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In 2010, as a young career and guidance counselor, I met students and teachers struggling with academics. Parents were anxious about their children’s futures, and the nation was concerned about the decline in education quality. At the time, success was measured by academic achievements and securing a government job.
If that were true, I would have considered myself unsuccessful despite spending over 20 years in education. I firmly believed that academic achievements were not the only path to success. Success is a mindset. To prove my point, I invited individuals without college degrees to share their success stories with my students, teachers, and parents.
One such inspiring individual was Mr. Pema Tshering, the founder and CEO of High-Quality Group. His journey from humble beginnings to a successful businessman was remarkable.
Mr. Pema left school after Year Eight for two reasons: the loss of his mother and his passion for art. With his maternal uncleβs support, he joined the School of Thirteen Arts and Crafts. Though his decision was met with skepticism, he was confident about his future.
He first earned money from his thangka paintings with help from his aunt, who sold them in a handicraft shop. During his training, he was one of the top students, and today, he is an acclaimed thangka painter. His rare paintings, created with perfectionism, are valued at millions. He completes only one or two paintings every three years.
Unlike his peers who sought conventional jobs, Mr. Pema believed in rewriting his destiny. He borrowed money from friends to start his own business. Inspired by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuckβs vision for Bhutanβs youth, he took a bold step and opened his first High-Quality Thangka Gallery in Thimphu with just Nu. 20,000.
Success did not come easy. When his business flourished, the owner of his rented space issued an eviction notice without reason. To make things worse, the landlord started his own thangka business. However, instead of giving up, Mr. Pema took this as motivation. He expanded his business, opening multiple Thangka Galleries in Punakha, Wangdue, Bumthang, and Paro.
His unique approach, where visitors could watch artisans create live thangka paintings, became a huge success and was soon imitated by others.
Pema believes in diversification to safeguard against crises. He expanded into tourism, luxury car rentals, and a live painting exhibition center. His business generated foreign revenue and contributed to Bhutanβs economy.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, tourism collapsed, but Mr. Pema adapted by becoming an authorized dealer of power tools and building hardware for brands like Bosch, Kesebi, and Yato. His outlets in Thimphu, Bumthang, and Wangdue thrived.
Unlike many businesses that laid off employees, he retained them as long as possible, considering them his greatest assets. Some of his employees have been with him for over ten years and later started their own businesses.
Pemaβs story proves that success is not defined by a college degree but by vision, hard work, and adaptability. He has shown that Bhutanese entrepreneurs should focus on creating opportunities rather than just relying on tourism tariffs.
Despite setbacks, he always remained optimistic, saying, “This too shall pass.” His courage to take risks, value his employees, and adapt to change makes him an inspiration.
As I reflect on his journey, I believe anyone can achieve success with the right mindset. If you are born poor, it is not your fault, but if you die poor, it is.
Writer: Kuenga Tshering
The mission of Entrepreneur Magazine Bhutan is to empower entrepreneurs, foster innovation, and promote economic growth in the Kingdom. By sharing success stories, offering valuable resources, and facilitating dialogue among stakeholders, the magazine aims to create a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that contributes to Bhutanβs prosperity and sustainability
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