Local Business Shoutout: Stylist (Wedding)

It is an honour to finally feature one of my longest and closest friend in this series. Maintaining two decades of friendship is easy when you have a someone like Ryzal in your life. Watching him turn his passion into a career that he finds fulfilment in has been a joy to watch.

For October's local business shoutout, say hello to Ryzal, a stylist for Grooms for their special day. Let's find out what made him venture into this world.

Ryzal, Stylist.

Photo Credit: Ryzal

Hi Ryzal, share a little about yourself and about your stylist services.

I’m generally easygoing and thoughtful, and I like to keep a balance between being straightforward and a bit reflective. I enjoy meaningful conversations that make you think, and I always try to see things from different perspectives before responding.

I love cooking for my family and friends, especially during special events. A few years back, I ran a gubahan business with my friends, though it’s now defunct. Currently, I work full-time as a Senior Accounts Executive, but andaman is one of my passion — it’s something I love doing and hope to continue growing.

I provide pak andam services specially for the groom — from full styling to on-the-day touch-ups.

Services include:

Groom Stylist Service – Complete look from head to toe, styled perfectly for your big day. Touch ’n Go Service – Up to 2 hours of quick grooming and touch-ups before your event. Full Day Event Service – Up to 6 hours of standby support to keep you looking sharp and confident throughout the day.

Whether it’s a simple session or a full-day package, we’ll make sure you look your best, feel comfortable, and enjoy your majlis without any stress.

Photo Credit: Ryzal

Can you describe the moment that you decided to stylist?

It was about three years ago when I decided to take a big step and venture into the groom stylist industry. Before I started, I asked for my late mum’s blessings. And with her blessing, I knew I was ready to follow my passion.

As a graduate from Cosmoprof Academy, I always wanted to use my skills and creativity to make people look and feel their best. It was actually my friend, Hamdan, who introduced me to his friend and opened the door for me to start this journey.

And from that moment, I’ve never looked back. Every client, every event, every smile reminds me why I chose this path and I’m truly grateful to be where I am today.

What do you tell yourself to stay motivated in what you do?

What keeps me motivated in doing business is reminding myself why I started in the first place. To do something I truly love and to make people feel confident and happy on their special day.

I always tell myself: “Success doesn’t come overnight. Stay patient, stay consistent, and trust the process.” There will always be challenges, but I believe that every experience, whether good or bad, teaches me something valuable.

Most importantly, I remind myself to stay humble, be thankful for every client who trusts me, and to keep improving. Because when you put your heart into your work, people can feel it and that’s what keeps me going every day.

What is the routine you set for yourself everyday?

Every day, I try to start my morning with a clear and positive mindset. I usually begin with a cup of coffee (my must-have!) and take a few quiet moments to plan out my day — especially if I have clients or events coming up.

If it’s a working day, I’ll prepare my tools, check my appointments, and make sure everything is clean, organized, and ready. Hygiene and preparation are super important in this line of work.

I also make time to learn something new, whether it’s watching makeup trends, improving my techniques, or exploring new styles for groom styling.

At the end of the day, I like to reflect on what went well and what I can do better. It keeps me grounded and motivated to give my best every single day.

Photo Credit: Ryzal

What are some of the obstacles you faced while building your business?

One of the biggest obstacles I faced while building my business was getting started and finding clients. When you’re new, it’s not easy to be trusted with someone’s big day, especially in the groom stylist industry. I had to work hard to prove my skills and build a reputation from scratch.

Another challenge was managing time and resources. Balancing client appointments, learning new techniques, and keeping up with trends while running the business can be overwhelming at times.

There were also moments of self-doubt, questioning if I had made the right decision or if I could succeed. But every challenge taught me something valuable. I learned to be patient, persistent, and to keep improving my craft. Looking back, those obstacles became the stepping stones that shaped my business into what it is today.

What are the most rewarding aspects of doing what you do?

The most rewarding part of being a business owner is seeing the joy on my clients’ faces when they look their best on their special day. Knowing that I played a part in making them feel confident and happy is incredibly fulfilling.

Who are your role models?

I draw inspiration from a few different places. Professionally, I admire makeup artists and groom stylists who have built their careers with passion, creativity, and dedication. Seeing how they transform people and run their businesses motivates me to keep improving.

Personally, my late mum will always be my greatest role model. Her kindness, wisdom, and the support she gave me in pursuing my dreams continue to guide me every day.

I also look up to people who are persistent and humble, those who face challenges but never give up because that’s exactly the mindset needed to grow both as a person and a business owner.

Photo Credit: Ryzal

What tools, systems, books or resources would you recommend to all business owners?

Running a business can be challenging, but the right tools and resources make a big difference!

Here’s what I recommend:

Scheduling & Appointments: Google Calendar or Calendly to keep bookings organized. Makeup Equipment: Always plan ahead and restock your items before they run out. Being prepared is key!

Other Resources for Growing Your Business Learn & Improve:

Take courses to upgrade your makeup skills. Practice consistently and never give up!

Network: Connect with other business owners and learn from their experiences.

Stay Visible: Post content regularly on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

Key to Success: Stay organized, keep learning, and build connections!

How do you find inspiration and creativity?

I find inspiration everywhere, from trends in the makeup and wedding industry, to seeing how other stylists and artists create their unique looks.

I also get ideas from my clients based on their personalities, preferences, and the vision they have for their special day really spark my creativity.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as scrolling through social media, magazines, or attending events to see new styles, techniques, and concepts. But the most important part is putting my own twist on it to make every client’s look unique and memorable.

What advice will you give to business owners/freelancers?

For anyone aspiring to be a makeup artist or pak andam, my advice is simple: practice, be patient, stay passionate and be humble.

Learn as much as you can. Take courses, watch tutorials, and experiment with different techniques. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because every experience teaches you something valuable.

Also, build your confidence and your network. Connect with other artists, learn from their experiences, and don’t hesitate to put yourself out there.

Finally, always remember: your work is not just about makeup, it’s about making someone feel confident and beautiful on their special day. Keep that in mind, and your passion will shine through.

What is the future going to be like for you?

The future for my andam business is full of exciting possibilities! I hope to expand by offering more groom stylist services, participating in wedding booths and events, and even hosting makeup and styling classes for aspiring artists.

I also want to continue growing my online presence, sharing tips, tutorials, and inspiration for both clients and fellow artists. Ultimately, my goal is to create a brand that’s trusted, creative, and makes every client feel confident and special on their big day.

Photo Credit: Ryzal

We wish you all the best in your business and hope to see many more grooms be styled by you. If you would like to engage Ryzal for your special day, click here.