Overcoming illness, starting a business at the age of U60

Starting a business at the age of over 50, Ms. Dao Thi Ha, owner of Phuc Khang Cordyceps cultivation facility (Nam Dinh province), shared with PNVN about her entrepreneurial journey.

PV: Looking back on the past, what is the most memorable milestone for you?

Ms. Dao Thi Ha : I have a blood disease. In 2016-2017, my health was not good. At that time, an acquaintance in Lai Chau province sent me some cordyceps products to drink. After using them for a while, I saw my health improve. I gave the products to my friends and relatives to try and received positive feedback and asked them to buy more to drink long term.

From there, I had an idea, why don't I produce and sell directly to everyone? At first, my family did not support it, many people around me even said I was "greedy". But I studied medicine, I have certain knowledge in this field.

With the support of my younger brother, who is the owner of a famous cordyceps mushroom production facility in the Northern region, and especially his belief in the product being good for health, I was determined to do it.

After countless times of mushrooms not growing, not growing evenly or getting moldy, losing hundreds of millions of dong, there were times when I was confused but then I was determined to start over. I decided to go to a workshop in Lai Chau to learn the trade, to master the process, and accumulate experience. Then I read more books and newspapers, and learned through many information channels to supplement my knowledge.

After that, the batches of mushrooms gave good results. From a room for cultivating cordyceps with an area of about 7m2 when I started my business, up to now, I have built a factory of 100m2, divided into many rooms and areas to serve the process of cultivating, isolating and separating strains.

I also invested in many modern machines to serve the production process such as: steamers, air conditioners, seed shakers, etc. My cordyceps production facility is creating jobs for 7 regular and seasonal workers, with a salary of 150,000 VND/day.

PV: For production facilities, having good products also requires finding outlets. How did you solve this "problem"?

Ms. Dao Thi Ha: On my entrepreneurial journey, I have always received support from all levels of the Association and authorities. I have also attended training courses on science and technology, on operations, etc. organized by all levels of the Association.

Training courses on using smart devices and selling on social media channels such as Zalo, Facebook, YouTube... help us, female entrepreneurs, become more confident and reach a large number of customers. Products are exported to many provinces, cities, and even abroad.

To conquer consumers, Phuc Khang's cordyceps mushroom products are researched and produced in a variety of types, including: whole cordyceps mushrooms, fresh cordyceps mushrooms, freeze-dried cordyceps mushrooms, cordyceps host on silkworm pupae, cordyceps soaked in wine, cordyceps powder...

PV: What suggestions do you have to make women's entrepreneurial journey easier?

Ms. Dao Thi Ha: I hope that when we have made our products, we will continue to receive attention from all levels, sectors, and Associations to organize exchange sessions for us, helping us promote our products as well as spread the desire to start a business to more women.

In addition, all levels and sectors can diversify the forms of communication and connection between women entrepreneurs through anniversaries, holidays, Tet or quarterly competitions... to create a playground for women to communicate and connect. I really hope that women entrepreneurs will be supported with a space to introduce their products.

In that space, cultural and entertainment programs can be integrated to attract customers and production facilities have the opportunity to introduce products, production processes, etc. to consumers.

Readers interested in the product can contact: Phuc Khang Cordyceps Cultivation Facility, No. 26/418 Dien Bien Street, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh Province (cultivation workshop); Product display and introduction: 420 Dien Bien Street, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh Province; Tel: 0838.164.075- 0916346299.

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