Profile of Nurhayati Subakat and Her Three Children, an Inspirational Figure and Founder of Paragon Corp

Kapanlagi.com - Nurhayati Subakat, a female entrepreneur from Padang Panjang, West Sumatra, has made an impressive mark in the business world by founding Paragon Technology and Innovation (PTI). She is a pioneer of halal cosmetics in Indonesia, widely recognized through the Wardah brand, which has now become one of the leading local beauty brands.

Born on July 27, 1950, Nurhayati's life journey began from a humble background. However, with strong determination, she succeeded in building a business empire in the beauty sector. Her journey has not always been smooth; from the beginning of her career as a pharmacist, she decided to take a bold step to become an entrepreneur. Through hard work and relentless innovation, she grew her business from a home-based operation to an industrial giant with more than 14,000 employees.

Nurhayati's business philosophy, which prioritizes benefit and quality, has made Paragon Corp a market leader in cosmetics in Indonesia. As a Minang woman who highly values religion and culture, she always ensures that every product produced meets halal principles. With a clear vision and high dedication, Nurhayati not only makes a significant impact on the local beauty industry but also inspires many Indonesian women to dare to create and be independent. The story is proof that with passion and hard work, any dream can be achieved.

1. Educational Background and Early Career

Nurhayati Subakat began her educational journey at Pondok Pesantren Diniyyah Puteri, Padang Panjang, before moving to Padang and eventually being accepted into the Pharmacy program at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), thanks to her brilliant intelligence. At that inspiring campus, she met Subakat Hadi, a man from Kebumen who would later become her husband in 1978.

After completing her pharmacy education, Nurhayati stepped into the professional world at the M. Djamil Central General Hospital (RSUP) in Padang. However, her life took a 180-degree turn when she followed her husband to Jakarta. There, she briefly worked in the cosmetic company Wella as a quality control staff member before ultimately choosing to resign to focus on her family. Nevertheless, her passion for entrepreneurship continued to burn, driving her to apply her pharmaceutical knowledge in the challenging business world.

2. Building Paragon Corp from Scratch

In 1985, Nurhayati and her husband embarked on an inspiring business adventure by producing salon-specific shampoo under the brand Putri, starting with a monthly revenue of Rp2 million. They dedicatedly marketed their products from salon to salon in Tangerang, and within five years, their business grew rapidly, employing 25 staff members.

Seeing the opportunity in the cosmetics market that increasingly favored halal products, Nurhayati launched the Wardah brand in 1995. Wardah's journey to popularity was not instant, but it exploded after the hijabers trend emerged in 2009. In 2011, to accommodate rapid growth, PT Pusaka Tradisi Ibu transformed into PT Paragon Technology and Innovation.

Now, Paragon Corp manages 14 brands, including Make Over, Emina, Kahf, and Labor, with 43 distribution centers in Indonesia and Malaysia. Wardah itself contributes up to 70% of the company's total revenue, making it a shining star in the local cosmetics world.

3. Profile of Nurhayati Subakat's Three Children

Harman Subakat

Harman Subakat, the eldest child of Nurhayati, has served as Group CEO of Paragon Corp since 2019. Under his leadership, Paragon continues to expand its reach by building the largest R&D center in Southeast Asia. Harman is also known for his active involvement in social activities, such as education, human empowerment, and humanitarian aid.

Harman's vision for innovation includes the development of neuroscience-approved fragrances and genomic-based skincare technology. He has also received various awards, including the Ganesa Widya Jasa Utama from ITB and the 2024 House of Zakat Empowerment Figure. Harman is a figure who has made Paragon not only a market leader but also a pioneer in social responsibility.

Salman Subakat

Salman Subakat began his career at Paragon in 2004 as the Marketing Director. Although initially hesitant to join the family business, Salman eventually became one of the main pillars of Paragon's success. Until the end of 2022, he led PT Paragon Technology and Innovation before transitioning to CEO of the Nurhayati Subakat Entrepreneurship Institute (NSEI) in 2023.

Under his leadership, Salman successfully modernized the Wardah brand and launched new brands such as Instaperfect and Crystallure. It also focuses on technological innovation, such as the development of microbiome and genomic-based skincare. Salman is a representation of the next generation of Paragon ready to face the challenges of the global beauty industry.

Sari Chairunnisa

Sari Chairunnisa, the daughter of Nurhayati, is a graduate of the University of Indonesia with a specialization in dermatology. She currently serves as Vice President in the Research and Development division of Paragon Corp. Since childhood, Sari has worn a hijab and continues to maintain her identity as a modern Muslim woman with a career.

In addition to her role at Paragon, Sari also runs a medical practice at Bamed Clinic. This clinic is committed to improving the quality of life for the Indonesian people through professional healthcare services. With her expertise, Sari makes a significant contribution to product innovation development at Paragon Corp.

4. Wealth and Legacy of Nurhayati Subakat in the Beauty Industry

Nurhayati Subakat has become an inspiring figure in the beauty world, with extraordinary dedication that led her to be listed among the 25 Most Influential Women Entrepreneurs in Asia by Forbes Asia in 2018. With a wealth estimated at Rp24 trillion, this achievement is the result of her hard work over decades.

Emphasizing values of sustainability, innovation, and benefit, Nurhayati not only builds a legacy that is profitable for her family but also provides a positive impact on the wider community. Under her leadership, Paragon Corp continues to move forward as a company that places social responsibility on par with profit.

(kpl/mni)