THERE's a little women's self-care space in Jalan Telawi in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, that was born right at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mimone, situated on the first floor just above a women's clinic, opened in October 2020, but Covid-19 restrictions meant there was not much business then.
But owners Debbie Yap, 37 and Cindy Kok, 32, decided to push through the hard times and these days, on any given afternoon, you'd find customers waiting for their turn at the cosy lounge, usually for a massage.
The place has a number of small massage rooms, with experienced masseurs. The rooms are clean, simple and dimly lit... so that even when you are at the heart of this bustling neighbourhood, you will find a quiet respite from the rush.
"This space is meant for that. The location allows women who come to Bangsar to shop for groceries, run errands or even send their kids to school, to pop in for a 60- or 90-minute massage before continuing their day," Yap says.
"Not many women have the three-hour luxury for a full spa treatment, but they can come here for a different, more rejuvenating kind of lunch treat," she says.
Mimone offers full body massage and foot treatment, including pedicure and manicure, and Kok says it's all part of the company's idea to provide a space for women's wellness.
"A massage helps relieve tired muscles and makes women generally feel better about themselves. If you are breastfeeding, for example, it could even help ease bodily tension and stress.
"We believe that from time to time, even for an hour, women could do with some self-care that helps to reboot their strength and even confidence," she says.
START WITH A MASK
But Mimone isn't all about the spa, although after Bangsar, it has opened another spa in Kepong and recently, in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, with a bigger space and a more intensive menu for those who can afford a longer duration of treatment.
In 2018, while Yap was working in New Zealand, the duo started Mimone using the Q10 Freeze Hydro Essence Gel Mask as a treatment tool. Sheet masks were popular then, but Yap and Kok made one containing Q10, which is commonly taken as a supplement, in a 100 per cent essence beauty mask that did not use paper or cellulose.
"It is made of seaweed extract to fit the shape of the face, and all of the essence it contains will be absorbed by the skin. There's is no paper or cellulose sheets to remove after 15 minutes," Yap says.
The product was a hit and it remains the brand's bestseller. Aside from the mask, Mimone also has its foaming cleanser with built-in silicone head so you get a face massage with every wash. "It's a favourite among men because they say it leaves their face cleansed and fresh," Yap says.
Another favourite product is the Radiance Hydro Repair, the brand's face moisturiser to hydrate skin and tighten pores.
But that wasn't the duo's first venture into skincare. Their first business, selling products from Italy for the local market was a failure.
"We were not happy with the quality and consistency, and we were not in control of the cost and pricing. So we decided that we needed to formulate our own skincare," she says.
HELPING WOMEN
Yaps says Mimone was founded to help women in any small way. So during the Covid-19 pandemic, when spas were not allowed to operate, Yap and Kok built a distribution network to promote their products.
"Some women lost their jobs during that period, some were looking to supplement their household income. We did online talks and provided training to help these women be more confident to sell and earn." The products are also available on its website, besides Lazada and Shopee.
Yap says as the Covid-19 condition improves, their dealers have reduced as more people began to gain permanent employment in various sectors. But looking back, she is proud with what they did at that time.
"It feels great to be able to help women when they need it," she says.
TIME FOR A MASSAGE
Here are some of the massages offered at Mimone:
HOT STONE THERAPY
This back massage uses warm oil and hot stones to rejuvenate the body. This 30-minute treatment uses the brand's signature warm oil with a deep tissue massage to soothe aching muscles and stiff joints.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
The lymphatic drainage detoxification body treatment is a 90-minute full body massage that uses gentle, repetitive strokes. It is a specialised massage that is sometimes referred to as a detox massage, and it helps the body to maintain its health.
BACK REJUVENATION
Back rejuvenation, also known as the back facial, is a treatment designed to pay attention to the most neglected and hard-to-reach areas on the body — the back. It smoothens out skin, cleansing pores and ending with a well deserved de-stress back massage. The result will leave you feeling relaxed and revitalised.
FOOT MASSAGE
Massage your hardworking feet for an extra spring in your step that will help soothe tight muscles.