Quynh's story of starting a business

(Baonghean) - Orphaned from a young age and without any capital for 7 years, through his determination, Tran Manh Quynh (Hoa Binh town, Tuong Duong district) has built a business from scratch that many people dream of…

Mr. Tran Manh Quynh at his kiosk in Hoa Binh Town, Tuong Duong District.

I met Quynh at his family's stationery shop in Hoa Bac Hamlet, Hoa Binh Town, Tuong Duong District. It was midday, but the small shop owned by Quynh and his wife was bustling with customers: some came to photocopy, others to buy paper and pens, and some to have their computers repaired. In addition, Quynh's family owns two other shops in the town specializing in stationery and the buying, selling, and repairing of printing equipment and computers. He was constantly busy photocopying, binding, and delivering goods, smiling and apologizing for keeping customers waiting.

After work, Quynh invited us to visit his house, not far from the kiosk. Quynh's house is a large, beautiful, and imposing wooden stilt house located on the third lane of National Highway 7, running through Hoa Binh town. He built this stilt house in 2012, costing around 1.5 to 2 billion VND. Although the house is large, the living space is quite cramped because from inside to outside the house, it's piled high with printing paper, pens, notebooks, photocopiers, and computers. Quynh's house has all the amenities of a well-off family. Offering us a cup of hot tea, Quynh leisurely recounted his life story: Quynh was born in 1984. He is originally from Thanh Chuong district. Before he was even a year old, Quynh was orphaned, losing both his parents. Out of compassion for their orphaned grandson, his maternal grandparents took him to Tuong Duong to care for him. Quynh's childhood was spent in the loving embrace of his grandparents. Despite their advanced age and frail health, they strived to provide him with a full education, ensuring he wouldn't be at a disadvantage compared to his peers. Out of love for her grandparents, Quynh became even more aware of her family's circumstances and resolved to strive to improve her life.

In 2001, after graduating from high school, Quynh went to Vinh City to learn a trade. He studied computer and electronic equipment repair. He applied to work at repair shops, learning while working, with no tuition fees and even meals provided. Hardworking, diligent, eager to learn, and quick-witted, Quynh quickly mastered the trade. With a skill in hand, in 2005, Quynh returned to Hoa Binh Town to start his own business. Initially, he worked for repair shops and kiosks repairing photocopiers and computers in the area. His income as a tradesman wasn't bad, but it was barely enough to support himself. Quynh constantly pondered how to develop and escape poverty... Hoa Binh Town in 2005-2006 wasn't as bustling and developed as it is now, and there weren't many stationery shops. He harbored the intention of opening a stationery supply agency for agencies, organizations, and residents in the area, but turning his plan into reality encountered countless difficulties. His biggest challenge was the lack of capital. Quynh shared this idea with his friends, and everyone supported and encouraged him. With everyone's approval and encouragement, Quynh boldly applied for a loan from the Social Policy Bank.

With a loan of 45 million VND, in 2007, Quynh rented a kiosk and contacted stationery companies to open a stationery agency that also repaired computers, photocopiers, and various electronic devices. With limited capital and a small kiosk, it was difficult to compete with existing agencies in the area. Unable to wait for customers to come to him, he climbed mountains and crossed streams to visit all the agencies, units, and schools in the district to market his products. Quynh's business strategy was "low prices, delivery to the door, and enthusiastic service." Explaining his success, Quynh said: "I just thought people felt sorry for me because of my orphaned circumstances and probably saw that I was honest and kind."

After 7 years of hard work, Quynh has built a comfortable life for himself. His three kiosks generate approximately 1.7 billion VND in annual revenue, bringing in a net profit of over 200 million VND. Speaking about Tran Manh Quynh, Le Hong Thai, Secretary of the Tuong Duong District Youth Union, said: "He is one of the exemplary young people in Tuong Duong district who overcame difficulties and became wealthy. Through his perseverance and hard work, Quynh not only established himself and his business but also created jobs for 7 other workers, each earning 2.5-3 million VND per month…"

Thanh Son