Quang's personality builds his brand.

Ms. Quyen and her book, "Conquering the Sharks." Photo: Provided by the subject.

Inheriting the spirit of Quang Nam

* Hello Xuan Quyen! Many years ago, you were always seen with your father, Mr. Ton Thanh Nghia, in the media. Many people thought you would take over the Ton Van Group business instead of building your own brand as you have now?

Ton Nu Xuan Quyen:

I spent six years studying in the US, a period that helped me develop independence. I understand my own capabilities and always want to start small but solidly.

I once started a financial company, but the business quickly closed down after I returned home. This made me realize I needed to learn a lot before venturing into entrepreneurship.

Later, I tried my hand at the food industry. Our rice sandwich product made it into supermarkets and convenience stores, but it only lasted 7-8 years before we sold it. That's when I realized that no matter how passionate and enthusiastic you are, if you lack experience in managing capital and personnel, risks will always be present.

Looking back, I realize I was right to decide to build my own career instead of taking over Ton Van Group. The scale of the business at that time was too large for my capabilities. Constantly stumbling but not giving up, reflecting on myself to adjust and optimize processes, helped me accumulate important lessons on my entrepreneurial journey.

* Currently, the name Ton Nu Xuan Quyen is associated with the BLUSaigon brand. Do you think you have inherited anything from your father, Nghia?

Ton Nu Xuan Quyen:

I didn't take over Ton Van Group, but I "inherited" many of my father Nghia's personality traits. He was persistent, hardworking, eager to learn, and always maintained an optimistic spirit in the face of difficulties.

My father was proud of his hometown, Quang Nam – a land of sunshine and wind, where people must be resilient to overcome adversity. Therefore, he always reminded us never to give up. As long as there is a glimmer of hope ahead, we must persevere.

Those qualities were instilled in me through every word, action, and achievement that Mr. Nghia accomplished. After some self-reflection, I decided to try my hand at a new field.

I found the art of mother-of-pearl inlay in the traditional wooden furniture of our grandparents' generation to be very unique, but its full value hasn't been realized in the international market. From that, I thought about applying this material to writing pens – a highly personalized product with sentimental value and a sense of prestige.

Portrait of Ms. Ton Nu Xuan Quyen. Photo: Provided by the subject.

Tell the cultural story of the product.

* There are many famous fountain pen brands in the world such as Montblanc, Sailor, Parker... So what makes BLUSaigon different and allows it to assert its position in the market?

Ton Nu Xuan Quyen:

I craft pens from mother-of-pearl, but I don't simply sell a pen. I tell the cultural story behind each product. Every BLUSaigon pen carries a national imprint, such as the "Ta Thanh Thien" pen series inspired by the Pen Tower by Ho Guom Lake, or the collections about the 18 Hung Kings, Empress Nam Phuong, and the Vietnamese bamboo pen...

From the beginning, I positioned BLUSaigon as a premium brand. Customers buy not only for personal use but also to assert their status or as gifts to enhance relationships. Each pen undergoes 72 hours of meticulous craftsmanship by skilled artisans. It is this unique value and cultural element that has helped BLUSaigon make its mark on the international market.

In 2021, BLUSaigon successfully raised 4 billion VND on Shark Tank Vietnam. By 2023, BLUSaigon's pearl pens were honored to be chosen as gifts for heads of state and international politicians by the Government Office and the Office of the President. This is not only a source of pride for me but also for the team of artisans and all the staff at BLUSaigon.

* You recently released your book "Conquering the Sharks." Does this mean you intend to pursue a writing career?

Ton Nu Xuan Quyen:

For me, books are a guiding tool. I've learned a great deal from books to minimize risks on my entrepreneurial journey. Therefore, I want to share my perspective with young people who are currently or about to embark on this path.

"Conquering the Sharks" is a book that compiles my accumulated experience in resource mobilization, not only in finance but also in strategic relationships. I didn't write this book for personal promotion, but if it can inspire and help someone go in the right direction, I'm willing to share.

In the future, besides developing the BLUSaigon brand with many new product lines such as jewelry and accessories made from mother-of-pearl, I will continue the charitable activities that my father Nghia has maintained for nearly 30 years, especially the program of free cleft lip and palate surgery for children in Quang Nam and Central Vietnam.

Furthermore, I also want to organize more meaningful activities for my fellow villagers, as a way of repaying my homeland, and showing gratitude for the Quang Nam character that my father Nghia passed down to me—for those persistent, hardworking, and never-giving-up people.

Thank you, and we wish BLUSaigon continued success!

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/ca-tinh-quang-tao-dung-thuong-hieu-3151197.html