Interview | Founder & CEO, OI Aesthetic Clinic, Betty Bùi Đỗ

The rise in demand inevitably leads to an increase in supply. However, in a market where “the bad mingles with the good,” more does not always mean better. It then becomes the leader’s responsibility to elevate the business above the chaos and build confidence among its customers.

Despite coming from a family with a well-established business tradition and financial prowess, Mrs. Betty Bùi Đỗ continues to strive to prove her competence and establish herself as a worthy heir. In the ever-changing market, she has successfully revitalized a long-standing cosmetic brand through timely and appropriate adjustments. Now, guided by her experience and knowledge, the business ethics that have long defined her family continue to thrive under her leadership.

Greetings, Mrs. Betty Bùi Đỗ. What inspired you to pursue a business career at such a young age, particularly in the field of non-surgical cosmetics?

I was born and raised in a family that runs a multi-industry business, which naturally exposed me to the concepts of business at an early age. Listening to the stories of my parents and other older relatives, who were all businesspeople, sparked my passion for this economic path. Later, while studying in Australia, I switched my major from medical sciences to finance and marketing to help my parents manage the family business. This combined knowledge has given me a better understanding of the various industries we are involved in, particularly cosmetics.

My family owns Orient Skincare & Laser Center, one of the first companies to introduce non-surgical cosmetic procedures in Vietnam, earning a strong and consistent customer base. However, with a fresh perspective and vision, I aspired to take over the business and elevate it to a new level. Building on its existing values, the new brand, OI Aesthetic Clinic, will focus more on the premium segment and marks the beginning of my business journey.

INTERVIEW Founder CEO OI Aesthetic Clinic Betty Bùi Đỗ

What do you aspire to achieve on this journey?

As mentioned, my advantage in this field lies in my expert knowledge of medical sciences and non-surgical cosmetics. I envision OI Aesthetic Clinic as a trusted destination on everyone’s beauty journey, where customers can rely on the safety and quality of high-tech, non-surgical cosmetic procedures – catering not only to Vietnamese clients but also to international customers. On a broader scale, I aim to contribute to the transformation of the Vietnamese cosmetic industry toward greater safety and modernization. My goal is not only to establish our brand in this highly competitive market but also to enhance Vietnam’s image on the international stage by offering high-quality, globally standardized products and services.

What is your principle of administration when it comes to running a business?

As a business owner and leader in the cosmetic industry, I adhere to several key philosophies and principles to ensure effective and sustainable operations. First, given the volatile nature of this field and its high turnover rate, I prioritize creating a positive and supportive working environment that fosters personal development among employees, recognizing that they are a valuable asset to the company.

Second, I focus on continuous investment in our staff, providing training and skill development to enhance their expertise and confidence. This, in turn, leads to improved service quality and a better customer experience.

Open and straightforward communication is vital for strengthening team bonds. Therefore, I encourage the sharing of opinions, questions, and feedback as a means of mutual development. This approach helps my employees define their career goals with clear direction, understanding what they need to do to improve.

One of my core administrative principles is to reward positive contributions with promotions and compensation. This recognition not only boosts morale but also fosters a sense of belonging within the company. Additionally, the ability to adapt flexibly to changes in the industry is crucial, enabling my team and me to navigate new challenges and opportunities effectively.

What type of leader do you wish to become?

I aspire to be a leader who is both competent and perceptive. By combining my expertise in and passion for the cosmetic field, I aim to build a team that is as dedicated as it is professional – one that works not only with efficiency but also with enthusiasm and commitment to a common goal. My focus is not just on the success of the company, but also on the success of each team member, which in turn fosters positive changes within the community and society.

For me, success is not a destination but a continuous journey to create lasting value and improvement for everything and everyone around you, leaving a meaningful and enduring impact.

Speaking from your own experience, what do you perceive as the “gains” and “losses” for women in business?

Women have always had a keen and subtle sense for identifying and solving problems, particularly when it comes to meeting customer needs. This subtlety allows them to implement flexible and effective business strategies. Additionally, women excel at building and maintaining relationships – whether with customers, employees, or business partners. With strong communication skills and adaptability, they can be both tough and gentle when needed, fostering a cooperative and supportive work environment. Moreover, women tend to be persistent in pursuing their goals, consistently putting forth relentless effort to find the best possible solutions. The “gains,” as I see them, lie in honing these qualities through the challenges of business.

However, businesswomen also face several “losses,” with the most obvious being time and health. The demands of work often rob us of time that could be spent with family, friends, and even on self-care, which can negatively impact our physical and mental well-being. Another significant challenge is balancing work and family life, which is especially tricky for those with children, like myself. Successfully fulfilling both roles requires flexible time management and support from one’s family. Additionally, despite societal progress, women still encounter prejudices from time to time. These conservative notions can pose significant difficulties and challenges.

What are your strengths and weaknesses as a business leader?

As the “captain” of the enterprise ship, I strive to be both approachable and inspirational to my team. I believe that a successful leader must possess not only the necessary administrative skills but also the ability to listen to their team, motivate them, and instill a belief in their potential to achieve great things.

My strengths as a leader include creating a positive working environment that fosters creativity and contribution through recognition and development opportunities. I also excel at clearly defining our business strategy, which helps everyone focus on our customer-oriented goals. I view the relationship between leader and staff as a partnership, with the shared objective of delivering the best experience to our customers.

However, I acknowledge a few areas for improvement. I tend to focus excessively on details and can be obsessed with perfection, which often leads to an overwhelming workload. To address this, I remind myself to trust and empower others more, allowing them to take on responsibilities and shine in their roles.

Besides work, women also need other interests to maintain balance in life, don’t you agree?

Absolutely (laughs). Besides business management, I have a range of passions and hobbies that help me maintain balance in life. Fashion is a vital part of my personal style and a way to express my creativity and personality.

Traveling, on the other hand, provides me with new inspirations and opportunities for contemplation. I often take short trips to take a personal, worry-free break, allowing me to reflect on my actions, evaluate what I’ve done right or wrong, and consider my next steps.

Lastly, I engage in boxing, which might seem surprising given its physically challenging nature. However, it’s an excellent way to reduce stress by boosting endorphin production. Besides maintaining my health and relieving stress, boxing contributes valuable lessons and discipline to both my career and personal life.

How do you define “success” for a businesswoman?

Success is not solely measured by numbers or titles, but by the ability to create real value and contribute to the development of society.

QUICK QUESTIONS

Three words that describe yourself at work:
Understanding – Positive – Kind

How would you educate your children about money?
Teaching children about money goes beyond just showing them how to spend and save; it’s about instilling a sense of responsibility. They need to understand that every penny they spend is the result of hard work and that they must make wise decisions with their money. My goal is for them to develop a strong sense of responsibility toward personal financial management from a young age, so they can make confident financial decisions later in life.

What do you think money is for?
Money is a powerful tool for building and expanding a business, investing in oneself, creating jobs, and boosting the economy. It can also drive charitable efforts, support the underprivileged, and fund community projects, as well as improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. While having more money opens up more opportunities, what truly matters is our priorities and our commitment to those around us.