Jakarta – In an industry long dominated by multinational giants and glossy Western branding, one woman from Indonesia has redefined what success means in beauty. Nurhayati Subakat, the founder of Wardah and Paragon Technology and Innovation, transformed a modest home business into a billion-dollar cosmetics empire—guided not by trend, but by conviction.
Her journey began not with venture capital or global connections, but with shampoo bottles sold door to door. Trained as a pharmacist at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Subakat leveraged her scientific background and cultural insight to launch a local haircare brand in 1985. Within five years, she had her own manufacturing facility.
But in 1990, tragedy struck. Her home and business were destroyed in a fire.
Most entrepreneurs would have retreated. Nurhayati rebuilt—from nothing. And in 1995, she launched Wardah, Indonesia’s first halal cosmetics brand, at a time when halal beauty was virtually nonexistent on the global radar.
Building an Empire on Faith and Function
Wardah quickly resonated with Indonesian consumers—especially Muslim women seeking products that aligned with their religious values. Through clinical research, dermatological partnerships, and consistent branding, Subakat not only met demand—she created it.
Today, Paragon houses nine brands, including:
- Wardah – the flagship halal cosmetics line
- Emina – playful beauty for youth
- Make Over – professional cosmetics for makeup artists
- Kahf – halal men’s grooming products
- Crystallure, Instaperfect, and Laboré – targeting skincare and premium segments
What began as a one-woman endeavor now employs over 12,000 people, with a strong focus on female employment and empowerment across Indonesia’s diverse regions.
Money With Meaning
Nurhayati’s rise has earned her global accolades. Forbes included her in its 2018 list of Asia’s Most Powerful Businesswomen, and in 2022 she joined the 50 Over 50 Asia roster. Her net worth is estimated at $1.5 billion.
Yet it is how she uses her wealth that sets her apart. Subakat has donated:
- Rp52 billion ($3.2M) to her alma mater ITB for research and development
- Rp40 billion ($2.5M) to healthcare efforts during the COVID-19 crisis
She remains an active philanthropist, funding initiatives in education, health, and female entrepreneurship. Her legacy is both tangible and ideological—proving that faith-based capitalism, when rooted in resilience and social good, can not only survive but lead.
In a time when global markets chase digital disruption and short-term profit, Nurhayati Subakat offers a counter-narrative: one of patience, integrity, and inclusive growth. Her journey is more than inspiring—it is quietly revolutionary.
