Beauty queen & businesswoman Thu Hoai: The Kho Thi legacy

From the moment Hsiu and Tin joined Kho Thi, what philosophy have you instilled in them about preserving and advancing the values you have built over the past 20 years?

From the very beginning, I wanted my children to understand that Kho Thi is not just a company—it is both a younger sibling and an elder brother within our family. Kho Thi has given us a good life, but when they were younger, they may not have fully grasped its significance. As they have grown and faced challenges—such as needing to borrow money from their mother to pursue their own endeavours—they have come to appreciate the hardships of life and the strength of our family foundation.

Now that everything is gradually settling into place, I expect them to uphold the corporate culture I have built, one that our team has devoted themselves to for many years. They must adhere to the company’s principles and actively contribute to its growth. These principles are not just measures of work efficiency but also reflections of their dedication and drive as members of Kho Thi.

Looking back on your children's development, when do you feel is the right time to start handing over responsibilities and guiding them to take over the business?

In truth, succession is not the ultimate goal. However, if my children are to take on leadership roles effectively, I believe two years is sufficient time for them to prepare. During this period, they must familiarise themselves with management responsibilities while accepting that I remain the boss. They need to respect my leadership, listen to my guidance, and understand that their contributions will be recognised and documented.

Regardless of personal preference, years of dedication will inevitably be acknowledged, and shares will be allocated based on tangible contributions. Leadership is not simply about inheritance—it is about proving one’s commitment and capability.

Hello, Hsiu and Tin! Growing up in a family with a mother who is a successful beauty entrepreneur, did you feel any pressure?

Hsiu (H): The greatest pressure I face is proving myself as an equal employee in the workplace. I am particularly passionate about product development and currently aspire to take on the role of CFO while also expanding our branding efforts. I believe the synergy between these two areas will drive significant breakthroughs for Kho Thi. However, to progress step by step, I have embraced the mindset of a newcomer—constantly learning and asking questions. Fortunately, I have received invaluable support from the experienced professionals surrounding my mother.

Tin (T): Initially, I was not drawn to business; instead, I discovered a passion for enhancing beauty. That is why I chose to pursue a professional path rather than a managerial or administrative role. At Kho Thi, we have many esteemed doctors and technicians, and I take pride in being part of that team.

The greatest challenge for me is meeting the expectations of Kho Thi’s clientele. Many of our loyal customers are older, whereas I am still quite young. I must bridge the gap between two customer segments: my own generation, where I naturally connect with contemporary beauty ideals, and an older demographic with different aesthetic preferences.

Over time, I have realised that beauty is multifaceted and evolves with the times. In fact, trends that were once overlooked often resurface and become mainstream again. Understanding and balancing these diverse preferences is a significant challenge, but it is also what enables me to develop and maintain customer satisfaction at Kho Thi.

How would Hsiu persuade her mother to adopt a trend she believes suits Kho Thi?

H: When I identify a trend that aligns with Kho Thi’s values and objectives, I first conduct thorough research, analysing its benefits and how it integrates with our current strategy. I prepare a detailed report, compiling relevant data and projections on its potential impact on the company.

Next, I convene a meeting with key stakeholders to present both the opportunities and risks associated with adopting the trend. It is crucial to listen to everyone’s perspectives. My persuasion is not solely based on research and analysis, but also on my ability to connect the new trend with Kho Thi’s core values.

How does Tin Nguyen assess the current shift in beauty trends?

T: The beauty industry is undergoing a significant transformation. The emerging trend is moving away from rigid ideals and instead celebrating individual identity.

Today, beauty is not about following a prescribed aesthetic from a particular country or trend cycle. It is about embracing and enhancing one’s unique features. Rather than completely reinventing our appearance to fit fleeting trends, we should focus on refining and elevating our natural beauty.

Can you both share an important lesson your mother taught you that has inspired and guided you as you began your careers?

H: I have witnessed my mother navigate countless challenges, particularly during the pandemic when Kho Thi had to close for two years. It made me realise the vital importance of having a contingency plan and managing finances wisely. Beyond that, my mother has always emphasised the core value of giving without expecting anything in return—this has become a guiding principle in my life. It has taught me how to work effectively and foster collaboration in a professional environment, an experience for which I am profoundly grateful.

T: One of the most valuable pieces of advice my mother gave me was: “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” Initially, I didn’t fully grasp its significance, as young people often work based on inspiration, especially when there is no immediate urgency. However, over time, I have come to appreciate the profound wisdom in this lesson. It underscores the importance of prioritising tasks and taking action rather than procrastinating. This has not only helped me manage my time more effectively but has also had a significant impact on my ability to achieve both personal and professional goals. This philosophy has become an intrinsic part of how I approach work and daily life.

Read more: Discover Japanese cuisine at Pause + Savour season 4 in October

As you continue to uphold your mother’s legacy while forging your own paths, what do you both hope to see in the coming years as you contribute more to Kho Thi?

T: I have always been passionate about enhancing beauty, and I want to continue sharing my knowledge and expertise. My focus will be on refining my aesthetic skills and applying them to help clients achieve the most personalised enhancements. My goal is to honour my family’s heritage while leaving my own imprint and delivering meaningful value to our customers.

H: Looking ahead, I intend to introduce new projects and hope to play a more active role in decision-making. Over the next five years, we plan to expand the Hair Transplant Institute into a distinct field and establish our product line as an independent sector. We are committed to preserving the legacy our mother has built while continuously innovating to strengthen and evolve the brand. More importantly, one of the key principles our mother has instilled in us is to live well and happily every day—this will always be the guiding philosophy in our journey.

Tatler had a candid conversation with Hsiu and Tin, reflecting on the most profound impressions their mother, Businesswoman & Miss Thu Hoai, has left on them—along with a heartfelt message they have long cherished but never voiced.

What is your favourite strength in your mother?

H: Mom is incredibly confident. That confidence has allowed her to build invaluable relationships and has been a driving force behind her success.

T: My mother is always decisive and seizes every opportunity—something that is the complete opposite of me. I tend to be overly cautious, overthinking every possible outcome, which sometimes holds me back from taking action. However, I have come to realise that if I don’t take the leap, I will never know what I might be missing.

If you had to describe your mother in one word, what would it be and why?

H: “Powerful.” Mom has an extraordinary influence, not just because of her exceptional leadership, but also due to her strategic vision, which has driven her many successes and cemented her legacy in the industry.

T: Still “decisive”.

Is there anything your mother hasn’t done that you would like to tell her?

H: I wish my mother could retire early—she truly deserves to enjoy a well-earned rest after years of tireless dedication. Hopefully, I will be able to earn her trust enough for her to step back and embrace a more relaxed, leisurely life.

T: I just hope Mom can genuinely unwind. Even though she takes time off and goes out, her mind is always occupied with work. That constant worry prevents her from fully immersing herself in moments of relaxation.

READ MORE:

Tatler reveals: Expert tips for owning your first vacation home

The Serum new version of Clé de Peau Beauté - Raising the standard of high-end skin care

Home tour: A family oasis in Malaysia

Article published from the original feature in Tatler Vietnam October 2024 – Family & Legacy.