Putting aside his engineering degree, he started a business with… guava leaves

After graduating from Can Tho University (now Can Tho University) with a degree in marine biology, Ms. Mai worked in her field for many years. However, in 2021, when she became pregnant with her first child, she decided to quit her job because she was concerned that chemicals in the work environment would affect the health of the fetus.

"During my time as a housewife, my hands often peeled due to an allergy to industrial dishwashing liquid. From then on, I started researching natural ingredients to make alternative products that are both benign and safe for health," said Ms. Mai.

The opportunity came by chance. Seeing her father pruning guava branches in the garden, the lush green leaves were discarded, she came up with the idea of using this type of leaf, which is rich in antibacterial properties, to ferment into biological detergent. With a background in microbiology and chemistry and with the support of her husband, in mid-2023, she began researching to find a suitable formula.

Ms. Au Chuc Mai (left) researches and makes biological dishwashing liquid products from guava leaves.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

Ms. Mai introduces products to customers. PHOTO: DUY TAN

After a period of research and testing, at the end of 2023, the fermented guava leaf dishwashing liquid product under the brand name KOMBUCLEAN was officially launched on the market. From the main product, she continued to expand into an ecosystem of biological products such as laundry detergent, multi-purpose cleaner, and food soaking liquid. All are based on the principle of "living green, living healthy".

Like many other startups, Ms. Mai's startup journey has had many failures. There were times when the product was fermented in the wrong ratio, had an unpleasant smell, or customers responded that the dishwashing liquid had little foam and "didn't feel clean". She listened, improved the formula, and added coconut oil extract to increase the ability to create natural foam.

Some customers wonder "why guava leaf dishwashing liquid doesn't have guava scent", she explains: "Guava leaf essential oil is very rare, and there is no unit that produces pure essential oil from the leaves. After fermentation, the water has a slightly sour smell. Therefore, I combine natural essential oils such as jasmine, lavender, mint... to create a gentle scent, still retaining the natural scent".

Guava leaf products made by Ms. Mai. PHOTO: DUY TAN

According to Ms. Mai, guava leaves used to make biological dishwashing liquid must be grown organically. If guava leaves are sprayed with pesticides, the fermented product will easily spoil and is not safe for users. To make dishwashing liquid, it must go through many steps. After washing and drying the leaves, they are boiled to get water, fermented naturally for 30 days, then extracted and mixed with organic additives.

Fermented guava leaves produce enzymes such as amylase, protease, lipase that can decompose dirt; organic acids such as acetic, lactic help kill bacteria, mold; along with polyphenol, a powerful antibacterial compound. Therefore, the product not only cleans effectively but is also environmentally friendly, does not harm the skin of the hands, the price ranges from 35,000 - 40,000 VND/product.

Currently, Ms. Mai produces two main products: dishwashing liquid and food soaking liquid; and distributes them through e-commerce platforms and social networks. Thanks to that, she earns more than 10 million VND/month. In the future, she will focus on introducing products to reach more customers. In particular, with food soaking products, she continues to research to be able to apply them to the aquaculture and agriculture industries.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/gac-bang-ky-su-khoi-nghiep-voi-la-oi-185250920182635206.htm