“Swimming against the tide” after the Covid-19 pandemic

“Previously, both my husband and I made a living by sewing and regularly took orders to sew uniforms for restaurant staff. When the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, there were no orders. Since last year, the economy has shown signs of recovery. I started receiving 2-3 orders but it was still not enough to cover my family's expenses,” said Nguyen Tu Huong (Ward 19, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City).

Ms. Huong shared that her parents passed away, leaving behind 7 siblings. As the eldest child in the family, she had to take care of the family finances and her younger siblings. The Covid-19 outbreak pushed her family into a major crisis. Her husband was sick and in poor health, so he couldn't do much. He took care of taking the children to and from school, while she worked hard to earn money to take care of the family.

After much research and learning, in 2021, Ms. Nguyen Tu Huong boldly registered for a beverage mixing technique course organized by the Women's Union of Binh Thanh District. Finding the course useful, she pursued it and realized that this job was suitable for her.

"From the basic knowledge learned in class, at home, I tried to find ways to vary and add flavors to create new drinks. With the support and opinions of relatives and acquaintances, I adjusted and gradually stabilized the quality," said Ms. Huong.

To find a place in the highly competitive beverage market, Ms. Huong has found differences. Grasping the current demand of women for "healthy" drinks, she replaced sugar with herbs. In addition to drinks, she also learned to make desserts.

To support Ms. Tu Huong in developing her work, the Women's Union of Ward 19 (Binh Thanh District) introduced her products to many female members and people in the ward.

Understanding the current demand of women for "healthy" drinks, she replaced sugar with herbs. In addition to drinks, she also learned to make desserts.

Recently, she was introduced by the Ward Women's Union to receive support from the project "Emergency response and recovery support for women severely affected by the fourth Covid-19 pandemic in Ho Chi Minh City" implemented by UN Women.

With the support money, she bought more presses and equipment for her beverage business and decided to design and print her own brand so that the products delivered to customers would look more eye-catching and professional.

Currently, because she has no physical location, Ms. Huong sells online. She plans to open her own store in the near future.

When asked about the secret to overcoming difficulties and starting a business, Ms. Tu Huong shared that for women who are used to manual labor like her, knowledge and capital are the "keys" to opening the door to starting a business.

No matter what age, women should not be afraid to learn, dare to try their passion, seek support, guidance and encouragement from the Women's Union to confidently start a business.

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/kien-thuc-va-nguon-von-la-chia-khoa-de-mo-canh-cua-khoi-nghiep-20240719144659898.htm