A retired Malaysian soldier has found a new path after leaving the armed forces.
Instead of relying solely on his pension, 43-year-old Mohamad Shahirul Shahidan is now working as a bridal makeup artist and stylist to earn extra income for his family.
The father of four said the job allows him to make use of a skill he has had since he was young, while supporting his wife, Nor Haslina Ramli, 42, and their children aged between six and 17.
Picked up makeup skills before joining the army
Speaking about his journey, Mohamad Shahirul said he was first exposed to makeup techniques when he was 18.
According to Harian Metro, this was before he was recruited into the Malaysian Armed Forces.
At the time, a friend who owned the bridal boutique Joehisma Venture trusted him to do bridal makeup. From there, he began gaining experience as a pak andam.
He also once followed his friend to a makeup sharing session by well known makeup artist Zulfazli Suhadi in Penang.
Although he had long been interested in makeup, Mohamad Shahirul said he was not initially interested in joining the military.
However, instead of staying in his village without a job, he decided to try applying to become a soldier and was recruited at the age of 19.
Mohamad Shahirul said he accepted the offer and continued serving, especially after receiving support from his family, particularly his father.
Still held on to makeup while serving
Despite being busy with his duties in the military, Mohamad Shahirul said he did not completely leave makeup behind.
Once in a while, he would still get the chance to pick up his makeup brushes and help do makeup for fellow members, usually when there were dinner events.
These opportunities allowed him to keep sharpening his skills even while serving.
After retiring in December 2023, Mohamad Shahirul met an old friend at a bridal boutique and asked whether there were any job vacancies.
His friend then offered him work setting up and dismantling wedding dais.
Started offering his own services in 2024
In January 2024, Mohamad Shahirul began working on his own as a makeup artist and stylist, where his services include bridal makeup as well as styling for grooms.
As he already had his own makeup tools, he said he had no problem getting started.
He also used TikTok to promote his services and was thankful that the response had been encouraging, with a majority of his customers coming from the platform.
Mohamad Shahirul said the feedback from customers has been good so far and many expressed surprise after finding out that he had a background in the military.
He said some customers already knew he was a retired soldier because he had shared videos on social media.
However, when they met him in person, they would still ask what he was like during his time in service.
Mohamad Shahirul said he would tell them that while he could be strict and fierce with new members during work, it was only because he wanted to teach them.
Outside of working hours, he said he was easygoing.
Some customers would even tell their mothers that he was a former soldier.
He said he is already used to such reactions, as many people may not expect a former soldier to also have a talent for makeup.
Army life taught him discipline
Mohamad Shahirul said his experience serving in the Malaysian Armed Forces taught him discipline, especially when it comes to managing time with customers.
Thanks to that, he has not received any complaints so far.
For him, makeup is not just an interest that gives him satisfaction, but it has now become a career that is part of his life.
“My intention is simply to earn a living using the skills I have and to work hard to provide comfort for my children, especially since they are still in school,” he said.
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