As a teenager, I once dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, but my parents grounded me in reality, showing me that creativity needs business understanding, which ultimately led me to pursue Finance at RMIT University. Throughout university, I considered whether to pursue my own path or return to the family business. I explored different paths in search of clarity—from working as a blog editor and experimenting with the bean-to-bar chocolate process, to studying for the CFA and gaining experience at a financial advisory firm—wondering whether the unknown was where I would discover myself.
It all started when my mother's friends wanted to buy our products online. I joined the business part-time to create social media content and launch our retail page. What seemed like a simple project became a turning point. I realized my parents’ business was a foundation for exploring business management, amplifying social impact, and building something greater than I could build alone.
Having grown up around the factory, many employees have watched me grow up, just as I have witnessed different chapters of their lives. Most of them come from disadvantaged backgrounds, facing financial, physical, or mental hardship. As I heard their stories, I began to understand the true legacy my parents had built. Beyond providing stable employment, they have created an environment where people gain confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose. One case that profoundly shaped my worldview was Ha, a woman with an intellectual disability from a single-mother household. Initially, she struggled to complete even the simplest task: stringing garment tags. Yet over time, through patience and kindness, Ha improved, eventually becoming the fastest worker, supporting others, and warmly greeting me on every visit. Her transformation showed me the incredible power of meaningful support in unlocking human potential.
Since secondary school, I have immersed myself in every stage of the manufacturing process—from material sourcing to quality control and packaging. Experiencing each step firsthand taught me that the value of craftsmanship lies in patience, precision, and care in every detail, shaping how I approach innovation. I knew I had to respect a system refined over more than 20 years while exploring new ideas. Fortunately, our team welcomed change with an open mind. From digital tools, new materials, and product designs to shared Google Sheets for real-time updates, every improvement became a collaborative effort shaped by everyone's feedback.
Working in the family business also allowed me to have a flexible schedule and stay connected with social networks. One memorable example came from a friend in RMIT Neo Culture Tech, who inspired me to design a plush keychain based on the school mascot. It reminded me that a "lightbulb" moment often emerges from unexpected conversations. While my contributions have so far been incremental, I hope to continue building a business that empowers our people through skill development and long-term growth.
It all started when my mother's friends wanted to buy our products online. I joined the business part-time to create social media content and launch our retail page. What seemed like a simple project became a turning point. I realized my parents’ business was a foundation for exploring business management, amplifying social impact, and building something greater than I could build alone.
Having grown up around the factory, many employees have watched me grow up, just as I have witnessed different chapters of their lives. Most of them come from disadvantaged backgrounds, facing financial, physical, or mental hardship. As I heard their stories, I began to understand the true legacy my parents had built. Beyond providing stable employment, they have created an environment where people gain confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose. One case that profoundly shaped my worldview was Ha, a woman with an intellectual disability from a single-mother household. Initially, she struggled to complete even the simplest task: stringing garment tags. Yet over time, through patience and kindness, Ha improved, eventually becoming the fastest worker, supporting others, and warmly greeting me on every visit. Her transformation showed me the incredible power of meaningful support in unlocking human potential.
Since secondary school, I have immersed myself in every stage of the manufacturing process—from material sourcing to quality control and packaging. Experiencing each step firsthand taught me that the value of craftsmanship lies in patience, precision, and care in every detail, shaping how I approach innovation. I knew I had to respect a system refined over more than 20 years while exploring new ideas. Fortunately, our team welcomed change with an open mind. From digital tools, new materials, and product designs to shared Google Sheets for real-time updates, every improvement became a collaborative effort shaped by everyone's feedback.
Working in the family business also allowed me to have a flexible schedule and stay connected with social networks. One memorable example came from a friend in RMIT Neo Culture Tech, who inspired me to design a plush keychain based on the school mascot. It reminded me that a "lightbulb" moment often emerges from unexpected conversations. While my contributions have so far been incremental, I hope to continue building a business that empowers our people through skill development and long-term growth.
