Posted by ASEANpreneurs on Oct 23, 2012 in Exclusive Interviews

Name of Entrepreneur : Ms. Nguyen Thuy Vy

Age: 23
Designation: Founder; PR & Marketing Manager

Company: Quynh Vy Rice Painting Company

Website: www.quynhvypainting.com
Interviewer: Ly Tu Hong

A young entrepreneur with a fresh yet creative idea, Nguyen Thuy Vy, has introduced a new kind of painting by using rice as the material, which is called as rice painting. Just like the name itself, rice painting is a creation of art and picture by combining different colors of rice from Vietnam into a painting. Who knows that rice could create such beautiful paintings?

AA : Why did you choose a business of art/handmade products? Who or What has been your greatest inspiration?

Quynh Vy : Because rice has been associated with Vietnamese socio-cultural and people to bring full and prosperous life. Besides, Vietnam is known as one of the world leading countries in exporting rice and Vietnamese people consider rice as their precious pearl. That is the reason why I decided to make rice into paintings and promote works of rice painting to the world as a way to express our gratitude to the rice of Vietnam.

AA : I consider rice and sand paintings a great success of your business. Could you tell us some achievements the company has obtained throughout the years? (*)

Quynh Vy : Rice paintings have been introduced in many noticeable cultural events in and out Vietnam throughout the years. Some highlights of our success in being a cultural ambassador consist of:
- Singer's Day 2010
- The Scar of Life 2011
- Auction night in Can Tho City (which is Ms. Vy's hometown)
- Vietnam representative – Vu Hoang My's gift for charity at Miss World 2012 – Lotus Painting from Quynh Vy Rice Painting

AA : Why did you choose the business of art/handmade products? Who or What has been your greatest inspiration?

Quynh Vy : The main material of Quynh Vy's rice paintings is the precious rice grains of Viet Nam, which has values of history, culture and economy. For years, rice has been associated with Vietnamese socio-cultural and people. Rice has contributed to bring full and prosperous life for many families. Besides, Vietnam is known as one of the world leading countries in exporting rice and Vietnamese people consider rice as their precious pearl. That is the reason why Quynh Vy Rice Painting Company decided to make rice into paintings and promote works of rice painting to the world as a way to express our gratitude to the rice of Vietnam.

AA : What did you do to fully prepare for the company?

Quynh Vy : Rice Painting started its business in September 2009. Since then, we have set certain goals for each period of time and try our best to achieve every one of them. Quynh Vy Rice Painting is proud to be the pioneer to promote rice paintings to the market and make them become well-known by the public.
Among the activities to promote our brand of rice paintings, we especially focus on using PR tools because by doing this way, we could not only approach the potential customers but also establish and exploit relationships with civil society, media, government, financial world, local intermediaries, distributors, suppliers, community, etc.

AA : How did you evaluate your idea in terms of 'competition' ?

Quynh Vy : It is said that product differentiation is a critical strategic marketing process. A differentiation strategy is a key to build your competitive advantage. Therefore, product differentiation is carefully considered in Quynh Vy Painting Company. We always try to make fine art using rice of Vietnam and carefully control the quality of each painting. This is considered as the only way to beat up all competitors.

AA : What personal attitudes, characteristics, and skills are necessary for the success of your enterprise?

Quynh Vy : I think our initial achievement now is the contribution of our aim to develop ourselves in term of business skills and market knowledge. The most important thing is to have the great passion and serious determination. When facing difficulties, we always share with team members in order to find out the best ways to overcome. The more difficulties we face, the more effort we contribute to the business, to keep our dreams ahead.

AA : Looking back on your experience, which of the following do you feel are the most critical: Skills, Attitude, or Knowledge?

Quynh Vy : I think to become successful in any aspects; we all need knowledge and skills. However, the key factor that could lead a person to his success is the attitude. The books "Change Attitude, Change Your Life" or "How to Win Friends and Influence People" could help to explain clearer what I mean at this point.

AA : How many hours do you work a day on average?

Quynh Vy : 10 to 12 hours/ day

AA : How do you define success?

Quynh Vy : I especially enjoy the film "3 Idiots" of Bollywood, India so I share the same opinion with the main character in that film: "Success is very simple, to be free living with your dreams and do whatever you want." I also believe that if you want something, don't wish for it. Life is too short to wait so take actions, try your best and success will come.

AA : What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur?

Quynh Vy : Starting a business is a tough process. I was very lucky to have the wholehearted support from my family, teachers, friends, etc. However, to gain such trust and support, foremost we have to try our best, giving the best efforts to our purpose, our dream. Besides, we have to be very patient, take difficulties as a motivation to move us forward, not a barrier. Ambition must go along with the awareness of our capability, setting far and implausible goals may let us to discouragement once the targets are not met. We also need to utilize all of the resources and expand our relationships. Moreover, we should apply the knowledge gained from school as well as experience from our seniors and colleagues. Finally, we should always observe the market environment and innovate our mindset, think differently so that new ideas always come up and the service/product we provide will match the demand of the ever-changing market.

AA : Would you like to be associated with ASEANpreneurs in any/all of the following projects?

Quynh Vy : Yes I would definitely like to associate with...
AYLE: Inspiring and charismatic entrepreneurs will speak at AYLE.
AIC: Entrepreneurs will judge the participant entries at our entrepreneurial idea competition.

AA : Thank you once again for your time. It was a pleasure to meet you.

Reference Source: http://aseanpreneurs.org/blog/entrepreneur-interview-nguyen-thuy-vy/