There’s a common corporate narrative about leaving the desk job for a passion project, but for Yanna Ong, the transition was less about an escape and more about applying engineering precision to a new kind of structure: the skin barrier.
Before launching the homegrown beauty line Why Not Yans?, Ong spent her days as a project engineer—a world of strict timelines, quality control, and methodical planning. That same rigorous approach is now the foundation of her new venture, which she officially introduced during a recent soft launch.
The Problem-Solver’s Approach to Confidence
“I’ve tried different ventures—clothes, food, even pet supplies,” Ong shared with a laugh. “But beauty has always been the goal. It’s what excites me the most because it connects directly to confidence.”
This focus on confidence isn’t just fluffy marketing; it’s the brand’s unique selling proposition. Why Not Yans? positions self-care as a practical, result-driven routine rather than an indulgent luxury. This ethos is reflected in the formulas, which are crafted using premium Japanese and Korean ingredients and refined in Thailand, a detail that points to an international-grade ambition.
The launch, which included a ceremonial ribbon-cutting with veteran singer-actress Malu Barry, signaled a new player entering a crowded Philippine beauty market. But as Ong puts it, the brand isn’t here to compete on noise; it’s here to deliver on results.
Spotlight on the Star Products
What should you look for first? The brand’s initial offerings target the popular desire for simplified routines and visible radiance:
• The Flagship: The Derma Skin Set is the headliner. The set promises the coveted glass-skin effect after just five days of consistent use. For the skeptical consumer, the question is whether the engineer’s promise of fast, controlled results holds up against the sometimes-harsh reality of rejuvenating sets.
• The Quick Fix: An Instant Whitening Perfume Lotion with SPF 50 PA++ merges protection and brightening in one step, catering directly to the Filipino market’s love for multi-functional, high-SPF daily solutions.
• The Everyday Detail: A nourishing Lip Oil that subtly enhances the lips’ natural tint rounds out the starting lineup.
These products reflect Ong’s background—each item is carefully formulated, result-driven, and designed to simplify (not complicate) the daily routine. Brand ambassador Gerlaine Silva embodies this philosophy, projecting an elegant yet approachable kind of beauty that feels inclusive.
What’s Next for the Digital Shelf
All Why Not Yans? products are currently available online. As the brand prepares for a larger grand launch, Ong hints at future cosmetic innovations.
Ong may have traded her hard hat for skincare formulations, but her mission remains the same: project management. This time, the project is your skin, and the timeline is five days. It appears this former engineer knows that the biggest gains in life often start with a single, calculated risk.
