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September 28, 2023

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Candles have transcended their traditional use and have become a cherished everyday luxury in Malaysia. The candle-making industry has witnessed a surge in recent years, with numerous brands emerging across the country. Among these, one brand stands out for its unique twist on the classic candle experience – Asian Scents Co.

Unlike typical candle makers that focus solely on scents, Asian Scents Co. takes a novel approach. They offer a range of candles inspired by Asian culture and flavors that will tantalize not only your olfactory senses but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and wanderlust. From Boba Milk Tea to White Rabbit Candy, and even the distinctive Tiger Balm scent, Asian Scents Co. offers a diverse selection that goes beyond the ordinary.

Image Source: Asian Scents Co.

The brain behind this aromatic venture is Audrey Hon, whose journey began with homesickness while living in Melbourne, far from her Malaysian roots. As the pandemic kept her away from her homeland, she found solace in crafting scented candles. What started as a therapeutic hobby soon turned into a business, driven by the shared nostalgia her candles evoked among friends living abroad.

Audrey started with an initial investment of approximately $24,000, sourced from her personal savings and family support. The candles, crafted from premium natural coconut soy wax, wooden wicks, and high-quality fragrance oils, promise clean and toxin-free burning. She left her corporate job to devote herself fully to the brand, a bold move that paid off as international orders began pouring in from Europe and the US.

Asian Scents Co. has strategically positioned itself in the market by offering a unique blend of scents that celebrate Asian culture. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of options, available as candles, air fresheners, reed diffusers, and linen sprays, with prices ranging from $4 to $20. Customers can choose between travel-sized and full-sized candles, and the brand even offers gift sets.

As the global scented candles market continues to grow, with a projected value of $9.5 billion by 2028, the candle-making industry presents a promising avenue. However, with rising competition, brands need to differentiate themselves. Asian Scents Co. has done just that by tapping into the universal love for food and nostalgia, delivering a unique sensory experience that resonates not only with Malaysians but also with individuals worldwide who share an appreciation for Asian culture and flavors.

Featured Image Source: Asian Scents Co.

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Blogs, Development

Know Your Value Proposition

Pain points and gain points are not necessarily new concepts, but some might think they are opposing concepts, when in contrast, the two complement each other. Through customer pain and gain points, you can get a better understanding of your customers’ needs, and offer a unique value proposition.

  • Pain point: As the name suggests, it’s something that “pains” your customers; an issue that they have that needs to be addressed; a challenge that they need to overcome.
  • Gain point: Gain point, on the other hand, is more about you. What can your product or service do for the customers; what can they gain from using your service; what can you help them with?

The two are extremely simple and are a good place to start when you’re trying to advertise your product or service since they consider both your and your customer’s sides to offer a value proposition that is valuable. 

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Development

Winning The Race by Understanding Customer Journey

Before becoming a loyal customer, a lead has to interact with your product/service at various stages. This entire process is summarized in the customer journey, divided into 5 main stages:

  • Awareness: The customer becomes aware of your brand and your product, usually through search engines when searching for a solution to their problem.
  • Consideration: The customer is aware of your brands but also your competitors’;, they start wondering which of the options they should choose from.
  • Purchase: The customer makes a buying decision, either from your brand or your competitors’.
  • Retention: After the purchase, you need to consider how to get them to repurchase many more times, since retaining is cheaper than recruiting.
  • Advocacy: At this stage, the customer is basically your brand ambassador., Tthey love your product;, they tell their acquaintances about your product.

Understanding the journey and what stage the audience is at can help you understand their needs and adjust accordingly. Each stage has a different touchpoint as well, so adjusting to said touchpoint makes it more effective and less costly. Understanding the journey can help you win the race.

Why Asian Hustle Solutions?

At AHS, we specialize in helping brands capture attention and inspire action — whether you’re launching a new product or scaling your business, we’ll guide you to marketing that resonates and delivers results.

If you want to learn more about our services, visit the Asian Hustle Solutions website at asianhustlenetwork.com/services/

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Blogs, Development

Getting Back To Basics: 4Ps Marketing Mix

Sometimes, to create an effective marketing strategy for your business means going back to the basics. Popularized by Neil Borden, the 4P’s model is still widely used today, with each P representing a core aspect of the marketing mix:

  • Product: The core of your business, whether it is a physical product or a service. Understanding your product, what differentiates it from the competition, what is unique about it, etc.
  • Price: How much your product should be sold for. This should be based on the supply cost, how you position your product, and whether you should increase or decrease the price based on your target audience.
  • Place: The “where” of your product. Where can the customers purchase your products (online or physical stores, drug stores or supermarkets, etc). More so, it is also where you choose to advertise.
  • Promotion: How you reach your customer, either through advertising, public relations, or promotion, increases your brand awareness.

Why Asian Hustle Solutions?

At AHS, we specialize in helping brands capture attention and inspire action — whether you’re launching a new product or scaling your business, we’ll guide you to marketing that resonates and delivers results.

If you want to learn more about our services, visit the Asian Hustle Solutions website at asianhustlenetwork.com/services/

Stories

Building Tomorrow: How Nan Lin Redefines Homebuilding with 3D Printing 

For Nan Lin, entrepreneurship isn’t just business; it’s freedom. A freedom earned through sacrifice, relentless execution, and a refusal to accept the limits of a broken system. As the founder of Kaizen Capital and 4DIFY, Lin is reimagining the housing industry, tackling its inefficiencies with cutting-edge technology and a bold vision. His mission? To build stronger homes faster, at lower costs, empowering communities and challenging the status quo.

From Immigrant Roots to Visionary Leadership 

Lin’s journey began at age 10, when he immigrated to America with his mother. While adapting to a new country, he was inspired by his loving parents’ sacrifices, which shaped his relentless drive. “I saw the lengths they went to give me a better life,” Lin says. “Their love and dedication became my compass.” Years later, that resolve led to the creation of Kaizen Capital, where he transforms underutilized properties into vibrant housing solutions: ADUs, subdivisions, condo conversions, and luxury short-term rentals. By unlocking hidden value in land, he delivers market-rate and affordable housing that strengthens neighborhoods.

But Lin saw a deeper problem: traditional construction is slow, costly, and vulnerable to fire, pests, and natural disasters. Frustrated by an industry stuck in the past, he founded 4DIFY to lead a new era of construction through 3D-printed concrete homes.

Nan Lin | Founder and Principal of Kaizen Capital and 4DIFY

3D Printing: The Future of Housing, Today

Lin’s vision for 4DIFY was sparked by a frustrating reality: “Wildfires destroy neighborhoods every year, yet we keep building stick-frame homes that burn like kindling,” he says.

After visiting several 3D printer manufacturers, Lin partnered with New York–based SQ4D. It took nearly a year to secure exclusive licensing rights, navigate regulatory hurdles, and obtain building permits, but he got it done.

Now, 4DIFY is building California’s first community of 3D-printed concrete homes. As this article goes live, their first printed home is nearing completion, despite heavy regulations and a steep learning curve. The team is already outperforming traditional timelines and cost benchmarks. The second and third homes will soon print simultaneously, targeting completion in two months, effectively one home per month at under $200 per square foot.

Despite challenges as an Asian immigrant, Lin managed to transform them into motivation and success. 

“We’re aiming to build at half the cost and in a quarter of the time,” Lin says. “That’s not a dream. It’s the direction we’re heading.”

Built with concrete, reinforced with rebar, and topped with metal roofs, these homes are resilient against fire, wind, earthquakes, mold, and pests. They’re also designed for long-term savings, with lower maintenance, less waste, and reduced energy and insurance costs.

“Critics doubted it would work,” Lin reflects. “But seeing is believing. This is the future.”

A Philosophy of Purpose and Resilience

Lin’s journey has been marked by relentless challenges, some seemingly insurmountable. “Obstacles never stop,” he admits. Yet he transforms adversity into opportunity, fueled by a positive mindset, solution-driven focus, and disciplined execution. His trusted team is his backbone. “No one succeeds alone,” he says. “My team turns the impossible into reality.” This resilience shapes his leadership, blending bold vision with purposeful action to create opportunities, particularly for communities long excluded from wealth-building. “Housing isn’t just a product,” Lin says. “It’s a platform for empowerment.”

Recognition and Inspiration

Lin’s impact is gaining notice. The Sacramento Bee named him one of the Top 20 AAPI Change Makers, and he was honored in the Business Elite Awards’ 40 Under 40. But for Lin, the real reward is inspiring others. “I want to show the next generation of Asian entrepreneurs what’s possible when we claim our seat at the table,” he says.

Lin wants to create opportunities for those marginalized by elevating the future of construction, making it more accessible for his community.

Join the Housing Revolution

Nan Lin isn’t just building homes, he’s redefining what’s possible. Through Kaizen Capital and 4DIFY, he’s creating a future where housing is affordable, resilient, and sustainable. Follow his journey and see the revolution unfold.

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