In this issue’s Business Profile, we meet Yety Tjandra, a successful, young and beautiful entrepreneur in the world of beauty. Yety, who likes to go by the name Cen-Cen, is Owner of Crystal Aesthetic Clinic and Dermaster Aesthetic and Hair Clinic.
Please tell us a bit about your background. Where did you study?
I studied at Hotel Management School IHTTI in Switzerland, completing a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management.
What interested you to enter the business world of aesthetics and beauty?
The interest originated from an old hobby of mine, when I used to travel to do my beauty treatments in Singapore. I thought, rather than having to fly back and forth to Singapore for treatments, I should open my own clinic in Jakarta, and that’s what I did.
I have now established two brands. First was the Crystal Aesthetic Clinic in 2007, which started work last year with the number one anti-ageing doctor in Japan, who was awarded “Best Beauty and Anti-Aging Doctor 2013”, Dr. Takahiro Fujimoto (MD , Ph.D. , MBA). Second was our Dermaster Clinic in 2013, which is a beauty clinic from Korea with Dr. Kwon Han Jin (Best Threads V lifts), who has become a spokesperson on the subject in countries all over the world.
Is this industry dominated by women?
This industry is actually more dominated by women, but in view of changing times and increasing globalization, many men also perform treatments on the face or other body parts now.
Tell us a bit about your clinics, the first of which was opened in 2007 in Menteng, Jakarta. What services do you offer?
Crystal Aesthetic Clinic is the only “Best Laser Centre” in Indonesia, with standards and services that are, of course, to Dr. Takahiro Fujimoto’s standards. Dermaster Clinic provides a place for everyone to be able to try our beauty treatments so that they can feel the effects for themselves. Our renowned treatment is Tanam Benang (Thread V Lift).
Crystal Aesthetic Clinic is in liaison with Dr. Takahiro Fujimoto M.D, PhD, MBA from Japan. Tell us more about this partnership.
Dr. Takahiro Fujimoto ensures that all of our doctors are trained in Japan for a specified period of time in order to ensure consistent standards and knowledge about the use of lasers. Only doctors with an official certificate from Dr. Takahiro Fujimoto alone can join the Crystal Clinic. In addition, Dr. Takahiro Fujimoto visits Indonesia every three months to check the latest information and provide training to all our doctors to give maximum results to the patient, which is our company vision.
You offer Botox and filler treatments. As a toxin produced by bacteria first discovered in poorly prepared sausages during the 18th Century, how is Botox safe to be injected into people’s faces?
The use of Botox is very safe. As we all know, Botox is a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which is used to relax the facial and body muscles. The products we use must be approved by the US Government’s FDA, so do not be afraid to try Botox, as long as you know that the correct products are being used.
Botox and fillers can certainly make a face or body part more ‘perfect’, according to the patient’s desires, without excessive pain and downtime. In all my clinics, we always provide information in advance about the products we use, ranging from benefits, uses and possible side effects as well as restrictions, so that the patient is comfortable with the treatments that they are about to do. Botox and fillers should be done by a doctor who has mastered the injecting procedures to ensure maximum results, resulting in a happy customer.
What is a popular treatment with your Indonesian customers? And what is popular among expatriates?
Patients in Indonesia always keep up with the times, according to the technology and the latest updates from the world of beauty, as we always do for our patients. Some popular treatments are Thermage laser, laser ulthera, CO2 laser and thread V laser, which are all available at my clinics. Other treatments still popular today are treatments for blemishes, acne and so forth.
For expatriates, a popular treatment is Botox and fillers. With these treatments, they can enjoy time in the sun, because as far as we can tell, most of them love to travel and sunbathe!
What does anti-ageing actually mean?
It means delaying the aging of the face by doing regular, gradual treatments in a beauty clinic, starting from a young age, with the supervision of a doctor who is an expert and competent in their field.
In your opinion, how is Indonesia competing with the rest of the world in your industry? Is it cheaper to carry out these procedures here?
The beauty industry is moving in the direction of a price war; all clinics in Indonesia are vying to be the cheapest, so they do not think about the quality and the patient’s comfort. This is in contrast to our clinics, which strive for quality. We are cheaper than clinics outside the country, so those who like to perform treatments abroad no longer need to spend a lot of money for a return trip.
What are some of the challenges you face and what are the dangers or risks involved in your industry?
Our challenge is to provide a level of comfort across the board, from our service to the hygiene aspect. The risks are not too big, as long as we follow the correct procedures of the head doctor.
Where do you see the beauty and aesthetic industry going in Indonesia over the next five years?
It will continue to grow, as it has always been important for people to have healthy and fresh skin.
In today’s society, women often feel ugly unless they’re wearing make-up, and ageing is something most women try to fight. Do you think this is a healthy perception to have? How do you responsibly consult your customers who may have these insecurities?
I like to look elegant in front of anyone and for myself, so I personally choose to wear make-up, which is also a hobby of mine. I think this is a reasonable perception, because the use (or not) of make-up is optional, and is not associated with the aging process.
What I would suggest is to start doing little things like using SPF, night creams, and visit your doctor every month for treatment from an early age, so that your skin looks clean and glowing. As you begin to age, you will see for yourself the results of these investments.
Would you say that our modern perception of beauty is superficial?
It is an individual choice that cannot be forced.
What is real beauty through your eyes?
You do not have to be perfect with a nice nose or high cheekbones, etc., but with healthy skin, you will automatically look more attractive and show your natural beauty. Imperfections make you look naturally beautiful!