Beau Wangtrakuldee @ AmorSui: the first protective & professional clothing line empowering women scientists
Our All-In-One Concentrate is our most effective product that we offer because it is zero waste (comes in a glass bottle) and can be made into all of our product including dish soap, floor cleaner, bathroom cleaner, surface cleaner, window & glass cleaner, and laundry detergent. It can be used as is or diluted to make each of the certain products.
What did you want to do/be when you were a child? Did anything changed since then? Why? Why not?
My parents are both architects. When I was younger, I was encouraged to express and experiment my artistic side quite a bit through drawing, painting, etc. I was inspired to become a famous cartoonist through these experiences because I love drawing people. Although I picked chemistry for my academic pursuits in college, drawing is a creative channel that I often revisit when I am stressed. Now that I work closely with my fashion designers to design clothing for women scientists, I often draw while discussing ideas with them. I think they are both surprised by and appreciative of my drawing ability. It is funny how much things have changed but how much they stay the same.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
Unfortunately, I don’t read books that often. It is hard for me to concentrate on one thing for a long period of time when running a business on top of a full-time job. I prefer listening to podcasts or listening to TV/YouTube in the background while doing other work on my computer. I often listen to Marie Forleo for inspiration.
Was it difficult get capital/investors? Has anyone underestimated you as a female entrepreneur? If yes, how did you handle it?
Yes, raising funds in any form is difficult. I successfully raised over $15K on my crowdfunding campaign through iFundWomen. Two weeks into my campaign, I followed up on one of my former male colleagues to ask for his support. I told him my story of getting burned by a chemical spill despite wearing a lab coat and following a safety dresscode. His response was, “maybe then women should not be scientists. I mean who would take care of the children and house? Thanks!” This response blew me away in so many ways. First, I was angry, then I was sad, and then I was empowered. I know there are individuals like him out there looking to discriminate against my fellow women scientists. I learned from my experience and facts that women scientists are often viewed as less capable than their male counterparts. I found a purpose for AmorSui and I was driven more than ever to build this brand to be a change to advocate and empower women scientists by providing both physical and community support for women to grow and prosper in STEM. After this discovery, my clarity in the message of what the brand stands for really helped drive contributions and interest from the press, which led to us being able to capture enough funds to start our first production. I was able to turn negative feedback into a power-positive force to motivate me and my team and allow ourselves to pivot and grow through the process. That alone is something I am really proud of myself and AmorSui for overcoming.
Who is the one super successful person you look up to? Why them? Can you share their quote/ideology that inspires you the most?
My grandfather was the most courageous entrepreneur I have ever known. He built a successful business from nothing and created an organization with loyal employees that respected him. His passing last year reminded me of how much I wish I could be just like him. I had the idea of starting AmorSui in 2014 based on personal experiences and sat on the idea for four years while saving up enough funds to start the business. My grandfather’s passing and the fact that I was at a point of my life where I was able to support this business encouraged me to register AmorSui, LLC and go for it. I am glad I did because I found that there is a real need for my product and for a clothing brand that will not only protect but also make women scientists feel confident and competent to accomplish more and prosper.