Wendee Lee is enjoying working with Mother Nature and discovering the amount of potency in everyday natural products.
What’s your story?
My story started from the silver lining of a dark cloud called cancer. My father was diagnosed with colon cancer 8 years ago and this kick started our family’s search for a natural, effective health supplement to help him cope with the horrible side effects of chemotherapy.
Along the way, we discovered that if we added noni enzyme from our family-farm into a bar of soap, his hair and skin didn’t suffer the same fate as his fellow patients. He has since recovered and has been given a clean bill of health.
This discovery led us to the foundation of our natural hair and skin care brand, Biconi. We formulate our products with Biconi noni enzyme, and work hard to ensure that our products are free from harsh chemicals.
What excites you most about your industry?
There are a lot more niche brands out there today, doing really good work – they’re passionate and honest about what they do and customers are beginning to acknowledge that. I also see a growing demand for simple and truly natural products, especially in Asia where the natural hair and skin care industry is still in its infancy.
What’s your connection to Asia?
My identity! As a Malaysian currently based in Singapore, I’m excited about the opportunities for growth in South East Asia.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore. This city state is efficiently managed and friendly to businesses. Plus it serves as a hub that connects us to the rest of the region.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Go with your gut instinct – you are the best person to understand your brand, business and customers.
Who inspires you?
My mom – she is also my partner in crime and we have worked together for over 6 years without a single argument! She’s insightful, business savvy and strong – I still have much to learn from her.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
How fascinating mother nature is. There is an unbelieveable amount of potency in common, everyday plants that we take for granted.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I wish I signed up for my organic skin care formulation course earlier. This course has opened up my eyes to the power of natural ingredients, allowing me to develop better products for our customers.
How do you unwind?
Long walks with my dog and pouring over a classic spy novel.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Nepal. Walking the Himalayas gave me a profound sense of peace and happiness, plus the scenery is simply jaw dropping.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Killing Giants by Stephen Denny. I read this inspirational book to learn how the business David slayed his Goliath.
Shameless plug for your business:
Biconi is a natural hair and skin care brand. Our best selling product, the Hair Revitalising Shampoo Bar can help to reduce hair loss and encourage growth of new hair. All without the use of harsh chemicals like SLS, parabens or petroleum-based ingredients.
How can people connect with you?
Email me at [email protected]
Twitter handle?
@BiconiNatural
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
Take the ‘Key Person of Influence’ scorecard <http://www.keypersonofinfluence.com/scorecard/>
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