IF there is one thing that draws you in as you gaze upon Zoey Rahman, it is his superb skin. In fact, he is one of the most well-groomed local actors in Malaysia.
So it comes as no surprise that this actor has launched his own cosmetics brand, MikaSeries, which is available online.
Mohd Hairey Azhar “Zoey” Abd Rahman is a well known model, actor and emcee in Malaysia.
He shot to fame when he hosted children’s show Gerak Geri Gasing and went on to star in several TV dramas including Bong (2009), Friday I’m In Love (2012), Demi Dia (2013) and the local adaptation of the hit K-drama series Black (2020); as well as feature films Lagenda Budak Setan (2010), Manisnya Cinta Di Cappadoccia (2014) and Awang Gerudi (2018).
Zoey kept himself busy with his online business when the entertainment industry was forced to shut down earlier this year due to the pandemic.
When asked how he balances his job as an actor as well as a businessman, Zoey said: “If I don’t have a shooting schedule, I would be in my office from 9am to 2pm. If I have a shoot, I will go for it and conduct my business online, or via video calls.”
When asked what made him venture into acting to begin with, Zoey said: “I really wanted to see what I was capable of.
“I entered the entertainment world in 2005, when I was very young. My first show was Gerak Geri Gasing on Astro Ceria. I got interested in the world of entertainment. I realised I liked to talk to people, I liked to mingle around and I loved the camera.“
It was Bong that proved to be a turning point in his career, and that is what led him to where he is now in the industry.
“Actually I know that the future is uncertain for those in the entertainment industry. There are many talented newcomers every year. So I came up with a plan to see what I could fall back on. Although I have a diploma in interior design, I was not interested in doing that.
“I wanted to be a businessman, I like beauty, and I like looking at beauty. I also like to travel. So when my friends pointed out that my skin looked great and what I did to look that way, I promoted other brands.
“That led me to thinking that I should come up with my own line. So I decided to go into the cosmetic business. I came across a manufacturer, and after some discussion I decided to do just that. I took six months to a year to come up with a product of high quality that I myself would use everyday.”
His cosmetic line, MikaSeries, works well on both men and women.
Years ago, men wearing makeup or taking care of their appearance was frowned upon.
However the onset of the metrosexual male and the popularity of K-pop made it permissable for men to want to look immaculate, and these days no one bats an eye if a man uses makeup.
“The world has changed. There is emphasis on good grooming, cleanliness and tidiness. Cosmetics are not just for women.
“Anyone who has to deal with customers needs to look their best. In Korea men use foundation regularly. It is normal.
“There are people who have outdated views of men using cosmetics. But when you look good, you have confidence, and others have confidence in you.”
Zoey also maintains a healthy lifestyle and regularly works out. He often looks up healthy lifestyle tips online, and makes sure he eats healthy too.
He recently finished shooting a comedy film starring Ziana Zain and Ning Baizura called Madam E-Wallet.
He will also be shooting for the second season of Black.
“I have managed to balance my business and my acting career. By being an actor, I can also sell my products.”
When asked if there is a role that he would like to do, Zoey said: “Right now I am not picky about the roles I am given. I just do it, and build my confidence to try something new. I challenge myself to become someone else. I like doing romantic comedies.”
He loves Erra Fazira as he grew up watching her films.
He is also a big fan of Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp.
He has no plans to turn director or producer, but hopes to open his own production house one day and quietly remain behind the scenes.
