Ha’s story

The first step in my journey with the WEAVE initiative was downloading the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women’s HerVenture app. Initially, I sped through all the app’s lessons in about a week, and then I took my time to study each learning track separately and work out how I could apply it to my business. Having HerVenture is like having a map for running a business. I truly trust that I have had a guide, like a lighthouse. I am not afraid that I might take the wrong road. I have had a lodestar that shows me the clear journey for me to follow. I also shared the app with my staff, so that we can all work more professionally.

I then took part in the Road to Growth programme, which further strengthened the direction of my business. Before the programme, my accounts were very messy and all over the place, but the financial literacy I gained on the programme allowed me to ensure our finances are now all set up properly. As it was an online programme, it allowed me to be proactive with my time. I usually study in the evening, after I’m done with all my other work. The clarity the programme provided also allowed me to expand my business, and I opened up a showroom for my brand in Hanoi.

Next, I was matched with my mentor Abhilasha, who was from India and an entrepreneur herself as well as a coach. She was very understanding and patient and helped build my confidence in myself and my business. Together, we worked on a bold new business plan and implementation strategy. By Spring 2021, the new business plan had been in place for a few months, but we were forced to put everything on hold due to the awful effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Vietnam. Thankfully, I had my mentor, and Abhilasha supported me to review and revise the plan, and then pivot my business accordingly.

Before starting on this journey and becoming an entrepreneur, I would have never thought that I would be able to start up a business on my own. I always thought entrepreneurship was for men. However, taking part in the WEAVE initiative allowed me to realise that I can do this. All three programmes allowed me to see beyond the immediate problems presented by the COVID-19 crisis and focus on the bigger picture. I now have enough confidence, enough knowledge and enough reason to better operate my business.

I’m so proud of everything we as a business have achieved already. The success of our business has allowed us to pay Snowshan tea tree farmers in rural Vietnam double what they made before we came to work with them, which means that they can afford better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. In the future, I would love Shanam tea shops to be on every street corner of Vietnam – a place for communities to learn about tea and tea recipes and enjoy a cup of tea together. I’m also excited to bring Shanam tea to more international audiences.