Ann Nguyen a pioneer of sustainability
Featuring Ann Nguyen-Chung DMD, MBA, Hippotanicals.
Dr. Ann is a remarkable dentist and entrepreneur, adeptly managing two thriving businesses. She operates a full-time dental practice while also running a sustainable oral, skin, and lip care company. With an enduring passion for contributing to the overall health and wellness of others, Ann’s journey is one of dedication and innovation. LiteNLife proudly presents Ann's story and her entrepreneurial venture into creating a sustainable business. We are honored to collaborate with her and feature one of her stellar sustainable products—Natural Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets.
Hippotanicals is a distinguished personal care brand that emphasizes sustainability. Their products are crafted with nine or fewer safe, plant-based ingredients, offering a range that includes toothpaste tablets, bamboo toothbrushes, shampoo bars, conditioner bars, lip balms, lotion bars, and soaps. Every product is encased in packaging that is not only plastic-free but also biodegradable, ensuring their offerings are as kind to the planet as they are to the body.
Ann’s journey began about a decade ago when she was diagnosed with several chronic diseases, including autoimmune conditions. In her dedication to caring for her patients, she had neglected her own health. With both sides of her family having a history of early deaths due to chronic inflammatory diseases, she realized she was on a similar path. Advised by her physician to make significant lifestyle changes, she embraced a whole-food, plant-based diet, incorporated regular exercise, prioritized sleep, and made more conscious choices about what she put on and in her body.
These lifestyle changes proved transformative, allowing her to reverse nearly all the ailments she had been battling. In 2020, after developing an allergic reaction to a commercial lip balm, Ann's frustration with its lengthy ingredient list led her to create her own lip balm using minimal, plant-based ingredients. This success spurred her to develop more products with the same philosophy, leading to the birth of Hippotanicals.
Hippotanicals is more than a brand—it represents a lifestyle. Ann's mission is to educate others that what we eat, how we live, and what we apply to our bodies can significantly enhance our quality of life. Her products are a testament to this philosophy: simple, effective, and sustainable.
For Ann, sustainability means making deliberate choices that prioritize the well-being of the planet for future generations. At Hippotanicals, this includes using biodegradable materials in their packaging, formulating products that are gentle on the environment, and continually seeking ways to minimize their ecological footprint. However, Ann’s journey has not been without challenges. Balancing the demands of running Hippotanicals with her primary career as a dentist has been one of her biggest challenges. Additionally, finding reliable suppliers for sustainable materials, educating customers about eco-friendly alternatives, and navigating marketing without prior experience have been hurdles along the way.
Nonetheless, Ann remains steadfast in her mission. Her advice to other entrepreneurs is to start small, stay true to your values, and not let the fear of imperfection hinder you from the beginning. Ann emphasizes that entrepreneurship is a journey of constant learning, and every small step forward brings you closer to your goals.
And what can we, the readers, do to support Ann’s business? The greatest help you can offer is to spread the word about Hippotanicals. Share their products with friends, leave feedback on social media, and inform others about the importance of sustainable daily personal care. Every small action contributes to making a significant impact.
Hippotanicals: https://www.hippotanicals.com/