With a passion for creating premium shampoo from local herbs, after years of experimenting with formulas, 37-year-old Phan Da Thao, residing in Hai Chau 1 Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang has successfully produced products that the market warmly embraces. This has not only provided many local women with stable employment and income but has also contributed to ensuring a better quality of life.

Ms. Phan Da Thao ( right) introduces her products to customers at the event "Exemplary Green and Environmentally Friendly Products," organized by the Women's Union of Da Nang.

After earning a Master's degree in Engineering from the University of Science and Technology, a member school of the University of Da Nang University, Thao began teaching at the College of Economics and Technology - Water Resources under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development located in Hoi An, Quang Nam. Despite the time-consuming nature of teaching, fueled by her passion for research, she spent many sleepless nights developing formulas and achieving success with hair care products.

Thao explained, "Daily hair washing may seem harmless, but the chemicals in shampoos can strip the skin of its natural oil-producing ability. Regular exposure to shampoo chemicals can lead to rashes, skin inflammation, itching, redness due to strong cleansing agents present in these products. With the desire to provide safety to users, I researched and developed hair care products with herbal ingredients, ensuring safety for health."

During the investment and research process, she had to face many challenges such as insufficient production capital, lack of experience, sourcing high-quality raw materials (herbs) at stable prices since the prices of herbs tend to rise during peak seasons and outbreaks. The workforce required individuals with professional skills, a dynamic design team understanding consumer preferences, and patience in processing raw materials in high-temperature working conditions.

When introducing a product, it demands unique and modern designs, along with a comprehensive promotional strategy. The product's market performance is also a challenging issue, especially given the significant competition from industrial shampoos. Therefore, changing customers' long-standing purchasing preferences poses a formidable and the most significant challenge to overcome.

However, received encouragement and support from fellow women in the Women's Union of the village and the Women's Union of Hoa Phuoc Commune, where the production workshop is located, as well as the unanimous support of family members, she focused her investments on producing the product "VIC'S HOME Natural Herbal Shampoo," made from 10 natural herbal ingredients, formulated from the traditional herbal medicine of her family.

After five years of economic development investment, from a small manually operated facility, her production facility is now equipped with a complete system of machinery to ensure the best product quality and meet the demand in the city and provinces nationwide.

Currently, her production facility produces numerous products daily, providing employment for 5 female workers in the locality, with an income of VND 5 million per person per month. On a daily basis, the facility purchases 1 to 2 tons of various agricultural products such as sesame, pomelo, lime, lemongrass from specialized farmers in Hoa Son and Hoa Khuong communes to produce shampoo products, contributing to the effective consumption of domestic agricultural products and the development of the agricultural economy.

On average, the production facility has brought in a profit of about VND 200 million per year for Thao's family. Her two main products are "Herbal shampoo with black locust and pomelo scent" and "Herbal shampoo with s black locust and fleeceflower root," meeting three criteria of no foaming agent Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, no silicon, and no paraben.

In addition, her herbal products have participated in the Innovative Entrepreneurship Contest, winning First Prize in Hoa Vang District and an Encouragement Prize in the city.

In parallel with her successful business, Phan Da Thao is an active union member, enthusiastically participating in union activities, responding to movements and campaigns, assisting female union members facing difficulties, and contributing to social welfare in the local area, building a strong union organization.

As shared by Mrs Le Thi Yen, Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Hoa Phuoc Commune, Thao serves as a shining example for many women, demonstrating a commitment to learning and embodying the spirit of diligence, creativity, dynamism, and boldness in both thought and action. She stands out in contributing to economic development and making rightful efforts to prosper in her homeland.

Reporting by THAO TRANG - Translating by T.VY