Stories

March 27, 2026

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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.

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Baemin Introduces Skincare and Makeup Brand Lazy Bee in Vietnam

South Korean delivery giant, Baemin, has expanded its business horizons by venturing into the world of beauty in Vietnam. The company recently unveiled its very own beauty brand, Lazy Bee, offering a range of skincare and makeup products. This strategic move helps Baemin in diversifying its services beyond food delivery while capitalizing on the growing popularity of K-beauty trends in Vietnam.

Lazy Bee’s product lineup consists of 11 items, including facial masks, lipsticks, and toner pads. The brand’s core mission is to provide accessible and effective beauty solutions tailored to the specific needs of Vietnamese consumers. With Vietnam’s humid climate and environmental factors affecting skin, Lazy Bee focuses on creating products that address these challenges. The brand’s formulations are enriched with natural ingredients, such as calendula and red ginseng, sourced from Korea to cater to the local climate and skin types.

In its current phase, Lazy Bee products are exclusively available through the Baemin app, catering primarily to customers in Ho Chi Minh City. Baemin is actively working to enhance the user experience within the app. Additionally, the brand is organizing on-ground events in Ho Chi Minh City, offering customers the opportunity to personally experience their beauty products.

Looking ahead, Lazy Bee has ambitious plans for expansion. The brand aims to extend its reach through online sales platforms like Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop in the coming months. Furthermore, Lazy Bee intends to establish a physical presence by collaborating with beauty retail chains and convenience stores. The brand is set to broaden its footprint by entering the Hanoi market and offering nationwide shipping, firmly positioning itself as a contender in Vietnam’s dynamic beauty industry.

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Naomi Osaka Breaks Her Silence About Mental Health Struggles in Sports

In a candid discussion on mental health in sports at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the four-time Grand Slam singles champion Naomi Osaka shared her personal battle with depression and how it made her “very scared of social media.” She has been an outspoken advocate for mental health in sports, and her revelations shed light on the challenges athletes face both on and off the court.

Osaka’s journey to becoming a vocal advocate began with her withdrawal from the 2021 French Open due to depression and anxiety. This incident had a significant impact on the discourse surrounding mental health in sports, prompting a much-needed conversation. During the panel discussion, which included luminaries like Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, and Dr. Brian Hainline, Osaka discussed various aspects of mental health, including the role of social media.

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May Chang played a pivotal role as the welcoming face of the Phoenix Inn, forging personal connections with customers. For two decades, the Chang family thrived by prioritizing personalized service, valuing their staff, and offering delicious cuisine.

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Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Phoenix persevered with take-out and delivery services, expanding to its 13th location in San Diego in 2023. Nick Chang, the next generation, took the reins as president in 2021, committed to maintaining their high standards of quality and exceptional customer service as they continue to grow.

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Young Entrepreneur Olivia Huynh Rockets to Success with Unique Bubble Tea Shop

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The Huynh family has ambitious plans to expand Rocketbelly to multiple locations across North Texas, while Olivia remains resolute in pursuing her acting career with the full support of her family.

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