Gary’s Platform Offers Consumers Plant-based and Cruelty-free Products
What’s your story?
I founded Vegan Concept. It is an online platform that sells and distributes only vegan products. We want to use our platform to promote animal rights by offering products that do not contain animal ingredients or that subjected animals to testing. Also, our platform aims to help conscious consumers minimize extensive research and label reading when they want to ensure they are buying strictly vegan products.
Six years ago, my wife and I adopted a dog who was saved from becoming a breeding dog, locked up in a cage for seven years. We believe animals deserve to be treated humanely and that animal lives are just as important as human lives. They should not be consumer goods, product ingredients, or suffer lab testing!
What excites you most about your industry?
Educating people about animal rights! I believe no animals should be harmed by the way we live. Though not many people know about this, whether it be food, clothing, or other necessities, animals are suffering and losing their lives, in the name of product development and manufacturing.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I was born in Hong Kong and spent the first 10 years of my life there before moving to the US with my family. I really liked how fast-paced, convenient, and competitive Hong Kong was every time I visited. So, in 2010, I decided to move back to Hong Kong to explore business opportunities.
Favorite city in Asia for business and why?
I believe Hong Kong is my city! Everything here is so efficient and quick to accomplish. There is also a competitive spirit that makes Hong Kong the best place to start and do business.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
From Steve Jobs, “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.” Always be curious to learn more, never be satisfied, don’t be afraid, and always push yourself.
Who inspires you?
Kobe Bryant – His determination, hardworking, perfectionist, no excuses way of life!
What have you just learned recently that blew you away?
Elon Musk successfully sent humans into space and is currently building electronic motorcycles that we thought couldn’t happen anytime soon. With technology, we can definitely change how we live our lives without consuming any animal products.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Instead of doing everything on my own, in the beginning, like many entrepreneurs, I might have planned things better. However, I wouldn’t want to go back in time because my past experiences have made me a better entrepreneur.
How do you unwind?
I like to exercise, play basketball, and take vacations with my wife and son.
Favorite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Phuket, because this is the first resort location my wife and I visited together. I love being poolside while reading and having a cold drink.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich,” by Tim Ferriss. Everyone should learn how to outsource in order to save time.
Shameless plug for your business:
Vegan Concept online store aims to offer a wide selection of vegan products (beauty, wellness, and lifestyle), with affordable and fast shipping options in a one-stop, online platform. There is a growing demand for vegan products, and our goal is to expand Vegan Concept to other regions in Asia.
Our mission is to make a positive impact by offering cruelty-free and plant-based products, as we believe no animals should be harmed because of the way we live. By offering plant-based products, we help address concerns related to climate change and resource conservation. We believe it is time to allow consumers to make conscious and ethical decisions about their consumption choices.
How can people connect with you?
Via email: [email protected]
Website: www.theveganconcept.com
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Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built, and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’, and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
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