From Serving the Country to Serving Looks: This 43yo M’sian Ex-Soldier Found His Calling as a Makeup Artist

Career changes are pretty normal these days. Most people usually transition into industries that closely match what they already know, making the shift feel a little less daunting. However, one Malaysian decided to take the complete opposite route, and it turned out to be a surprisingly heartwarming success story.

Mohamad Shahirul Shahidan was only 19 years old when he was recruited into the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM). When he retired three years ago, instead of relying on his pension, he decided to pursue a different career path. While he may have carried weapons back then, he now carries makeup brushes, helping brides and grooms look their best on one of the biggest days of their lives.

He had no interest in joining the military

According to Shahirul, he was first exposed to makeup techniques and skills at 18—a year before he was recruited into the army.

At the time, the now 43-year-old father of four was trusted by a friend who owned Joehisma Venture boutique to do bridal makeup. From there, Shahirul slowly began honing his skills as a ‘pak andam’.

On top of that, he had also accompanied a friend to learn makeup from a well-known makeup artist, Zulfazli Suhaidi, in Penang.

Image Credit: @shahirulhaziq83 | TikTok

Shahirul said he had always been passionate about makeup and had no real interest in joining the military. However, he decided to apply to the ATM as he felt it was better than staying idle in his village at the time.

“When I was 19, I was recruited by the army. I decided to accept the offer and continued serving the country, as my family, especially my father, was very supportive,” he said in an interview with Harian Metro.

Despite being busy with his duties as a soldier, Shahirul said he never fully abandoned his passion for makeup.

Once in a while, he would pick up his brushes again and help his fellow soldiers with their makeup, especially for events.

Image Credit: @shahirulhaziq83 | TikTok

After retiring in December 2023, Shahirul visited an old friend who worked at a bridal boutique and asked if there were any job vacancies.

He was later offered work setting up and dismantling wedding dais. Then, in January 2024, Shahirul began working independently as a makeup artist and stylist.

Well received by the public

Shahirul promoted his business on TikTok, and so far, the response has been positive, with most of his clients coming from the platform.

When asked whether any of his clients knew about his military background, Shahirul admitted that many were shocked to find out he was an army retiree.

“Most of them ask what I was like when I worked as a soldier. I tell them that sometimes I had to be strict and stern when training recruits. But outside working hours, I’m actually pretty laid-back.”

Shahirul credited his time in the army with shaping his discipline—a quality he now applies when managing his time between clients.

Image Credit: @shahirulhaziq83 | TikTok

For now, Shahirul plans to continue working as a makeup artist and stylist to support his wife and four children, aged between six and 17. For him, the job is more than just a passion; it is something that has always been a part of who he is.

“I’m doing this with the skills I have to support my children, as they are all still in school,” he said.

Check out Shahirul’s TikTok to see his work.

Featured Image Credit: @shahirulhaziq83 | TikTok