In a recent episode of the "How I Raised My First Million" podcast hosted by Asian Hustle Network, Marina Tran-Vu, the founder of EQUO, shared her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood as a war refugee to becoming a successful entrepreneur dedicated to environmental sustainability.
Born in Canada to immigrant parents, Marina's upbringing was marked by adversity, but she never wavered in her dreams for a better life. After earning a marketing degree from The University of British Columbia in 2010, she embarked on a career spanning over 13 years with global FMCG companies such as Unilever, Bacardi, LG Electronics, and Spin Master.
However, Marina's life took a transformative turn when she visited her family in Vietnam and witnessed firsthand the detrimental impact of garbage on the country's environment. This experience ignited her passion to create a more sustainable future for her family and future generations, prompting her to make the bold decision to relocate to Vietnam.
In 2019, Marina officially launched EQUO, a Vietnam-based sustainable brand pioneering eco-friendly alternatives to plastic products. EQUO offers a range of 100% plastic-free straws, utensils, dishware, and drinkware made from innovative materials like sugarcane, coconut, coffee, and rice. Marina's vision is to establish a "Made in Vietnam" brand that not only reduces environmental harm but also promotes humane consumption habits worldwide.
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6NMUUz264ERzbu83pbwWPs
Marina's unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability has gained global recognition, with features in prestigious publications such as Forbes and appearances on BloombergTV's "Beyond Innovation," Shark Tank Vietnam, and PlayersTV's "Front Office." Recently, EQUO achieved a significant milestone by securing $1.3 million in seed funding, a testament to Marina's dedication and the potential impact of her venture.
Through her remarkable journey, Marina Tran-Vu exemplifies resilience, determination, and a profound sense of purpose. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and advocates for sustainability, demonstrating that with passion and perseverance, positive change is within reach.
For more insights into Marina's journey and valuable tips on raising capital for startups, tune in to her episode on the "How I Raised My First Million" podcast, available on Asian Hustle Network's platform.
Check it out: https://www.asianhustlenetwork.com/podcast/05-how-i-raised-my-first-million-marina-tran-vu-equo/
