Big exits in Vietnam’s startup scene are rare, but Hannah Nguyen proved they’re possible with the right foundation.
Long before Skinetiq became a multi-million-dollar brand, her journey started with a simple curiosity for beauty.
What followed was a business built not just on products, but on trust, community, and systems that scale.
Image Source: The Business Times
Starting With Trust
Hannah Nguyen’s story began on a rural coffee farm, where she experimented with making lipstick from berries using whatever she had on hand. That early curiosity grew into a strong passion for beauty, shaping how she approached products and people. It became the foundation of how she would later build her brand.
As she shared her journey online, she built a loyal community that trusted her voice. In a market like Vietnam where counterfeit products are common, that trust became her biggest edge. Instead of following trends, she focused on being real, which helped her turn followers into customers.
Image Source: Vietnam Investment Review
Growing Into a Real Business
Rather than continuing to sell other brands, Skinetiq chose to create its own skincare line. By solving real customer problems, the brand reached $16.5 million in revenue and proved strong demand. This step helped shift the business from content-driven sales to a product-focused company.
At the same time, Skinetiq built systems that allowed the business to run without relying on Hannah every day. This made the company more stable and easier to scale over time. That independence attracted Marico, leading to a majority stake deal at a $38 million valuation and showing how creators can build businesses that last.
