Ms. Kieu Duong creates many product lines from coconut.
From research lab to cosmetic factory
Graduated with a Master's degree in Biotechnology, Ms. Kieu Duong worked for nearly two decades at the Institute of Oil and Oil Plants Research under the Ministry of Industry and Trade , in charge of many topics on coconut varieties, oil extraction and development of high-quality genetic resources. During her research, she soon realized the great potential of coconut trees not only in food but also in the fields of beauty and health care.
“During the process of exchanging and learning with international scientists , I realized that although Vietnam is a country with great advantages in coconut trees, it has not yet taken advantage of that potential in the cosmetics industry. From there, I began to apply my small research into practice, with the hope that coconut products can serve people's lives,” Ms. Kieu Duong shared.
Having no experience in business, marketing or finance, however, with the advantage of many years of researching many coconut projects on a national scale, when starting a business, Ms. Kieu Duong had an advantage compared to others in the same field. She started her entrepreneurial journey with the mindset of "learning while working" and gradually shaped her own path based on a scientific foundation and a deep understanding of coconut trees. From the traditional beauty recipes of her grandparents, she combined with professional knowledge to create safe and benign natural cosmetic lines. Not only beautifying, the products also aim to protect the health of consumers.
Currently, the brand she founded has developed more than 10 product lines from coconut oil and herbs that are good for health and popular in the countryside such as lemongrass, lemon, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, cajuput, rose... to serve the needs of skin, hair and family care.
Spreading love of science and Vietnamese agricultural products
Some products of the LABO Coconut brand such as nano coconut oil, nano coconut massage oil, liquid coconut oil for facial care, lip balm, skin soothing gel, shower gel, mud bath salt, grapefruit flower shampoo, grapefruit flower hair conditioner, ginger areca shampoo... The products are being sold in drugstore systems, supermarket systems, and spas in the country. In particular, the products are being focused on e-commerce systems in and outside the country.
“At the most difficult time, my finances were limited and I had to compete with similar products flooding the market, but I always believed that if I kept the kindness in each product and was steadfast in my direction, my products would find a place,” Ms. Kieu Duong affirmed.
Not only distributing through the store system, Ms. Kieu Duong also promotes online sales to reach a wider range of consumers nationwide. Although she still faces many challenges, she has never given up her passion for research and her desire to increase the value of her hometown coconut trees. For her, success does not lie in revenue but in the value created every day.
“In agriculture, it is not only about profit but also about changing sustainable values for the community and Vietnamese agriculture . I hope my efforts will help change the perception of Vietnamese agricultural products, opening up development opportunities for businesses and farmers,” Ms. Kieu Duong confided.
The startup story of “Miss Dua” from Ben Tre (now Vinh Long) is not only a scientist’s journey of overcoming difficulties but also a source of inspiration for many young people pursuing startups in the field of sustainable agriculture.
Article and photos: NGUYEN TRINH
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/my-pham-tu-trai-dua-va-giac-mo-xanh-cua-co-dua--a188723.html
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