Former beauty queen-turned-businesswoman Thu Huong with her husband and two children

At the height of her success on TV, former beauty queen Thu Huong made a bold decision to quit and pursue the world of business.

Huong says that striving for such freedom and happiness is not only the right of every person, but also the key to success in life.

In 1995, Huong won first place in the Miss Sports Contest and rapidly shot to fame as one of the most high-profile models on Hanoi catwalks. The young up-and-comer, also studying journalism at the time, felt she was living every young girl’s dream.

After finishing school, Huong went to work at VTV (Vietnam Television) as a program host and editor. Here she made a name for herself again, working on such programs as Phu nu the ky 21(Woman of 21th Century), and Lam giau khong kho (Get Rich Easy).

“Four years at VTV was four years of hard work and trying my utmost,” says Huong. “Working as [the host of a TV program] taught me many skills like leadership, public speaking, organization, and scrupulousness. I still use these skills today with my clients and staff. I am also thankful for the [Miss Sports] title that opened the first door to life for me.”

Then, at the peak of her television career, Huong made a bold decision. Not wanting to limit herself or her potential, she quit her job to focus on starting up her own business, another dream she had always wanted to pursue. She opened a beauty salon called Blue Ocean, and quickly began learning about the world of business. There was no turning back.

“The reason for my [dramatic] change in direction was that it felt like the right time and period of my life,” says Huong. “I like to be tested through challenges and consider them motivators to push me forward. I am proud that I have achieved many of my goals so far. I want people to remember me not just as a beauty queen, but also as a woman that built on her strengths and diversified what she is good at.”

Moreover, Huong says she chose to enter the world of business, because “I could control my freedom; in time, money and life. Isn’t happiness when you are wholly free?”

Following the success of her beauty salon, Huong then launched the P.H.I. Company in 2001. The company name was later changed to the NH (Nam Huong) Corporation. The company’s first product was a monthly magazine called Cam nang mua sam (Shopping Manual), which launched in 2002.

Huong says NH Corporation is now aiming to produce a range of magazines, television programs, and advertisements targeting women. Some of the company’s publications include Magazine Shopping Manual B&F, Shopping Manual Lady, Khong gian song (Living Space), and Phong cach Doanh nhan (Business Style).

The television programming developed by NH Corporation includes the Shopping Manual show, which began airing last June, 2008. For Huong, re-entering the world of television feels natural, but furthermore, it’s a great way to expand her company, she says.

“We must have a fervent passion and ardor in what we pursue. I think that is not only my key [to success] but also for every successful person. This helps me to overcome all obstacles to survive and grow. To me, I am not afraid of challenges but enjoy them. I think the worst enemy is oneself and the sweetest victory is overcoming the ‘ego war.’

“Success is not only created from luck, but also from passion, belief, and great effort,” Huong adds. “In this way, I can achieve what I want and prove to everyone who I am and what I can do.”

Despite her busy schedule, Huong says she still finds ways to rejuvenate and spend time with her family. A faithful student of martial arts, Huong also exercises, travels, and makes time for the spa. Huong describes her husband as humorous, smart and dynamic, and says her two young sons are a “dream come true.”

“I always value quality above quantity. My husband is a businessman, too. We are really busy but still have time to share everything in both our personal and social lives,” Huong says. “He is always close to my heart. My sons, Tom and Ben, are the two best parts of my life. I think I am a really lucky woman to be able to have [both family and a career].”

When asked about her corporation’s future direction, the CEO smiles coyly.

“Allow me to keep it secret,” Huong says, “because [confidentiality] is a very important rule in business. However, in the future, NH Corporation will continue to diversify, especially in international events like the upcoming Mrs. World Pageant for instance.”

Reported by Kim