We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sarey Thach a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Sarey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
The mission is important to me because we grew up in poverty and had to work at an early age in conditions that were not suitable for anyone. Because our parents were refugees and came to America as a result of the Khmer Rouge genocide, they accepted any jobs given to them to make money to survive. With that lesson engrained in me, I accepted working over 12 hour days to make money to make ends meet. I didn’t want the same for this generation of artists and business owners, and therefore, created a CEO program that teaches people how to monetize their most valued skills, and to grow it into a business. I started my nail company in 2018 with $0 and just $63 to my name and grew it into a 6 figure earning business within a few years. My mission is to help other people, especially those in low income communities, to do the same.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
BAUS HAUS Consulting focuses on providing quality business services specializing in results at a fraction of the cost. We believe in helping startups and small business owners/creatives , who may not have had the opportunity to take business courses or come from a wealth family, to operate a sustainable business. Starting a business “normally” requires a lot of money however, many people start a business from their passion. We focus on providing the necessary tools to passion-driven creatives with businesses to get the ball rolling. I got myself into this because when I first started, I had $63 to my name and didn’t have any funding, however, I learned basic principles to “Count Every Opportunity,” [CEO] especially free ones, to grow my brand. At times, in between college classes, I’d run to a free networking event I found on Eventbrite, meet and connect with people over good food, and talk about my mobile nail business (it was mobile at the time). Within just 2 years [during the pandemic] I was able to grow revenue by over 14,000% because I was ahead of the trend and already had the sanitizing skills before everyone else [I was a bio major in college at the time, and volunteered my time at Children’s Hospital for 3 years giving kids and their family’s free manicures]. This led to a core principle in both of my businesses [we give more than we take]. Our employees are required to offer their time a minimum of 2 community services per year. Currently, our nail company teams up with Restore Salon Services [the founder Richard was who got me into the Children’s Hospital where he did hair] to provide beauty service to parents at Ronald McDonald House for Mother’s Day each year. Because I came from poverty, I never want anyone to not be able to experience life due to a lack of “money” and to let them know that ANYTHING is possible for as long as you count every single opportunity that comes your way.
Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?
There were many “close call” moments in my lifetime. Growing up in the areas I grew up in – it was violence stricken and weapons were not anything new. We were surrounded by illegal substances, alcohol, and violent behavior that it became the norm for us. So there were many “close calls” there which taught me to find solutions in all “troubled times.” Another time was when I was a passenger and was in a car accident where the passenger door was indented all the way in, and by God’s grace, I came out with just a scratch to my hand and forehead. Even in business where we struggled to cover certain bills in the beginning, I learned now to panic and to find a way out. Struggles allow us to either panic or become creative in finding solutions. It is all a matter of which route you’d like to take. Because I had such an interesting path growing up, I now choose to only focus on creativity when there is a stump in my path. I learned that life will be full of moments, but the outcome is based on how we respond to it.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I built my social media audience by providing them with what I know will be valuable to them – with for the most part were life experiences. This helps build a reputation as a trusted source. It’s almost like everyone relying on Google to find them an answer, now people automatically say “let me Google that.” Social media – depending on what you’re using it for, can be utilized in many ways, but do not focus on converting your followers. Do not make content with a core focus of only doing it to make money off of them. This does not serve them, and they will know. People go onto social media for entertainment and information – that’s it. So focus on making content that is ‘infotainment” and you’ll have a winning strategy. Another tip is when share and remix inspirational videos – people like to share what resonates with them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.baushausnetwork.com
- Instagram: @sareykunthea
Image Credits
BAUS HAUS Network @baushausnetwork