Personality Brand Building

Ms. Quyen and the book Conquering the Shark. Photo: Character provided

Inheriting the Quang Nam spirit

* Hello Xuan Quyen! Many years ago, in the media, you always appeared with your father - Mr. Ton Thanh Nghia. Many people thought that you would take over Ton Van Group's career instead of creating your own brand like now?

Ton Nu Xuan Quyen:

I spent 6 years studying in the US, which helped me develop my independence. I understand my capabilities and always want to start small but steady.

I started a finance company, but it closed down soon after I returned home. This made me realize that I had a lot to learn before I went into business.

After that, I tried my hand at the culinary field. Our sandwich rice products were once sold to supermarkets and convenience stores, but they only lasted for 7-8 years before being sold. At that time, I realized that no matter how passionate and enthusiastic I was, if I lacked experience in managing capital and human resources, risks would always lurk.

Thinking back, I see that I was right in deciding to build my own career instead of taking over Ton Van Group. The scale of the business at that time was too big for my ability. Constantly stumbling but not discouraged, looking back at myself to adjust and optimize the process has helped me accumulate important lessons on the journey of starting a business.

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

Ton Nu Xuan Quyen:

I did not take over Ton Van Group, but I “took over” a lot of personality from Mr. Nghia. He is a persistent, hard-working, studious person and always keeps an optimistic spirit in the face of all difficulties.

My father was proud of his hometown Quang Nam - a land of sunshine and wind, where people had to be resilient to overcome adversity. That is why he always told us not to give up. As long as there is a glimmer of hope ahead, we must persevere.

Those qualities permeated me through every word, action and achievement that Mr. Nghia achieved. After a period of self-reflection, I decided to try my hand at a new field.

I found the art of mother-of-pearl inlay in the interior decoration of our ancestors very unique but its value has not been fully exploited in the international market. From there, I thought of applying this material to writing pens - a highly personal product, with spiritual value and showing class.

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

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 to affirm its position in the market?

Ton Nu Xuan Quyen:

I make pens from pearl shells, but I don’t just sell a pen. I tell the cultural story behind each product. Each BLUSaigon pen carries a national mark, such as the “Ta Thanh Thien” pen line inspired by the Pen Tower by Hoan Kiem Lake, or the collections about the 18 Hung Kings, Queen Nam Phuong, the Vietnamese bamboo pen...

From the beginning, I positioned BLUSaigon as a high-end brand. Customers buy not only for their own use but also to assert their own class, or as gifts to enhance relationships. Each pen undergoes 72 hours of meticulous crafting under the talented hands of artisans. It is the unique value and cultural elements that have helped BLUSaigon make its mark in the international market.

In 2021, BLUSaigon successfully raised 4 billion VND in capital at Shark Tank Vietnam. By 2023, BLUSaigon's pearl pen was honored to become a gift for heads of state and international politicians selected by the Government Office and the Office of the President. This is not only my pride but also the pride of the team of artisans and all BLUSaigon staff.

* You recently released the book “Conquering the Shark”. Do you want to switch to a writing career?

Ton Nu Xuan Quyen:

For me, books are a guiding tool. I have learned a lot from books to minimize risks on the journey of starting a business. Therefore, I want to share my perspective with young people who are or are about to embark on this path.

“Conquering the Sharks” is a book that summarizes the experiences of calling for resources that I have accumulated, not only in finance but also in strategic relationships. I do not write books for personal PR, but if I can inspire and help someone in the right direction, I will be willing to share.

In the coming time, besides developing the BLUSaigon brand with many new product lines such as jewelry and accessories made from pearl shells, I will continue the charity activities that Mr. Nghia has maintained for nearly 30 years, especially the free cleft lip and palate surgery program for children in Quang Nam and the Central region.

In addition, I also want to organize more meaningful activities for my hometown people, as a way to repay my homeland, to repay the Quang personality that my father Nghia passed on to me, to those people who are persistent, hardworking and never give up.

* Thank you and wish BLUSaigon to continue to grow strongly!

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