Young woman leaves Sweden job to establish thriving wellness community in Vietnam

Having traveled to 25 countries and worked in four, Mai, an alumna of British University Vietnam (BUV) in northern Vietnam, achieved significant milestones before turning 25. This journey ultimately inspired her to create New Mantra Yoga and Retreats, a wellness tourism initiative that integrates yoga and nature to enhance the well-being of both mind and body.

The path to transformation

After graduating from BUV, Mai landed a high-paying job in Vietnam. Yet, within a few months, she realized it was not the life she envisioned. At 21, she made the bold decision to quit her job and pursue a master’s degree in Sweden.

Her years abroad were transformative. Working in diverse fields such as sustainable development, mental health, and gender equality across Scotland, Sweden, and Egypt, Mai gained invaluable experience. She also discovered a deep interest in mental health—a relatively underexplored topic in Vietnam at the time.

While juggling her studies in Sweden, Mai worked in marketing, earning tens of thousands of dollars monthly. However, despite her financial success, something felt incomplete. A statement from her boss resonated deeply with her: “Women always have more than one choice. What matters is that they are aware of it.”

This insight prompted Mai to reflect on her life and aspirations, eventually leading to a pivotal decision: leaving her dream job in Europe and starting a new in Vietnam.

At BUV, Ngoc Mai, like many graduates, was equipped with not only academic knowledge but also the resilience to face challenges and make bold decisions. The university nurtures students to think critically, adapt quickly, and pursue their passions with confidence, ensuring they are ready to navigate the uncertainties of life and the professional world. This foundation empowered Mai to take risks and shape her own path, demonstrating the power of resilience in achieving personal and professional growth.

Le Ngoc Mai (R) instructing a student at her yoga class. Photo courtesy of Mai

Building resilience and a wellness community

Mai returned to Vietnam with a wealth of experiences but also a fragile mental state. She spent six months focusing on her well-being, exploring psychological tools and yoga. During this period, she realized many young Vietnamese lacked emotional regulation tools, sparking her vision for a supportive wellness community.

Her initiative, New Mantra Yoga and Retreats, derives its name from Sanskrit: “manas” (mind) and “tra” (tool), symbolizing a “tool for the mind.” Through yoga and meditation, Mai has helped numerous individuals find balance.

“One student told me she no longer needed antidepressants after completing a six-month course. Moments like these remind me of the profound impact of this work,” Mai said.

Mai acknowledges the challenges of her role, particularly the need to maintain her own emotional balance. Yet, every success story, every person helped, reaffirms her purpose and fills her “cup” even more.

Le Ngoc Mai (C) with her yoga students. Photo courtesy of Mai

The journey of growth and impact

Shifting from a corporate career to running a wellness business was no small feat. It required adaptability, resilience, and a clear vision. Drawing on her marketing skills from BUV, Mai has worked tirelessly over the past three years to grow her venture.

“No job is too small, from creating strategies to laying out yoga mats. Every role contributes to delivering high-quality services to our clients,” Mai said.

Recently, Mai expanded her business to Hoi An, a renowned tourism hub, marking another milestone in her journey. Her mother’s tears, first shed when Mai left a stable path for her dreams, now represent pride in her courage and achievements.

Mai admits that her choices in her youth once caused a disconnect with her family. However, this journey of going far away has since brought them closer, proving her path was driven by passion and purpose.

Le Ngoc Mai’s yoga retreat class. Photo courtesy of Mai

For Mai, success is not about reaching a destination but embracing the journey. Whether connecting with people who share her love for animals, minimalism, and travel or witnessing the positive impact of her work, she finds fulfillment in the simple joys of life.

“Now, my parents feel more at ease with my choices. These moments make me truly proud of what I’ve accomplished,” Mai said.

Her story demonstrates that resilience, bold decisions, and a commitment to learning from every experience can open doors to meaningful success. As Mai continues to shape her wellness community, she embodies the idea that there’s always more than one way to achieve your dreams—you just need the resilience to pursue them.