Actress Thanh Van and her husband Minh Tri seen here on the inauguration ceremony of the Canada Home Décor shop in HCMC

From humble beginnings, local power-couple Thanh Van and Minh Tri have worked their way into the fast-paced world of business.

But both had their sights set on bigger and better things. Van wanted to develop her creativity and keen eye for fashion, and Tri hoped to develop his innate business acumen.

While still in school, Van began buying wholesale clothes from Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong and selling them to her friends and family. After one year, Van had increased her sales and was selling wholesale garments to retail shops on Nguyen Trai and Le Van Sy streets in HCMC.

Tri, in the meantime, had quit his job selling phones and was working for his family’s tour company.

In October 2008, Van and Tri married. While Van continued to act and sell clothes and Tri worked at his family’s business, the ambitious couple still desired to enter deeper into the world of business.

Soon after, a friend of Tri’s recommended him for a job at local tourism operator Vinafour Group. With his background experience in the tourism industry, Tri’s friend thought he’d be a good match for the job – and he was right. Tri quickly climbed the ranks and was soon appointed general director of the company. It was a dream come true for Tri.

Vinafour Group, together with the local Music Box Company, have sponsored and organized several charity gala events in Europe and succeeded in raising funds for the construction of 25 houses for the poor in Vietnam. The two companies will also hold events in European countries for overseas Vietnamese next month and later this year.

While Tri was busy running Vinafour, Van was also making headway into the world of business. A friend had told her about a Canadian home décor company that was looking to set up two outlets in HCMC.

As quickly as Tri was appointed general manager of Vinafour, Van found herself working as the new managing director for the Canada Home Décor Company. It was not only a terrific opportunity for Van financially, but one that allowed her to flex her creative muscle and expand the overseas business.

In Van’s opinion, business is like an art. To be successful at it, she says, one needs to have passion, drive and creativity. It also helps to have the support of a loved one, she adds, saying she is lucky to have Tri behind her all the way.

Reported by Thuy Tam