As we step into the promising new year of 2025, we hope it brings even greater success and inspiration for the Malaysian Indian community as they continue to rise and thrive. To spark motivation and celebrate entrepreneurial spirit, Varnam Malaysia shines a spotlight on the inspiring journey of two sisters who turned their vision into reality by founding Chinie’s, a multi-brand beauty store specializing in makeup and beauty products. This is the story of their determination, innovation, and the pursuit of their dreams.
Kanchan Ratnani is the visionary founder of Chinie’s, a brand she has nurtured with unwavering passion. With a degree in Interior Architecture from Taylor’s University, Malaysia, Kanchan has seamlessly blended her creative expertise with entrepreneurial acumen. Since relocating to Dubai, UAE, in 2021, she has been instrumental in propelling Chinie’s to new heights. Her multifaceted role spans PR and Marketing, e-commerce business development, branding, and design, alongside steering the overall growth and evolution of the brand.
Vandana Ratnani Dhanoa, the Co-Founder of Chinie’s, is a pivotal force behind the brand’s success. A graduate of Monash University Malaysia with a Bachelor of Business and Commerce, majoring in International Business and Marketing, Vandana brought her expertise to the forefront by taking on the ambitious challenge of building Chinie’s online presence. She has successfully led the brand’s e-commerce and marketing divisions, driving its growth and visibility in the digital space.
In 2021, after Kanchan relocated to Dubai, Vandana adapted to a new dynamic and took on additional responsibilities. She now oversees Retail and Operations, Brand Onboarding, Human Resources, as well as coordinating Store Events and Exhibitions. Her journey with Chinie’s has been defined by constant growth, remarkable flexibility, and a steadfast dedication to the brand’s success.
When asked about the inspiration behind Chinie’s, Kanchan shared:
“While living in Malaysia, I was a regular Sephora shopper. However, as a student, it was often challenging to afford all the products I needed due to their steep prices, even though the quality was undeniable, which kept us coming back.
During my graduation trip to Europe, I came across brands like Kiko Milano and Flormar. Their products were incredibly affordable without compromising on quality, and their variety was astounding. I couldn’t help but wonder—why don’t we have similar options in Malaysia? Why is there such a significant gap in price and quality between Sephora and drugstore cosmetics?
That moment sparked an idea. With my mother’s credit card in hand, I spent the final days of my trip stocking up on products, planning to sell them to customers and employees at my father’s department store. To my surprise, everything sold out within a month!
What started as a spontaneous idea during a post-university break quickly evolved into something much bigger. The success of that first sale set everything in motion, and that’s how Chinie’s came to life!”
What began as a small, unplanned venture has since grown into a well-recognized and trusted brand, built on innovation, determination, and a commitment to quality.
The idea to create Chinie’s was deeply rooted in the sisters’ upbringing and their mutual passion for beauty. Growing up in a family with a strong business background, they witnessed their parents’ unwavering dedication and hard work in building Rams Home Decor. This instilled in them a solid work ethic that became the cornerstone of their entrepreneurial journey.
For Kanchan, the desire to become an entrepreneur was always present. Her internship in architecture made her realize that a conventional 9-to-5 desk job didn’t align with her aspirations, prompting her to pursue her vision for Chinie’s. A year after the business was launched, Vandana joined as an intern and quickly demonstrated her ability to elevate the brand’s online presence. Recognizing their complementary skills, Kanchan saw the potential of joining forces. After completing her studies, Vandana became a full-time part of Chinie’s, solidifying their partnership and laying the groundwork for the brand’s growth together.
We knew the road ahead would be challenging, but our shared determination to make Chinie’s a success kept us motivated to overcome every obstacle. The beauty industry felt like a natural path for us, blending our passion for cosmetics with a mission to address a gap in the Malaysian market—offering high-quality, inclusive beauty products at affordable prices.
Chinie’s was founded on a straightforward yet impactful vision: to make beauty accessible to everyone, regardless of skin tone, skin type, or budget. Our shared passion, combined with the invaluable lessons of resilience and hard work instilled by our parents, gave us the confidence to turn our dream into reality.
Chinie’s features more than 25 beauty brands under its umbrella, offering a diverse selection of high-quality products. Some of the prominent brands include Colorbar, LA Girl, Bodyography, Skin1004, Panier Des Sens, and L’Oréal. With an extensive range of beauty and personal care items, Chinie’s aims to be the ultimate one-stop beauty destination for Malaysians. The collection at Chinie’s includes:
- Cosmetics:
- Foundations, concealers, and powders in a variety of shades to suit all skin tones.
- Lipsticks, glosses, and liners in a spectrum of colors.
- Eyeshadow palettes, mascaras, and eyeliners for creating stunning eye looks.
- Highlighters, blushes, and bronzers to enhance facial features.
- Skincare:
- Cleansers, toners, and moisturizers for different skin types.
- Serums and treatments targeting specific concerns like hydration, anti-aging, and acne.
- Sunscreens for everyday UV protection.
- Body Care:
- Luxurious body washes, lotions, and scrubs.
- Hand creams and body mists for a refreshing touch.
- Hair Care:
- Shampoos, conditioners, and hair treatments.
- Styling products to achieve various hair looks.
- Tools and Accessories:
- Makeup brushes, beauty sponges, and eyelash curlers.
- Skincare tools like jade rollers and facial massagers.
“At Chinie’s, we carefully choose and test every product to ensure it meets our standards of quality, inclusivity, and affordability, making beauty accessible to everyone. We are also deeply committed to promoting vegan and clean beauty. All our products are cruelty-free, meaning they are never tested on animals. In addition, we offer a variety of organic options specially selected for those with sensitive skin, reflecting our dedication to inclusivity and ethical practices,” say the sisters.
When asked about the challenges they faced while establishing Chinie’s, the sisters shared, “The first major challenge we encountered was understanding the documentation process required to import cosmetics and skincare products into Malaysia. Navigating the complex regulatory landscape was no easy task. Additionally, the beauty industry relies heavily on trust, and earning that trust takes time. Customers need reassurance before investing in products they apply to their skin, and many prefer to purchase from brands they already know. As young entrepreneurs in our early 20s, we were excited about the big picture and the potential of launching our brand. However, we quickly realized that customers don’t always share the same enthusiasm initially. While we knew our products were of high quality, gaining customer trust required patience and persistence.
We selected a product line that demands years of testing and customer comfort to build that trust. With a small team of just three people, we each had to take on multiple roles. This meant that many aspects of Chinie’s didn’t receive the attention they needed for the brand to truly flourish.”
To overcome these challenges, they strategically decided to open a second outlet in Kuala Lumpur within a year—before even breaking even. Establishing a presence at NU Sentral gave Malaysians a sense of security and trust in the brand. From there, they launched small-scale marketing efforts, partnering with local influencers to spread the word. Once they achieved financial stability, they outsourced their social media management to a dedicated team while staying closely involved in creating authentic, engaging content. This blend of strategic expansion and targeted marketing has been crucial in building Chinie’s credibility and expanding their customer base.
Since its launch, Chinie’s has seen impressive growth, transforming from a small startup into a well-known name in Malaysia’s beauty industry. Founded in 2016 with only two imported brands—Isabelle Dupont (cosmetics) and Pielor (body care)—the business initially operated within Rams Home Decor in Langkawi. By participating in exhibitions and roadshows, the founders recognized a strong demand for their products, especially in Kuala Lumpur, which inspired them to expand into larger markets.
“In 2019, we opened our first standalone retail store at NU Sentral, strategically situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, we persevered and continued to expand, launching two more outlets in 2022—one in Pantai Cenang, Langkawi, and another in IOI City Mall, Putrajaya, Malaysia’s largest shopping destination.”
Their product range has expanded significantly, now offering over 25 brands that meet a wide variety of beauty needs. With a commitment to inclusivity, ethical practices, and a customer-first approach, they have cultivated a loyal following and forged strong partnerships with both local and international brands.
This growth is not only evident in the numbers but also in the trust they’ve gained from their customers, the recognition from influencers and media, and the ongoing opportunities to expand into prestigious locations.
The founder shared, “To my fellow Indians, especially Indian women, I want to say: believe in yourself and the dreams you hold. Success isn’t exclusive to the privileged; it’s earned by those willing to take risks, work hard, and remain persistent. As women, we often juggle many roles—daughter, sister, wife, mother, professional—but don’t let these responsibilities limit you. Let them empower you instead. Each role teaches us resilience, empathy, and strength.
At Chinie’s, we take great pride in being a company built by women, for women. Our journey is grounded in the belief that when women support one another, extraordinary things happen. From our founders to every member of our team, we are a completely women-led workforce, committed to empowering each other at every step.
This philosophy goes beyond business; it’s about fostering a community where women uplift and inspire one another, breaking barriers and challenging conventions. Together, we aim to redefine success by demonstrating that collaboration and support are the true foundations of empowerment. We’re more than just a beauty brand—we’re a celebration of women and their boundless potential. Here’s to women supporting women, today and always!”
The inspiring journey of Kanchan and Vandana Ratnani Dhanoa exemplifies the power of vision, determination, and unwavering dedication. From humble beginnings to establishing Chinie’s as a trusted name in the Malaysian beauty industry, their story highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the belief in creating something meaningful. By offering high-quality, inclusive beauty products and fostering a community where women empower each other, Chinie’s has not only built a successful brand but also redefined the meaning of success.
As we enter 2025, their journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, encouraging them to embrace their dreams and challenge the status quo. Here’s to Chinie’s continued growth and to the limitless potential of women supporting women in business and beyond.
All the information and images are provided by Kanchan and Vandana from Chinie’s.
This is a Varnam Exclusive Feature! Reproduction requires a credit to Varnam Malaysia.
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