Get to know Martha Tilaar, a figure of a tough Indonesian entrepreneur woman

 

Sariayu Martha Tilaar is one of the most popular cosmetic brands in Indonesia, even in the eyes of the world. Sariayu Martha Tilaar's products can be said to be the market leaders in the country's cosmetics business. 

Behind the great success of Sariayu products is the name of its founder, Martha Tilaar, who is a key figure for the company to grow as big as it is today.

So, to know more about Martha Tilaar, here is her life story!

Martha Tilaar Born in Central Java

Martha Tilaar was born on September 4, 1937. Martha Tilaar comes from a city in Central Java Province, namely Kebumen. She was born as the youngest of three children with the real name Martha Handana.

While still in the womb, her mother often had health problems. Martha herself was born in a physically unhealthy condition and was often sick since she was a baby.

Over time, little Martha grew into a healthy and tomboyish girl. She couldn't stay still. Behavior and how to dress like a boy.

Besides that, Martha also learned many skills from her mother, such as small-scale selling, counting money, choosing and determining which eggs were fresh and which were rotten eggs, to handicrafts.

As an adult, she managed to complete her education up to the bachelor's level. Her dream of becoming a teacher since childhood led her to study History at the Jakarta State Teachers' Training College (now UNJ). She had taught at Santa Theresia Elementary School for two years and at her college for three years.

After marrying Henry Alex Rudolf Tilaar, she followed her husband who received a scholarship to study in the United States. When she got there, she looked for additional income by becoming a babysitter.

Her income as a babysitter was quite large at that time. She can earn at least US$ 1,500 during the holiday season, but her average income on weekdays can reach US$ 2,000 – US$ 2,500.

Apart from working as a babysitter, Martha took advantage of this opportunity to study beauty at the Academy of Beauty Culture for two years.

Back to Indonesian and Build a Salon

After returning from America, she was determined to be able to have her own salon, even though it was small, so finally, with limited capital, Martha opened a salon in her father's garage, which was 4×6 square meters in 1970.

Martha was also aggressively doing promotions by making flyers and brochures offered from door to door. This effort received a positive response, so that she was able to attract customers from among foreigners working at the embassy.

Together with one of her employees, Martha often chats with visitors to make them feel at home and want to return to her salon.

Within 6 months Martha was able to move to a bigger place. Two years later, Martha opened her second salon which is located in Cipete, South Jakarta.

It was in this second salon that Martha began introducing traditional herbal-based beauty treatments. She also explored Indonesia's natural wealth to be used as a beauty care product.

Martha Tilaar Established PT Martina Bento

Five years later, Martha expanded her business into the field of beauty products and modern herbs under the banner of PT Martina Berto. This company was founded based on the collaboration between Martha and Theresia Harsini Setiady, the founder of one of the leading pharmaceutical companies, Kalbe Group.

After being successful, in 1983, he succeeded in establishing PT Sari Ayu Indonesia, as time went on, Sariayu Martha Tilaar's products were increasingly selling well in the market, both in the local market and the international market.

Gradually, Martha and her family managed to acquire PT Martina Berto and form the Martha Tilaar Group in 1999.

One message that is always instilled by a Martha Tilaar is to focus on one field that is lived and never give up to reach it. According to Martha Tilaar, if women are encouraged and given the opportunity to continue working, they will certainly be able to progress and be successful like men.

Indonesian to English 

Link: https://blog.amartha.com/martha-tilaar/