Natalie | Myanmar

Some of the most defining business moments don’t happen in boardrooms or with pitch decks. They come from unexpected human connections. That’s how I met Natalie.

It all started when I was in Myanmar, trying to sell soap. I quickly learned that entering a new market required focusing on the most fundamental element: people. I needed local partners, cultural context, and a genuine understanding of the environment we were stepping into.

This led me to Yangon University of Foreign Languages. I thought professors who spoke Korean could be helpful, but formal introductions didn’t get me far. So, I decided to take a different approach. I stood by the university gate, greeting passing students in Korean.

Annyeonghaseyo.

Eventually, one student responded. His name was Kyaw Kyaw Aung, and from that moment, doors began to open. He introduced us to local factories, contacts—and one person who would leave a lasting impression: Natalie.

If you’ve worked in Myanmar’s beauty industry, you likely know her name. In her sixties, Natalie was the founder and CEO of one of the country’s largest cosmetic companies. She ran multi-brand beauty stores, imported international products, and built her business from the ground up. More importantly, she was the person you turned to when you wanted to truly understand how the market worked.

We met in her office on the third floor of her headquarters. From the moment I entered, I understood why people spoke of her with such deep respect. She had a presence, and her gaze seemed to see right through me. I shared our vision, our approach, and the challenges we were facing. She listened carefully, then looked at me and said:

Everything you want to do—I can help with that. Go ahead. Try it all.

Natalie valued action. Fire. She told us she saw a younger version of herself in our efforts, then shared her own story. She had first discovered America through a magazine in high school. That spark of curiosity led her to Montreal for two years, then Thailand for seven, before she eventually landed in Myanmar. After settling in Myanmar, Natalie spent over 26 years running her business, bridging the gap between Korea and Myanmar. Early on, she founded a cubic factory, but after a painful business dispute, she had to close it. Undeterred, she turned to trade and distribution, establishing another company. It secured exclusive contracts with major Korean brands like Coreana, Enprani, Kerasys, and Innisfree, introducing them to the Myanmar market. Today, she distributes 17 brands and over 1,400 products, significantly boosting the trust and recognition of Korean products in Myanmar.

Beyond business, Natalie has played a key role in spreading Korean culture in Myanmar. She’s organized events like K-pop concerts, traditional wedding showcases, and K-beauty exhibitions, all while nurturing the spread of the Korean Wave. She continues to host annual events like “Face of Myanmar” and “Get It All Korea.”

In 2008, she faced a devastating setback when Cyclone Nargis wiped out 80% of her company’s assets. Yet, she persevered, and today, she is recognized as one of Myanmar’s top 100 taxpayers. Her commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility was also acknowledged when she was selected as a model business leader by the Korean Embassy and KOTRA in 2022 for her positive impact on the local community. Natalie’s achievements go beyond business success. Through authentic cultural exchange and social contributions, she’s built strong, trusting relationships between Korea and Myanmar—a shining example of a global SME leader.

When she started, many customers didn’t know how to properly care for their skin. Some didn’t wash their faces, and others used foundation without any base care. But Natalie didn’t see that as a barrier. She saw it as an opportunity. She spent years patiently educating people, changing habits one conversation at a time. It wasn’t easy, but she firmly believed that real change takes time, empathy, and a willingness to invest in the people who make up the market.

Looking back, I feel deeply fortunate that a chance encounter led to more than just a business connection. It became a life-changing friendship. A simple “hi” at the university gate brought me into the world of a woman who would change the way I view leadership, resilience, and the power of human connection. What started as a simple greeting turned into something much more profound—a partnership that transcended borders and shaped my journey in ways I could never have anticipated.