“The Road Less Traveled” is a book my friends recommended. I haven’t read it yet, but the title deeply resonates with me. I’ve always considered myself someone who walks unconventional paths.
Let me share my journey with moxibustion. My passion for this practice began with that unique, penetrating warmth – the wondrous sensation of energy flowing through meridians kept me persistent despite others’ skepticism. Some jokingly called me a “mystic” or “health fanatic”, though “wellness guru” sounded more flattering. Three years ago, moxibustion was still niche – you could only find moxa sticks in big city pharmacies. When I returned to my hometown then, not a single box could be found in the entire city. Now even rural pharmacies stock them. This experience made me treasure my persistence: not blindly following trends but verifying effectiveness through practice – a truly valuable approach.
My personal moxibustion journey eventually led me to establish my own production facility. Unable to find quality moxa sticks, I was compelled to manufacture them myself. While moxa producers mushroomed everywhere, my approach differed from 99% of manufacturers. I create products strictly from a consumer’s perspective – I’m always the first user. I refuse to sell products that feel lifeless to me, even if they’re market favorites. Other businesses chase trends and profits – whatever sells. When aged moxa became fashionable, everyone suddenly labeled their products as “X-year aged”. The truth is, consumers can’t possibly know the secrets of moxa processing unless they’re in the industry. My commitment to authenticity meant spending the first two years collecting materials and building warehouses before processing. Many worried – herb suppliers warned “Your leaves will lose potency sitting so long! Prices have tripled – just sell the raw materials!” Even my parents expressed concern. But I believed in “the value of rarity”. Once my products underwent market testing and comparison, authenticity would prevail. I chose to be the “fool” patiently waiting.
This “fool” eventually found fortune. After one year in market, our sales have grown steadily since mid-year. Customer feedback overwhelms – repeat clients consistently say “At the same price point, yours feel better”. Many wellness practitioners urged me to develop spa products, but I stayed true to my mission: “Demystifying moxibustion and meridian therapy”. Moxibustion should be simple and home-friendly. Its effectiveness requires consistency – relying solely on clinics becomes prohibitively expensive for chronic conditions. Home practice after professional guidance yields better results. Critics claim portable moxa devices (my top seller) are “unprofessional”, but I’ve sold thousands along with derived products like moxa clothing and belts. Why promote these? Because their safety and convenience are unmatched – lowering barriers to adoption. Personally, I’ve tried every method: direct moxa, ginger-interposed, self-adhesive, etc. Different seasons and conditions call for different tools. Winter demands safe, sustained warmth – here portable devices shine. The tool matters less than providing that penetrating, hours-long warmth unique to moxa. Electric heaters feel harsh; microwaveable pads work for quick sessions when busy.
The startup phase with continuous investment was stressful. But I always believed in the power of authenticity. Now seeing market recognition, I feel we’ve finally emerged. Thank you to discerning customers for your trust! May you reap continuous benefits like I have.
One crucial observation: Some complained “Your 1-year aged sticks match others’ 3-5 year claims in quality but cost more”. This criticism actually delighted me. Why? First, I hardly sell 1-year products – we age at least two years. Second, if my “1-year” equals others’ “3-5 year”, who’s deceiving whom? The market is shaped by consumers. While people decry commercial dishonesty, their pursuit of bargains incentivizes deception. Many businesses prioritize packaging over quality.
Contrary to complaints about modern fraudulence, my entrepreneurial journey revealed many like-minded partners and loyal clients. This reinforces my belief: Approach the world with sincerity, and it responds in kind. How you treat the world determines how it treats you.