In an exclusive feature for When In Phnom Penh, we delve into the inspiring journey of Boran Care, a beacon of innovation and sustainability in the Cambodian beauty industry. Founded by NHIM SORIDA, a native of Banteay Meanchey province, Boran Care is not just a skincare brand; it’s a movement towards embracing natural beauty, bolstering the local economy, and nurturing the planet.
NHIM SORIDA’s journey began with a deep-rooted passion for nature and science, alongside a friend and co-founder. Together, they envisioned a world where individuals could feel healthy, happy, and confident in their natural beauty, all while maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature. Boran Care stands as a testament to this vision, committed to delivering premium skincare and cosmetic products that are 100% natural, safe, efficient, and sustainable.
What truly sets Boran Care apart is its unwavering commitment to local production and sourcing. With 70% of its ingredients derived from local resources, the brand proudly supports Cambodian agriculture and showcases the efficacy of natural, locally sourced ingredients. Boran Care’s products are meticulously crafted in Banteay Meanchey, formulated to meet the unique needs of Cambodian and Asian skin types and climatic conditions.
Despite facing significant challenges, including financial and human resource constraints exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Boran Care has emerged stronger and more resilient. Through strategic collaborations and support from organizations like MISTI, GIZ, YEAC, and KE, SORIDA’s successfully secured the investment needed to sustain and grow the business. Today, Boran Care stands as a symbol of female empowerment, fully owned and operated by Cambodian women.
The pandemic posed unique obstacles for Boran Care, particularly during its formative years. Adapting quickly to changing market needs, the company shifted its production focus to hand sanitizers when COVID-19 struck. This pivot, coupled with funding support from Khmer Enterprise, allowed Boran Care to continue its operations despite severe challenges.
One of the biggest hurdles for Boran Care has been developing a product line that remains 100% natural while meeting modern skincare needs. The sourcing and processing of local ingredients, such as Silk Sericin, a star component known for its skincare benefits, require significant investment and innovation. Yet, Boran Care is dedicated to overcoming these challenges, aiming to establish a local processing ecosystem that can support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the beauty industry.
Boran Care’s commitment to quality and efficacy is backed by scientific testing and research. The brand ensures that all products meet the highest standards of quality and safety, as validated by the National Quality Standard Institute and the ITC lab.
Looking to the future, Boran Care aspires to scale its operations and extend its reach beyond Cambodia. By investing in technology and machinery, Sorida hopes to increase productivity, utilize more local resources, and eventually enter international markets. However, this ambitious vision requires time, investment, and a strong brand image—a challenge Boran Care is ready to tackle head-on.
For those inspired to start their own businesses, SORIDA offers invaluable advice: passion is essential, but resilience and a willingness to invest time and resources are crucial for success. She emphasizes the importance of offering solutions and value through products or services, rather than pursuing business for short-term gains.
Boran Care’s journey from a small startup to a pioneering force in the Cambodian beauty industry serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of vision, resilience, and a commitment to sustainability. As Boran Care continues to grow and inspire, it sets a shining example for entrepreneurs worldwide, proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.