We had the good fortune of connecting with Rozella Marie Mahjhrin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rozella Marie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Since its establishment in 2015, True Complexion (TC) has been a labor of love for me, born from a deep-seated desire to create a safe space where individuals with disabilities and differences can openly share their stories. My initial vision was to shift the focus from conditions to people, empowering each individual to shine their own unique light, free from stereotypes and preconceptions.

I was born with a prominent port wine stain birthmark on my face due to a rare neurological condition called Sturge-Weber Syndrome. Having faced discrimination and marginalization firsthand, I felt compelled to humanize and normalize those often overlooked by society, ensuring their voices weren’t just heard but truly understood.

Through hundreds of interviews and conversations with the community, a common theme emerged: the ongoing struggle for employment and financial stability. Sadly, public perception often casts individuals with disabilities as incapable or reliant on charity, rather than recognizing their potential as valuable contributors deserving of opportunities.

As a result, True Complexion has evolved from being a storytelling platform into a catalyst for change across advertising, marketing, and corporate environments. By collaborating with brands and organizations, we’ve embarked on a mission to redefine inclusivity in media representation in Malaysia, fostering campaigns that authentically portray the rich diversity of humanity.

Moreover, understanding the need for systemic change, TC now leads Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training programs, arming corporations with the tools and insights needed to cultivate environments where everyone can thrive.

In essence, True Complexion isn’t just about advocacy; it is about breaking down barriers, nurturing empathy, and celebrating the inherent value and dignity of every individual, regardless of their differences.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I grew up with people telling me I wasn’t meant for the spotlight, that my birthmark made me unfit to be seen. They advised me to stick to jobs that kept me hidden away. For the longest time, I let their words define me. Despite my secret desire to perform, I convinced myself I wasn’t good enough, solely because of my appearance. It wasn’t until I turned 29 that I summoned the courage to step onto the stage for my first open mic night.

After years of pushing myself out of my comfort zone and performing, I began to see a bigger purpose for my voice. That’s when True Complexion was born. Sharing my story online and inviting others to do the same, I never imagined it would lead to where I am today. I’ve performed for audiences exceeding 3,000, spoken in front of crowds of up to 1,500, been the face of a regional beauty campaign, and now provide DEI training for corporate organizations. I’ve also been honored with awards and participated in prestigious programs such as the Obama Foundation Leadership Program and the Eisenhower Global Fellowship Program.

Looking back, it’s astonishing how much my life has changed since I stopped caring about others’ opinions and started focusing on what I wanted. My birthmark, once my biggest insecurity, has become my superpower. My unique story sets me apart, and I’ve learned to silence the doubters and follow my own path. It hasn’t been easy, and I didn’t do it alone. It took a village of believers to support me and my cause. But every challenge has been worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I lived in Kuala Lumpur for eight years before returning to my hometown of Kota Kinabalu in Borneo to take care of my aging parents. Being back home feels like rediscovering my roots. Whenever I need a break from the hectic routine of hospital visits, work, and advocacy, my favorite retreat is the beach, where I can watch the sunset. It’s a moment of tranquility that brings me peace, especially if I have a fresh coconut to sip on, given the scorching weather lately.

While Kota Kinabalu is a small city with limited options, a short distance away offers access to beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and opportunities for jungle trekking, river cruises, and island exploration.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Growing up with a prominent birthmark on my face presented its challenges. I endured my fair share of teasing and bullying from other kids, which really took a toll on my confidence. It wasn’t just that I disliked the way I looked; I struggled with self-acceptance and lacked a healthy outlet to cope with it.

By the time I reached my twenties, I was severely depressed, so I turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism to numb the pain. I was in a state of turmoil, and things reached a breaking point on my 27th birthday when I ended up in the doctor’s office due to alcohol poisoning. That served as a wakeup call—I realized that if I didn’t make some changes, things could take a serious turn for the worse, whether I intended it or not.

Fortunately, I had some incredible friends who stood by me, especially Dr. Sivakumar Kumaresan. He was there for me through all of my darkest moments, helping me to turn things around and find my way. It was then that I began my journey of redefining who I am and rediscovering my purpose in life. It marked the beginning of me finding my “true complexion” and it’s the reason why I do what I do today.

Dr. Siva and I remain close to this day, collaborating on leadership training programs for corporate companies, ensuring they embrace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) values. I owe him an immense amount of gratitude for his unwavering support and guidance. His friendship has been a lifeline for me, and I genuinely couldn’t have navigated through those challenging times without him. I am deeply thankful for his presence in my life.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rozellamarie/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozellamarie/

Image Credits
1. Photos featuring community members living with disabilities and solo shots amidst greenery: Melissa Toh 2. Photo of the IT Cosmetics campaign: Ken Chua 3. Photos of me speaking at TEDxYouth KL: Brandon Lee 4. Photo during a performance: Tang Chun Cheuh

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.