The future is female. 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is a time to reflect on the extraordinary power of women who shape their own destinies. Together with Tiffany & Co., our podcast series captures the journeys of countless luminaries who fearlessly embrace change, overcome challenges and redefine their paths. Whether it’s through personal goals, professional growth or finding your drive, every moment redefines strength in a flawless manner. 

One story that beautifully encapsulates the theme is the story of Shalma Ainaa, a multifaceted talent whose evolution from a fashion student to television host and fashion entrepreneur serves as an inspiring tale. Upon returning to Malaysia after completing her studies in London, Shalma encountered a defining moment: she was scouted to become a television host. While viewing this opportunity as a temporary detour, she dove into a six-month boot camp, treating it as a fertile ground for learning rather than a diversion from her fashion ambitions. 

However, when it comes to Shalma, her craving for curiosity did not stop there. “For me, when I was younger, I’ve always been a curious girl. I’m always eager to find new things to explore, and that pushed me to learn more about myself by testing my abilities,” confessed Shalma. After a year in media, she pivoted once more, balancing her hosting duties with the vision of launching her own fashion brand that we grew to love today—SHALS. 

While this decision marked a crucial turning point, it was her willingness to take risks. Leaving a stable career to pursue her passion full-time was daunting, yet motivated by a supportive network and curiosity, Shalma embraced the unknown. “I told my parents to give me one year to pursue my goal of building SHALS from scratch. I took that risk and I was not afraid to take it.”

A risk-taker and fearless of pursuing goals at the ripe age of 22, Shalma knew she didn’t have to be afraid. “At that time, I had nothing to lose,” she reflects, a mantra that many women can relate to as they step beyond their comfort zones. With the incredible support she had along the way, it’s what kept her going. “I remember opening a booth with my husband and there were no sales because no one was there. In that moment, it truly humbles me and a reminder on how my journey started.”

One of the most significant milestones in Shalma’s journey was her decision to participate in the 2024 KL Fashion Week. Despite previous hesitations, she recognised the necessity of confronting her fears to achieve growth. Even after 12 years of being in the business, she knew it was time to confront her fears and emerge with newfound clarity about her brand’s direction. “It turned out to be one of the best nights of my life. After the show, I realised that I can inspire and empower more people like me, who had the fear of the unknown, by using SHALS as my platform to speak to my community.”

Truth be told, the call for another opportunity fell on Shalma’s lap—it was to design and dress Indonesian singer Afghan on stage for one of his Kuala Lumpur shows. And in that moment, she knew the right person for the job was to bring in her mentor and Malaysian designer Kit Woo for the job to collaborate. “There’s strength in both SHALS and Kit Woo, and if we merge, that could be something amazing.”

By seeking mentorship and leaning on her team, Shalma demonstrates that overcoming obstacles is most effective when we come together. Her view of challenges as stepping stones rather than dead ends inspires others to embrace their journeys with creativity and adaptability. With International Women’s Day in mind, it is a place to honour and uplift the stories of inspiring women like Shalma, who navigate the complexities of life with grace. Through her defining moments and her striving for reinvention, it’s about learning how to pivot within ourselves and in life—a moment when reinventing yourself redefines strength. 

Find out more about our International Women’s Day campaign here. Discover Tiffany & Co. on www.tiffany.my.

Watch ‘Strength to Reinvent’ featuring Shalma Ainaa and Sazzy Falak

 

Shalma Ainaa wore SHALS while Sazzy Falak wore a blazer from MAX MARA (Melium) with jewellery from Tiffany & Co.

Creative Director Nisa’ Halid, Senior Art Director Khai Ramli (ICON & Harper’s BAZAAR), Art Director Amirul Ariffin (GLAM), Digital Director (Harper’s BAZAAR) Amalina Anuar, Deputy Editor (ICON) Tiffany Tan, Visual Director Syafiq Sazaly, Deputy Visual Director Zakwan Taufiq, Photography Lily Alissa, Make Up Artist Ezad Ibrahim for Jane Chuck & Pauline Tan, Siti Saleha & Yaya Zahir | Gabriel Padan for Shalma Ainaa & Sazzy Falak, Hair Bibian Leong Location Serai Hall, KLGCC (ICON), DOJO Coworking KL (Harper’s BAZAAR), Presidential Suite, Park Hyatt Hotel KL (GLAM), Assisted by Nurul Izzati & Nur Afiqah