In this special column called the “TLC x Fempreneurs Series”, we will be featuring inspiring Female Entrepreneurs (Fempreneurs) in short. You will be able to have a sneak peek at their mindsets and their daily habits.
Believe in the power of community. On some days when you feel big goals are impossible, or when you feel like giving up, you need to lean on your like-minded community. You can even “borrow” motivation, and in turn “return” with your own inspiring stories to pay it forward.
Meet Sharyln Neo (Sharyln & Co Pte Ltd)
Fempreneur Sharyln Neo
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your business/ brand about?
My lifelong passion has always revolved around beauty. After completing my Diploma in Banking Finance, I embarked on an exciting journey to acquire an international skincare diploma, CIBTAC, and a Diploma in Professional Makeup. To ensure I stayed at the forefront of the industry, I engaged in freelance work with renowned beauty brands like Guerlain and La Prairie for over a decade, all while holding positions in various corporations.
My last 10 years in the medical aesthetics sector have expanded my knowledge of skincare even further. During this time, I was involved in the establishment and opening of beauty salons and medical aesthetics clinics, where I developed comprehensive treatment programs, sourced effective skincare products, trained therapists, and implemented marketing campaigns.
As the founder of Sharyln & Co Skincare, I have passionately provided solutions for individuals struggling with acne and eczema, improving the lives of many.
What got you started on your business?
Working in the beauty industry has exposed me to a vast array of products and kept me updated on the latest advancements in aesthetics. It has also positioned me as the go-to person for skincare advice among friends, loved ones, and even my own teenage children, helping them maintain blemish-free skin.
Encouraged by the positive results experienced by those I’ve assisted, I decided to take a leap of faith and share my carefully curated treatment products and programs with everyone, with the ultimate goal of helping people achieve clear skin and regain their confidence.
Before you started your business, what did you do on a full-time basis?
Prior or rather aside to Sharyln & Co, I have led a project & event management company, expertly guiding notable clients such as the Macao Tourism Board, Association of Singapore Philatelists, Spirit of Enterprise, and leading medical aesthetics clinics in the past 12 years. My expertise spans in marketing, HR, operations, events, and IT project management, covering hospitality, skincare, operations, recruitment, and non-profit organisations.
Fempreneur Sharyln Neo and her 2 children went for jetski ride
What were some difficulties you faced in your life and how did you overcome them?
I’m a person who prefers to think positively despite having all the negative thoughts swamp into my mind. In business, I always think a crisis can be an opportunity. For example, I started Sharyln & Co without knowing that Covid was happening. Did the lockdown scare me? Yes in terms of my personal side, I was worried about my family’s health. For business-wise, I wasn’t. I have always wanted to launch a home treatment kit and this pandemic pushed me to launch my professional home treatment kit in 10 days, right before the eve of lockdown. I did social media marketing and began to get busy with online consultations and deliveries.
When the pandemic was under control, I moved to a retail shop with a pretty good frontage. When it was time for renewal, my landlord asked for 50% increment. After analysing the mall’s crowd and customers’ sources, I decided to move to my current place. Do I feel sad? Yes, I do. After all, the renovation cost me a bomb for a start-up.
The competition is very intense in the acne and eczema market. Big and established brands such as La Roche Posay, Cetaphil, and QV are what go into consumers’ minds when they have acne or eczema. I tried to find my USPs and with God’s Grace, I saw that a product that I have been using since 2002 can eliminate acne bacteria (C. acnes) and also Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that can cause skin irritations. I told my chemist and KYLN Maskne Toner for Acne & Maskne and KARE Skin Soother Toner for eczema, skin irritations were launched. I’m glad that I managed to have nurses and dentists leaving reviews that the products have helped them through the mask-wearing period and parents saying their kids have reduced their dependency on steroids.
Sharyln & Co Products
Who inspires you?
My dad taught me about compassion and empathy while my mom taught me “never give up” through my growing-up years.
What excites you most about your industry?
Whenever there are new products, treatments, or devices marketed for eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, I will get curious and excited. I love to find out if they are just marketing gimmicks or real solutions.
What is your vision / personal motto?
I love to help whenever I can. Be it I’m helping my customers or people in need. I believe to be able to help others is a blessing. I hope I can pass this value to my kids too.
What have you learned recently that you hope the other ladies can take back?
I’m learning almost every day as I love to listen to podcasts or watch YouTube on business, marketing, and personal development topics. I think what I hope other ladies will learn is to keep an open mind, ears, and eyes. Sometimes a normal conversation or discussion between your friends on a different subject matter can give you tips or tricks to apply in your own business or life.
What do you do in your free time as self care? How do you unwind?
The beauty of business owners is I take breaks whenever I want even when I can’t afford to. During the day when I have brain fog, I will go for a massage, hair wash, or simply turn on the TV in my office to watch my fav dramas. I find small breaks help me unwind and refresh my mind.
I enjoy irritating my kids when I’m bored… My gal will say “Mummy, you very bored is it?”
How do you think you can help ladies to feel confident and empowered?
1. Improve their skin health. A good skin can elevate a person’s confidence
2. Encourage the ladies to own their lives and dreams. Very often after ladies get married or have kids, they forget about themselves. The only way to bring happiness to others begins with taking care of yourselves and being happy.
3. Teach or help the ladies who want to start a business/career in skincare
Sharyln & Co Brand Logo
What is one thing you are grateful for?
Ability to sleep well at night and wake up the next day to do the things I love. This sounds easy or simple but not many people get to enjoy it.
Let us know more about what you do!
Sharyln & Co focuses on clearing your acne, eczema, rosacea, and other skin sensitivities. You will find award-winning, safe, and effective products and treatments available for all ages including babies where your needs and preferences are prioritised. Let us be your trusted partner in your skincare and wellness journey. Time to regain good skin and confidence!
Personally, I was one of the guests who was interviewed by CNA Insider on CPF and Investment 2-3 years back. Other than that, my products are the ones being featured. My KYLN Maskne Toner was featured free by the VOGUE editor 3 years ago.
Connect with Sharyln Neo (Sharyln & Co Pte Ltd)
Website: https://sharyln.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharyln.co
Are you a Fempreneur too?
Connect with us – we’d love to feature you! Say hi to us at hello@theladiescue.com or reach out to us via our social media.
Read TLC x Fempreneur Series:
- Janet Ng, The Red Wedding (Singapore)
- Margaret Wu, For Beloved One (Singapore)
- Maddy Barber, Madly Gems (Singapore)
- Dr. Menka Gupta, Nutra Nourish (Singapore)
- Vikki Tear, SoyCraft (Singapore)
- Ezza Yusof, 2morrow Official (Malaysia)
- Julie Yim, Lilin+Co (Malaysia)
- Zairin Azman, UMMA (Malaysia)
- Liza Morales, Ecotecture Design Studio (Philippines)
- Lily Pham, Asiawide Business Consulting and Trading (Vietnam)
- Elke Pascoe, LittleOak (Australia)