Embracing love and sustainability at Massey 

Dave Quách’s experience at Massey University was not just a pivotal chapter in his professional development; it was also where he met the love of his life, Bonnie Xu, forging a bond that would enrich his life in the most beautiful ways.

Born and raised in Chợ Lớn, the heart of Saigon’s fabric market in Vietnam, Dave was surrounded by fabrics and textiles from a young age. His family had been in the business since the 1980s, so textiles ran in his blood.

However, it wasn’t always evident that he would continue in his family’s footsteps and as a child, he didn’t always love it. “I used to think it was too messy and involved too much hard work.” However, fate seemed to have other plans for him. Every job or venture he tried somehow led him back to textiles. A pivotal point came after helping his family find new fabrics, and Dave began to see the potential he could bring to the industry. The experience ignited a newfound passion in him for environmentally friendly textiles. 

Dave’s childhood was not just about the business. He watched his parents navigate the unpredictable world of textiles during Vietnam’s changing economy. He remembers their overseas travels, struggles with foreign languages, and imported fabrics. These experiences shaped Dave’s mindset, teaching him the value of hard work and persistence. Witnessing his parents’ toils, trials, and triumphs, he absorbed valuable life lessons from an early age. 

“The main lesson I learned growing up in the textiles industry is not to give up easily. There will always be more solutions than problems,” Dave reflects.

New horizons: Dave’s transformative years at Massey 

Dave couldn’t anticipate the profound change coming over him when he landed in Aotearoa New Zealand. His initial draw to this country was family, as he had close relatives settled here. The new beginning in New Zealand kickstarted at Glenfield College, where he began his schooling journey. 

However, adjusting to a new country came with its set of challenges. The language barrier intensified Dave’s initial struggles. “It was tough for me in the first year as my English was poor then. I needed to take extra classes and had no friends because I was the only overseas student.” Simple tasks like ordering food at the mall became intimidating ventures. The array of unfamiliar dishes at the school canteen often left him needing clarification. “I felt like a fish out of water.” 

And why Massey? For Dave, the decision was simple yet profound. Massey stood out on the North Shore for its prime location and the nourishing environment it fostered. “The teachers were the soul of the university. Their readiness to support and guide students was a huge draw for me.” 

Massey was more than just an academic hub; his vision for a sustainable textile business was forged here. After completing the Bachelor of Business (Economics), Dave returned to Vietnam to immerse himself in the family fabric business. The decade he spent in New Zealand wasn’t just an educational experience but an awakening. Massey equipped him with strategic insight, while the profound respect and love for the environment that New Zealand instilled in him framed his approach towards sustainable fashion. “It’s about harmonising business with the environment,” Dave would often say, “For a healthier society and a greener planet.”

Among the cherished memories Dave holds of Massey, one shines brightly: it is not of a lecture or academic project but of a chance meeting in the university’s library, where he encountered Bonnie Xu, who would become his partner for life.

“She is an energetic, positive, hardworking, caring person,” Dave recalls. “She would be immersed in her studies. No frills, no makeup, just a genuine love for learning. We would meet each morning before classes to talk about our studies and life in general, with the library becoming our special retreat.” 

Bonnie, that studious girl in the library, would eventually step into the role of his wife and the cornerstone of his life. “She is my rock, continually inspiring me and fortifying my personal and professional paths with her relentless encouragement and steadfast support.”

For Dave, Massey wasn’t just a stage in his educational journey. It was the bridge between his Vietnamese heritage and his New Zealander sensibilities. It was where he realised his dream of integrating sustainable practices into traditional textiles. With a strategic mind, an environmental heart, and a soulmate, Dave embarked on his quest to transform the fashion world – one sustainable fabric at a time.

Embracing the green vision

Upon graduation, Dave returned to Vietnam with a fresh perspective. A new outlook, combined with his background, laid the foundation for Bảo Lân Textiles.

Starting Bảo Lân Textiles was no walk in the park. “The beginning was hard. Few people were interested in ‘green’ yarns; making them was expensive.” But Dave was determined. He believed sustainable textiles were not just a trend but a necessity for the future.

By 2012, Bảo Lân Textiles had evolved into Greenyarn, emphasising the provision of environmentally conscious yarns. Fast forward ten years, with Dave steering the ship, the enterprise remains committed to discovering and harnessing eco-friendly materials and innovations. Among their significant achievements are crafting organic cotton fabrics using natural colourants and leading the charge in introducing bamboo yarn production in Vietnam.

Dave’s passion for sustainability goes beyond textiles. Bảo Lân Textiles has three divisions Greenyarn, Wellfabric, and Remarkable, each dedicated to creating sustainable solutions. From promoting innovative yarns to designing everyday products, Dave wants to make eco-friendly living accessible to everyone.

He’s also eager to spread the word about sustainable fashion. The company’s “Fashion Rob My Future” event was a big hit, drawing in young designers and receiving media coverage. Dave hopes to spark a larger conversation about sustainability in Vietnam through such initiatives.
When asked about the future, Dave’s optimism shines. “More and more companies are researching sustainable materials. We’re even looking at things like banana and pineapple fibres for yarns. The future of textiles is green, and it’s exciting!”

Words of wisdom

Looking back, Dave is proud of never giving up, even when times were tough. “We brought recycled textiles to the people of Vietnam and made bamboo yarn a reality here,” he beams.

For those inspired by his story, Dave has a few words of advice. “Sustainability isn’t just about the environment. It’s about people and communities, too. If you want to make a difference, look at the big picture. Take things step by step. And always be ready to learn and adapt.”