Ayu often seeks training to improve her skills in applying make-up. One of them was in 2022, Ayu was given information by her sister-in-law that there was make-up and hairdressing training held by YIIM and INSIGHT. Because she wanted to improve her skills in applying make-up, Ayu immediately registered for the training.

During the training, Ayu learned a lot of new knowledge about applying make-up. With this training, Ayu is very happy to be able to practice her ability to do make-up on people’s faces.

“I got more lessons by taking part in the training, so I know where I’m missing when applying make-up and I also know several techniques in applying make-up. Then I also know about make-up mixtures like foundation.” Ayu said.

Starting to Increase Ayu’s Business in the Field of Cosmetology

After attending make-up and hairdressing training with YIIM and INSIGHT, Ayu’s business increased even more. Previously, Ayu only accepted offers for make-up services from around 1 to 2 people a month. Now Ayu receives offers for make-up services from around 4-5 people or more a month.

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

There are various kinds of make-up that Ayu receives, from make-up for weddings, graduations, engagements and contracts, to make-up for dance groups. The price for Ayu’s make-up services starts from IDR 50,000 to IDR 200,000 and above. To promote her services, Ayu often posts on her personal Instagram, WhatsApp and word of mouth.

Increasing Ayu’s Business Income

Apart from increasing customers, Ayu’s income from this business has also increased. Now Ayu’s 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 clearly increasing. Especially when the Eid month approaches, many people get eyelashes. Also, during graduation season and weddings, many people ask for my make-up services.” Ayu said.

Even though Ayu has limited makeup equipment, she is slowly making up for this shortage. Ayu wants to continue developing her skills in applying make-up and hopes 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

Salam Inspirasi!