The unique proposition of merging traditional Chinese medical practices with Western technologies defines the success story of Dr Jenny Goh. Trained as a beauty therapist and based on her steadfast track record in quality services and close rapport with customers, it was not long before she was sought out for the management of a new beauty centre, Doux Visage. A firm believer in holistic treatments and naturopathy, Dr Goh has leveraged on the Chinese medical practices of acupuncture and traditional medicines. In a conversation with Top 10 of Asia, Dr Goh speaks about her entrepreneurial journey and achievements within the total body wellness industry, challenges faced and her commitment towards holistic health.
Dr Jenny Goh, a bubbling personality who strikes out in laughter every now and then epitomises the cliché about great things coming in small packages. A demure and pleasant personality ensconced within a veil of humility, it is easy to understand the rapport she has built with clients. Dr Goh takes everything in her stride despite the challenges of managing a successful total body wellness practice, Doux Visage within the highly discerning upper-middle-class suburbia of Taman Tun in Kuala Lumpur, the launching of a new skincare line, Dr Goh’s Restorative Formula and pursuing for her second Doctor of Medicine qualification in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). After some 17 years, the success of Doux Visage as an established total body wellness centre offering a varied range of health, slimming and beauty services for a large, discerning clientele is evidence of Dr Goh’s entrepreneurial and business development skills.
With a beauty school diploma in hand and six years of working experience, the freedom to be independent materialised from client recommendations. An accidental entrepreneur, Dr Goh’s career path has been strewn with opportunities that came knocking ferociously in terms of recommendations, repeated requests and specialisation in new health and beauty treatments. “I never intended to be anything other than a beauty therapist,” laughs Dr Goh. “One of my former clients was impressed with my work and offered me a management position for his new beauty centre, Doux Visage. I took up the challenge.”
Doux Visage, interpreted as clear and smooth skin, has since expanded from a three-bed third-floor beauty salon to two adjoining shop-lots offering whole-body treatment services. The high-level of professionalism in skills and knowledge that ensures stellar services have become a signature brand of Dr Goh and Doux Visage. The company’s vision of an established total body wellness centre that cares for the wellbeing of its customers is evident based on the continuing expansion in clientele.
The two significant milestones of Doux Visage are its unique proposition in the merging of Western technologies with TCM and the launching of the signature brand cosmeceuticals – Dr Goh. An obvious feather in her cap, Dr Goh’s Restorative Formula cosmeceuticals was launched in early January 2019. The problems faced in inconsistent product supplies and quality prompted the creation of Dr Goh. Almost like a personal pet project, Dr Goh has been involved from ideation to retailing of the plant-based skincare products.
The challenges of being up-to-date within a highly dynamic service industry have compelled Dr Goh towards further education. “One reason I am working on my second Doctor of Medicine qualification is to possess an in-depth understanding of TCM practices. My professors have acknowledged the value of my research which will be presented to the Chinese government.”
A hands-on approach is used to train employees due to the importance of a close and personal rapport with customers. “I lead by example by demonstrating the quality of expected services to my employees who are trained acupuncturists and beauty consultants,” says Dr Goh. “Turnover of staff has been minimal.”
“In my view, my greatest achievements are being able to get a Doctor of Medicine qualification from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and the number of patients whom I have treated successfully at Doux Visage,” says Dr Goh impishly with a laugh, “and hopefully I will be able to continue doing research indefinitely.” Dr Goh has won numerous awards for entrepreneurship, the latest two being the Star Outstanding Business Award (2016) and a special mention for the Star Outstanding Business Award (2017) for female entrepreneurs.
Her advice for young people intending to make a career in business is to be focused and continue life- long learning. Dr Goh believes that while it is important to look forward, the past should not be ignored. The prevalent youth culture of immediate gratification has to be tempered with patience especially when dealing with the older non-Internet savvy generation as filial piety still rules.