Published: 13 November 2023
2016 MBA graduate and business owner, Natnicha Srichamnarn, shares her story of success since graduating, how she is using the skills gained during her degree course, and her excitement at being named a Women of Future Awards 2023 finalist.
Deciding to leave a permanent role to build your own business is a brave decision, and, for Natnicha Srichamnarn it was especially so when that leap was made in February 2020, just before a national pandemic lockdown.
For entrepreneurial and determined UoSiL MBA graduate Natnicha, though, it presented a unique set of circumstances and a business opportunity to “do what I love and am passionate about” - and, in mid-2020, she took the first steps to starting her health and wellness products business.
Natnicha reached for the business plan she had completed during her MBA course but had to rapidly adapt it for online commerce. She then set about testing the market for her products (imported vitamins and supplements) and her audience (the 30,000 – 40,000 strong UK Thai community) and, in January 2021, Nicha Group Ltd was launched.
Natnicha markets her products via ‘live commerce’ on a large social media platform, with real time videos - promoting and selling products to her ever-growing customer base. Live streaming is serious business, with a recent three-hour long video generating £10,000-worth of sales. There is also much preparation involved, with one hour of content taking six hours to plan. “Enabling my audience to live a better, healthier, happier, and more positive lifestyle, is what truly motivates me”, as Natnicha explains.
It is not all plain sailing of course. Natnicha explains that being a sole trader can be tiring as, “You are totally responsible. But, when you have limited resources, you become more creative in your solutions”. With sales in the first year reaching just shy of £100,000, there was added motivation.
"Studying at UoSiL was the best decision I ever made"
Natnicha says her learning, during her MBA course at the university, gave her the key building blocks for business success. The degree “gave me a holistic view and added structure to my existing skills and experience… I am putting the knowledge I learnt - such as strategy, planning, and maintaining competitive advantage - into action”.
Natnicha’s recent finalist nomination for next month’s Women of the Future Awards – Entrepreneur category, shows her success is being recognised. With the awards highlighting groundbreaking female entrepreneurs, aged 35 or under, Natnicha is certainly a strong contender.
Reflecting on her success and studying experience, Natnicha concludes by saying, - “For me, studying at the University of Sunderland in London was the best decision I ever made. It has opened so many doors – it was truly life-changing”.
The Women of the Future Awards take place on 15 November, and we wish Natnicha the best of luck!