Rizalman Ibrahim: EX boss, forever guru

Salam / Hi guys,

“When one door closes, another ten open.”

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Who said scrolling through media social pages like Instagram and Facebook has no benefit. I simply do not agree. It was by being Rizalman Ibrahim’s follower (and consistent Instagram fan) that I got to know that he was looking for an interior designer to work with him, somewhere in the middle of 2015. Having no intention to find a job for a few months, at that time I was just returning back to Malaysia from Perth, Australia after been studying there for more than 5 years. But that was too big of a chance to not give it a try, so I thought. Plus who does not know Rizalman Ibrahim? And if I got to work with him, I was pretty sure that I would be able to learn as much knowledge about designing from him! It is like going to design school, but got paid at the same time. No I would not sit back, let’s do this.

After sending the typical application materials (read: resume, portfolio), I was replied by an email saying that I am among the chosen one to attend the interview. OMG. Now, an interview with The Rizalman. What do I say, what do I wear, how do I perform myself, and make up, I must wear some, right? All the thoughts were making me having butterflies in my stomach. Must be more than 1000 butterflies there. I was so nervous and anxious!

17.09.2015: The day finally came, I was accompanied by my sister, Farah who drove me to Rizalman’s office. The interview was supposed to start at 4 PM but I intentionally went in 10 minutes early, just to be safe. I rang the bell in front of his boutique/office. A guy voice came in though the intercom receiver, “Yes, may I help you?”. “Hi there, my name is Fairuz and I have an interview at 4”, I replied. The front door was opened not long after that, by a bald guy who at that time I did not know was Rizalman’s butler named Ari. I was guided in, asked to seat and was told to wait for someone else to attend me. Few procedures done, I was now at a very majestic table, together with his HR staff, waiting for him to come down and interview me. Never, in million years, that I thought to be interviewed for a job by the big boss himself. I guess I’m just lucky, Alhamdulillah. Few minutes has passed, and suddenly I saw a figure wearing all black, walking gracefully towards the table. I automatically stood up, and only sat once he was seated. When he finally settled in front of me, I could not help but felt starstruck. I had to remind myself over and over again that this is a job interview, not meet and greet. Haha. And all I could remember was how good he looks in person, with a very well-groomed face features and solid white teeth which is too obvious to not notice. And he speaks perfect English too. The process lasted for more than 1 hour, and it went really well, Alhamdulillah. Couple of weeks later, I received a good-news-call, I was hired! And the rest was history.

19.10.2015 – 8.12.2016: My working period in Glamreka / Glamcasa by Rizalman was only a little over a year, but the amount of new stuffs that I managed to learn there was overwhelming. I had involved in 7 projects in which 2 were of Rizalman himself as client, which are RI Maison and Rizalman Boutique. Others on the other hand, were residential interior projects, which each usually costed more than RM1million solely for interior works. I was gasping at the amount at first but slowly getting to understand that this industry, is big guys. Especially if you possess a very successful name and title like Rizalman Ibrahim, where everybody was dying to get him to give his sensational touch on their home/wedding/attire. Personally speaking, during that period of time, meeting Dato’, Datin, and other Tan Sri was a norm, and that was new to me of course! Not to mention other artists and personalities who often came visit him in the boutique. Tengku Puan Pahang was another public figure who I was blessed to meet during the time I was working with Rizalman. Now which part shouldn’t I be thankful for, Alhamdulillah.

Last but not least, let’s now dig these 10 interesting facts about Rizalman Ibrahim:-

1. He works almost everyday, handling interior projects, wedding events, couture and clothing line, as well as furniture shop all by himself, assisted and executed by his staffs.
2. He remembers gazillion things everyday. And all of his staffs are expected to keep up with that. Once you forget anything get ready to be reminded to take raisins. Haha.
3. He texts and instructs staffs 24/7 through whatsapp.
4. He has very fair skin!
5. He is also very strict and fierce, fiercer than any discipline teacher you’ve ever met. When it comes to making bold statements, he does it with unabashedly unapologetic charm of swear words. It was humorous at times yet harsh, for those who are not used to it
6. We called him ‘boss’ at work.
7. He literally wears all BLACK every day.
8. When he came in our office we hardly notice. Never know how he does it in full silence. Bad luck if you are talking behind his back because suddenly he knows it all!
9. His room has a candle lit up for him all the time.
10. What I love about him; for every drawings/works I produced, he would check and mark any changes that need to be done with a red pen like most teachers do, and suggest better option if there is any, with his great design sense. And vice versa, he always listens to our suggestions too, which is nice.

The majestic table where I had my interview. This area is also featured in ‘Rizalman’ lifestyle TV show.

Glamreka / Glamcasa by Rizalman team in front of RI Maison, his furniture shop.

My first cashier counter. Major love! Designed by Rizalman, drawn and ordered by me.

Second cashier counter I had done, inside Rizalman boutique. Designed by Rizalman, drawn and ordered by me.

Gorgeous blue kitchen, I could not take my eyes off this. Designed by Rizalman, drawn and ordered by me. (Photo by Rizalman/Glamcasa by Rizalman)

Vanity table + louvre cabinet. Designed by Rizalman, drawn and ordered by me. (Photo by Rizalman/Glamcasa by Rizalman)

One of our projects had been featured in Glam Deko magazine.

Best house foyer I ever witnessed, designed by Rizalman.

(Still wear the t-shirt, it is so comfy!) #rizalmangaragesale2016

During Rizalman garage sale 2016 with part of the team.

Rizalman Boutique that is newly renovated, by us Glamreka team.

See how many companies he owns!

My boss and I.

Rizalman Ibrahim to me is EX boss, and forever guru. I am indeed thankful.

Till then,

Fairuz