Hien DangOn 18 April 2025, NỮ DOANH NHÂN – BusinessWoman Magazine and Step in Style successfully hosted the third edition of Refresh & Repot, a workshop dedicated to practical insight, meaningful connection, and the inspirational promotion of green living, ethical business, and sustainable development.
Where Does Sustainable Living Begin?
Set in the lush garden space of Lotte Hotel Saigon, Refresh & Repot invited guests to step away from the daily rush to “refresh” the mind and “repot” their life energy, just as a plant, when given fresh soil and a new pot, regains its strength to thrive.
Opening the programme, host Tuyền Tăng introduced the latest activities of BusinessWoman Magazine and Step in Style. These included the upcoming NEXT Awards 2025, a prestigious accolade recognising pioneering individuals and organisations in the business community, as well as the BusinessWoman Magazine Membership Programme, designed as a long-term platform for networking, learning, and sustainable empowerment for female leaders.
“Are the things I do every day truly nurturing something lasting – for myself, for my loved ones, and for this world?”. This opening reflection from host Tuyền Tăng paved the way for a profound mini talk session. The speakers’ insights resonated deeply, expanding the definition of sustainability beyond environmental concerns to encompass careers, business, and leadership.
Sustainable Living as a Mindset, Ms. Đỗ Thị Thanh Huyền, Founder & CEO of GAIA Nature Conservation, shared: “I’ve come to realise that a love for nature doesn’t belong solely to conservationists. Many individuals and businesses genuinely care about the environment – they simply don’t always know where to begin. That said, there remains a small group who remain indifferent, believing the state of our planet is not yet truly concerning”.
From green thinking, the conversation broadened into the realm of ethical business. When asked: “What is the greatest challenge for a premium beauty brand committed to sustainable development and how can it deliver real value while still appealing to modern consumers?”
Mr Nguyễn Ngọc Phong Dinh, Country Manager of LUXASIA Vietnam, answered candidly: “There are many challenges when a brand commits to sustainability. First is ensuring vegan-sourced ingredients. Then comes building a transparent supply chain and production process that conserves resources and avoids harming the environment. This demands extensive research and investment – and inevitably results in higher product costs”.
Ms Anna Hạnh Lê – Áo dài couture designer and Founder & CEO of BYFAS – reflected on applying a sustainability mindset in business: “Before launching any business model, founders must begin with a mindset rooted in sustainability. It’s not just about believing in what’s right – it’s also about the courage to see it through, even when faced with failure. With a clear, rational, and transparent strategy, you’ll have the strength to stay the course”.
Green living is not only how we live – but how we create value.
Sustainability is green.
Kindness is a daily act – quiet, but powerfully contagious.
Sowing the Green, By Hand
Participants then engaged in a hands-on Terrarium Candle-Making Workshop – where each guest created their own bespoke design, a gentle reminder of the care we should give to ourselves and our surrounding environment.
Simultaneously, guests were invited to explore a range of green lifestyle experiences:
- Bottle Recycling Experience – an introduction to smart recycling machines for bottles and cans
- Nespresso Café Experience – a glimpse into coffee capsule recycling initiatives
- Solar-powered Pastry Experience – sampling pastries baked using solar energy
- Recycled Bag & Eco Packaging Showcase – models of compostable packaging and upcycled bags
Amid tea breaks and coffee conversations, guests had the chance to reflect, connect, and share their personal stories of green living.
Capturing Emotion, Gently
As the event drew to a close, guests were invited to express their reflections through a “Feelings Card” – not only as a gesture of appreciation from the organisers but also as a way to measure authentic feedback and heartfelt engagement from the community.
Refresh & Repot 2025 concluded with moments of lightness, inspiring conversations, and quiet reflection – yet from those very moments, a new door opened, inviting all into a future of greener, kinder, and more intentional living.
Gratitude and Partners
Hosted at Lotte Hotel Saigon, workshop Refresh & Repot 2025 was made possible thanks to trusted partners such as Lamant Floral Boutique, 4HOME, Annam Gourmet, AVEDA, BH Med, TRI Polar, Tạp chí Khoa Học Phổ Thông.
EVENT INFORMATION
- Date: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | April 21, 2025
- Venue: Lotte Hotel Saigon, 2A – 4A Ton Duc Thang, Ho Chi Minh City
- Organised by: BusinessWoman Magazine & Step in Style
ABOUT BUSINESSWOMAN MAGAZINE
Launched in November 2008, BusinessWoman Magazine is Vietnam’s first print publication dedicated to successful women entrepreneurs. Published quarterly, it explores themes of personal growth, lifestyle, and leadership. The magazine also hosts talkshows, forums, and workshops aimed at connecting and empowering female leaders.
Website: https://nudoanhnhan.net
ABOUT STEP IN STYLE
STEP IN STYLE is a lifestyle platform focused on fashion, beauty, personal branding, and community values. It also organises leading events, talkshows, and forums for professionals and creatives across industries.
Website: https://stepinstyle.vn
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