Let me share my story with you. My name is Zin, and I'm from Yangon, Myanmar. My journey began on November 17, 2014, when I discovered a passion so deep that it transformed my entire life. From that day onward, my world revolved around aquatic plants, the mysteries of underwater ecosystems, the science of water chemistry, and the art of aquascaping. What started as a simple fascination quickly grew into an all-consuming way of life. Every waking hour, minus the necessary eight hours of sleep, I dedicated myself to this newfound love.

Scarcity
But like all journeys worth taking, mine was filled with challenges. In Myanmar, acquiring the tools and knowledge necessary for my passion was far from easy. Language barriers stood in my way, and resources were scarce. Yet, I was determined. I reached out to international friends, absorbing every bit of knowledge they could share. The more I learned, the deeper my passion grew, fueling my desire to turn this hobby into a full-fledged career.

The Rise and Fall of the ADR Nature Aquarium Concept Store
My dream began to take shape in the form of a small shop in my hometown of Yangon. I named it “ADR Nature Aquarium Concept Store,” a place where my love for aquatic plants could truly flourish. At first, I didn’t know the names of the plants I was selling. I categorized them simply by their colors—red plants, green plants—and gradually began to memorize their names, their leaf shapes, their growing conditions. It wasn’t easy. Many of the necessary accessories weren’t available in Myanmar, so I had to learn the art of DIY, customizing what I needed from scratch. It was a daunting task, but one that I embraced with unwavering dedication.

On March 12, 2017, my dream became a reality. ADR Nature Aquarium Concept Store opened its doors, marking a significant milestone in my journey. To deepen my knowledge, I traveled to Thailand, immersing myself in the latest aquatic plant technologies. But this journey wasn’t just about learning; it was about building a community. My customers weren’t just buyers; they became my brothers, united by our shared love for aquascaping. Together, we laid the foundation for an aquascaping industry in Myanmar.

However, life had other plans. My beloved shop faced unforeseen challenges and had to close. The loss was devastating, plunging me into a deep depression. I had never encountered such adversity before, but my spirit remained unbroken.

Green Nature Aquarium Store - The Second Chance
On November 6, 2017, I rose from the ashes and opened a new store: “Green Nature Aquarium Concept Store.” This time, I was wiser and more experienced. I refined my techniques, determined to provide the best quality aquatic plants and designs for those who shared my passion. I constantly sought out new species, ensuring my customers always had something fresh and exciting to discover.

But my journey didn’t stop at plants. I began experimenting with DIY LED lights and water purification systems, eventually creating my own lighting and semi-automatic water parameter control systems for my tanks. My relentless pursuit of excellence transformed my shop into a beacon for aquatic plant enthusiasts in Myanmar.

Double Killed
However, life wasn’t done testing me. On March 23, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit Myanmar, forcing me to close my shop once again. The dreams I had built seemed to crumble before my eyes, but I refused to let go. I spent the lockdown period deepening my knowledge, waiting for the day I could reopen my shop. In December, 2020, I took that leap of faith and reopened, even though the pandemic was still looming.

Triple Killed
My hopes were high, but just as things were starting to look up, a military coup on February 1, 2021, brought everything crashing down once more. I found myself at a crossroads, my dreams slipping further away. The decision to permanently close my shop was heartbreaking, leaving me lost and uncertain of my future. Yet, even in the face of such despair, my determination remained unshaken. I continued to learn, immersing myself in the study of aquatic plants, ecosystems, and the environment.

A Glimpse of Light
Then, in April 2022, a new opportunity arose. I connected with That Aquarium in Singapore, a place that offered me a second chance for my dream. In November, 2022, I joined That Aquarium, Changi, and began rebuilding my vision, step by step. Each day, I work tirelessly to achieve my dream, grateful for this second chance.

This is my story—a story of passion, perseverance, and the unyielding belief that dreams are worth fighting for, no matter the obstacles. Even in the darkest times, hope can still bloom, just like the most vibrant of aquatic plants.