The past 16 months have been a whirlwind. From our first public sales to now officially hitting break-even, Mala Tara’s revenue has exceeded our initial investment. With no outside funding, no prior business experience, and running it all alongside being a full-time mom, my first business is now standing on its own. This isn’t just proof of a concept; it’s a tangible sign of product-market fit.
While there’s still a long way to go, I’ve been reflecting on three key lessons I’ve learned so far. I hope my journey can offer some guidance to anyone considering their own entrepreneurial path.
1. Be Challenged: Choose the Harder Path, It’s Where You’ll Grow.
The first decision was already a big one. Back in 2022, I left a stable policy job at the central bank. I wanted to be more present as a mom, but also to create my own income, in my own way. Entrepreneurship sounded exciting. I had a choice: start a business solo in a premium health and fitness product space, or accept an unexpected invitation from a friend-of-a-friend to co-found an organic flower tea brand for export to the US.
We had never worked together, and the idea of co-founding a brand felt daunting. I hesitated. But a clear thought came to mind: “เลือกโจทย์ที่มันยากไว้ก่อน เพราะเราจะได้เรียนรู้อะไรจากมันแน่ๆ” (Choose the harder problem first, because you will definitely learn something from it.)
I chose the challenge. And it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. The past two years of our Wellbeing in Bloom journey have been beyond exponential. I never thought I’d enjoy entrepreneurship this much—not just the outcome, but the process.
Just like long-distance running (a passion of mine), the hardest part is always the first step. Some people get stuck buying gear, overplanning, or waiting for the "perfect moment." But once you start, even if the road is rougher or longer than expected, your mind stops arguing with itself. You’re in it. You keep going.
If you’re thinking of starting something, know this: no one regrets trying. The only regret is not trying at all.
2. Be Adaptive: Have a Big Vision but Keep Iterating.
Building a business is like running long-distance. (10K is my comfort zone.) You need to know the terrain, set a finish line, and adjust to real-time changes. Business, like long runs, requires both discipline and flexibility. The route will shift. Your energy will fluctuate. That’s normal.
The same goes for building a brand. I started with a clear vision: to reflect mindful, conscious living, representing Thai heritage in a modern story, creating local economic impact, and building a truly sustainable business.
The vision was my compass, but the path was far from straight. Some details were eliminated, others changed, and new ideas were created. The feedback loop with customers, partners, and even regulations shaped our path far more than any business plan could. Real-world feedback is your best teacher. The key is to stay open to market shifts while still holding onto your core values and, most importantly, the reason why you started.
3. Be Realistic: Know Your Limits and Define Success on Your Own Terms.
From day one, I gave myself a three-year window. This allowed me enough time to prove the business could work and to ensure I wouldn’t be too old to return to the corporate ladder if this path came to a dead end.
For initial capital, I used self-funded savings that wouldn’t disrupt our family’s well-being. My personal policy was simple: no salary drawn, reinvest every dollar, and spend wisely. I wanted this business to truly succeed based on my effort, not by endlessly throwing in more money. This had to be a lean business, for real.
This was an experiment, financially and emotionally, within a level of risk I was comfortable with. If it didn’t work out, I’d return to my career knowing I had given it my all. No regrets. No lingering “what if” about my entrepreneurial journey. My advice is simple: build a business within your means. Know yourself. And learn how to assess your own risks properly.
Final Thoughts: From Zero to One
So here we are, at month 16. We’ve reached breakeven. From zero to one. No network, no outside funding, and no background in business.
With steady, intentional growth, supported by a community who believes in what we do, this milestone proves that my love for tea, for flowers, and my strong belief in reframing Thai modern wellness now has its own stage in the US market.
This milestone proves it’s only the beginning. I’m still learning. Still growing. Still finding so much joy, with strategy. And that joy is what keeps me going in this Wellbeing in Bloom journey.
About the Author
This article was written by Pui - Supatcha Chavalvechakul, Co-founder and Brand Strategy & Business Growth Director at Mala Tara.
Want to know more about our journey?
Meet the people behind the bloom on our Meet the Founders page.