Tony Suppattranont, founder of pioneering Thai aromatherapy and spa brand Thann, reveals his secrets to building a multinational company. Plus, seven life hacks on how to live well and achieve success at work
It’s unmistakable. Just the faintest whiff of lemongrass essential oil, sometimes with a touch of jasmine, can evoke memories of invigorating, spine-cracking traditional Thai massages.
But as recently as 20 years ago, not many people outside Thailand would have made this olfactive association. For this, spa junkies have to thank visionary wellness entrepreneurs like Tony Suppattranont, founder of beauty brand Thann, for elevating this scent beyond tom yum soup and Thai curries.
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The 49-year-old, who founded Thann in 2002, first came up with the idea to launch a Thai-inspired beauty brand while he was working in Australia in the '90s as a marketer in companies including Cerebos and Goodman Fielder International.
He recalled, “At weekend flea markets, I would see a lot of people selling homemade soaps, massage oils and essential oils. It gave me a new perspective on how to enjoy natural products and I thought when I returned to Thailand, I could take advantage of local herbs, flowers and spices to create my own brand.”