“Your work is your signature on the world. Make sure it’s signed with excellence.”
Dedication
I dedicate this story not just to my present, but to my beginnings. First and foremost, I dedicate this to my mother, Asmah Binti Abdullah. Her strength was quiet, but her sacrifices were constant. She did everything she could to help us move forward, even when life was tough. Although she had little to give, she offered everything. Every moment of her time was a true gift. Her strength served as a solid support for all of us. Her loss was one of the hardest moments in my life. Yet, the lessons she shared and the love she gave stay with me on my journey.
To my father who believed in me. His absence gave me the urgency to achieve more. Though I never had the opportunity to know him well, I compensated for my lack of memories by discovering a purpose. Growing up, I had to adapt fast, and that’s likely where my early strength came from. My connection to him may not be physical, but he’s still a big part of my identity.
To my wife, Maisarah—my closest confidante, whose boundless patience, unwavering support, and unconditional love have shaped every chapter of my life. Your presence has transformed ordinary moments into extraordinary memories, enriching my journey beyond words. This story belongs equally to you.
I dedicate this also to my siblings, who walked the same difficult path with me. We didn’t have luxuries growing up. We had each other. Sharing meals and working together for our family built something strong in us. We understood survival and had a shared wish to improve and grow.
This journey is also dedicated to the Teachers, who saw something in me when I was still figuring out who I was. At SRK Padang Tembak, then at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Georgetwon, and later at Sek Menengah Penang Free School, I gained more than just academic knowledge. I learned how to face challenges. My school years offered me clarity, and I am thankful to all the teachers who shared their time and guidance with me.
To those who mentored me in real-life settings, such as workshops, factories, and my early jobs, I owe a deep debt of gratitude. From my time at Ipoh, Perak to the training I received as a street salesman and beyond, each role taught me valuable lessons. You shaped not only my skills but my work ethic. Whatever the job, I learned from it.
I especially want to dedicate this to the people who gave me chances when I had little more than a willingness to offer. Every opportunity mattered, whether at American Express, Diethlem Furniture, Informatics, RHB Bank and so on. My passion and drive were more important than my qualifications. I’m grateful to those who looked past the paper and saw my true potential.
“The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places.”
Phase 1: Childhood and Early Influences in Penang
Dr. Aznan Ahmad was born on January 8, 1975, in Penang, Malaysia. His family home in Ayer Itam, Penang did not have a lavish lifestyle, though it was filled with discipline. Dr. Aznan’s character was built on responsibility and quiet persistence. He never focused on the details of his upbringing or its privileges. Instead, he saw it as a life that shaped his values.
He received his early education at SRK Padang Tembak Pulau Pinang from 1982 to 1987, and continued at Georgetown Secondary School & Penang Free School from 1988 to 1993. Following this, he pursued professional development and, in 2013, obtained a Professional Certificate in Reiki Healing. He later joined the International Gem Society (IGS) as a Professional Associate Member in 2020 and pursued a degree in Psychology at Open University Malaysia (OUM).
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Dr. Aznan spent several years in the corporate sector. From 1994 to 2001, he worked in the sales and marketing field within various industries. He then became Sales & Marketing Director at RHB Bank. This background gave him extensive experience in client management, branding, and operations.
Dr. Aznan was not yet a jeweller. Gold, gems, and fancy designs weren’t on his mind yet. In his free time, he enjoyed connecting with nature by collecting rocks. He appreciated the beauty and structure of the gems and crystals.
His life wasn’t just about work. Dr. Aznan had responsibilities beyond himself. He had to earn, manage, and think ahead, always staying one step ahead.
After earning his holistic healing certificate, Dr. Aznan’s curiosity soared. He thought about crystal healing in a wider scope. This new interest opened a world where ideas turned into reality. He noticed how crystal healing can shape people physically and spiritually in their daily lives.
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life… and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.”
Phase 2: Streets of Spark and Spirit
At 19, Dr. Aznan Ahmad became a successful sales trainer in Ipoh, Perak, where he started as a street salesman in one of the Canadian sales companies. He had no business plan, only a stubborn heart and a growing fascination with what he now termed “energi hidup.” He spoke little but listened deeply. He slowly learned about reiki healings in early days.
Before the early year of 2000, Dr. Aznan was crafting with more clarity. He gained confidence as customers kept coming back to say things like “I sleep better” or “My headaches are gone” after wearing his creations. But despite this success, he still faced ridicule. Some vendors mocked him for “jual batu karut” which means selling nonsense stones. At that time, he had learned that belief didn’t depend on applause. The people’s quiet change mattered to him. His hands trembled with strong purpose as he held the raw stone.
He didn’t have formal training in jewellery or business. Instead, he relied on trial and error, intuition, and customer feedback. He started to notice that some buyers felt better, both emotionally and physically, after wearing his designs. He never claimed any medical benefits, though. He noticed that people connected with his pieces for personal reasons. Many often came back to buy more.
At first, Dr. Aznan didn’t keep detailed records. But by the early 2000s, he started to take a more thoughtful and intentional approach to his craft. He became more spiritually aware over time. He became more thoughtful with his selection of stones, metals, and designs, matching each with what he referred to as “energy hidup”, or “life energy.”
By 2001, his reputation had grown modestly within certain circles. He got a chance to work with a wellness shop in Penang. There, he could show a small selection of his work, but it wasn’t a big retail deal. The environment stood out from the night bazaars. It was cleaner, more organised, and focused on those who sought alternative healing and spiritual wellness.
“When the soul lies down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about. Ideas, language… even the phrase each other—doesn’t make any sense.”
Phase 3: Hands That Remember
From 2005 to 2010, Dr. Aznan Ahmad prioritised refining his craft and deepening his healing practices. He took the leap into the world of alternative healing after years of crafting brilliance in design, freelance arts, and events. His main focus became crystal therapy and energy-based jewellery.
He did not attend formal training programs in gemology or crystal healing. He attributed most of his learning to self-exploration and personal observation. He looked into the energetic properties of stones and tested various crystal combinations. His intent was never to commercialize his work for mass production. Instead, he aimed to create meaningful, handmade pieces that aligned with personal energy needs.
Dr. Aznan noted that many of his early pieces were created for friends or acquaintances. He described these as “guided works”, meaning he would choose stones based on intuitive feelings rather than requests. In several documented cases, individuals later reported emotional shifts after using his custom accessories. Dr. Aznan didn’t make medical claims, but he noted that many people returned with stories. They often felt calmer, more grounded, or emotionally supported after using his pieces.
At the same time, Dr. Aznan began documenting his creations, focusing on the specific stones he used and the intention behind each one. He often thought about the feelings or signals that made him choose certain materials. This idea was part of his belief that stones held not only geological significance but also a deeper, energetic resonance.
He did not participate in mainstream advertising or digital promotions. Most of his work circulated through word-of-mouth. Some of his clients came from holistic and spiritual communities. This included those who practised Reiki, meditation, or energy healing. Some tourists discovered his work during wellness events or exhibitions.
Note of Thanks
In a writer’s journey, certain moments can transform us deeply. Not with flashes of brilliance or grandeur, but through simple, unshakeable truths. Writing Dr. Aznan Ahmad’s life story was truly one of those defining experiences. From the beginning, I knew I was involved in something remarkable, a project that went beyond my own ambitions.
Dr. Aznan’s calm confidence is impressive. His achievements spoke for themselves, so he didn’t need to. He focused on the work, not boasting of perfection or pride. He tackles mistakes, works hard, and believes in himself. He celebrates small but important victories that come from long days of hard work and quiet perseverance. His journey has taught me that greatness is often found in the humble details.
To Dr. Aznan Ahmad, thank you for trusting me with your story. Thank you for sharing your struggles with us, from the early days to the sleepless nights. Above all, I appreciate your humility. It’s often easier to focus on achievements. It’s tougher and much more impactful to write about a man who bears them so lightly. You reminded me that storytelling isn’t about glorifying; it’s about honoring.
Family, friends, students, colleagues, and community, you are the forces that bring Dr. Aznan’s story to life with depth and richness. This book would not be possible without you, and I am genuinely appreciative of your time, your memories, and your readiness to revisit them with me.
To every apprentice who entered Dr. Aznan’s humble workshop, this story is for you. Your journey is proof of his great influence. You are a living legacy of his impact. You reflect his discipline, his kindness, and his conviction that knowledge should be passed on, not kept to oneself. He affected people’s lives without looking for applause. This taught me an important lesson about legacy.
To our esteemed reader, we express our heartfelt thanks. Thank you for being with us on this journey. You’ve entered a life that has quietly transformed many lives. Your presence truly makes a meaningful difference here. I hope you discover strength in simplicity and value in hard work. True success isn’t measured by what we own, but by the principles we stand for.
Dr. Aznan’s story continues beyond this manuscript. It will endure through the hands he guided, the minds he challenged, and the hearts he inspired.
Thank You
Dr. Aznan Ahmad