Meet Vida, the Malaysian multimillionaire with ventures in cosmetics, wellness products and cryptocurrency

Dr Hasmiza binti Othman, better known as Vida, is a Malaysian multimillionaire who has her own cosmetics brand, wellness products, and cryptocurrency. Her appearance is one that is flamboyant and dripped in jewellery, which attracts criticism from others – but she doesn't care about that. Her success speaks for herself, and here’s what you need to know about the self-made millionaire.

1. She's the face of viral ads and videos for her own brand

While most brands use models in their ads, Vida prefers to be known as the face of her brand. She’s the star of her own viral campaigns, including the iconic “I am me” – which showcases Vida herself, in glittery costumes, over-sized jewellery and a dazzling tiara, singing the lyrics “I am a queen. I inspire your desire.”

Besides that, she promotes her products on local TV, always ending with her signature slogan, Qu puteh, ou puteh, barulah puteh (translation: I have fair skin, I have fair skin, now I have fair skin).

2. She was a teacher before venturing into the business world

According to an interview with Malaysian newspaper The Star, Vida pursued a degree in education at Universiti Sains Malaysia where she majored in Malay literature and history. Throughout her undergraduate years, young Vida sold products like keropok (crisps) to her friends and teachers, and worked part-time jobs to supplement her pocket money.

Upon graduation, she became a teacher at a local Chinese school, SJK (C) Poi Lam in Ipoh.

3. She started her business from scratch

She may be a multimillionaire now, but she’s had years of hard work, fraught with financial struggles, including taking a six-figure loan to open up her very first salon.