Vanndy and Vannda Imphan—The New Gilded Age

Vanndy’s journey, marked by a series of fresh starts from birth to marriage, reflects her firm belief in the transformative power of new beginnings, whether physically or mentally. As the CEO and co-founder of Cheang Bak Van Hong Jewellery (CBVH), Vanndy leads the company with a focus on sales and manufacturing, envisioning its place alongside renowned jewellery brands such as Bulgari, Tiffany and Co. and Cartier.

Born in 1982 in the small village of Bral, Kampot province, Vanndy’s mother recognised the limitations of village life and moved the family to Siem Reap in search of new opportunities. This decision provided better prospects for Vanndy’s father, a government officer, and marked the beginning of new possibilities for Vanndy herself.

Growing up in Siem Reap infused Vanndy’s childhood with tranquillity, dividing her time between school, visits to Angkor Wat, and gathering romduol flowers. She excelled academically and yearned for a sense of community, and her vibrant personality delighted her parents, who sensed she was destined for more. “My mom said if I married and moved to Phnom Penh, I would have even more opportunities,” Vanndy shares.

My father used to order numerous gifts for my mother; this caught the attention of Van Hong, a skilled goldsmith from Phnom Penh. “My husband had always been impressed by my father’s work and admired how he adored my mother, often purchasing jewellery from him,” she says. Envisioning a similar life, he saw a future with Vanndy. “My husband recognised my academic prowess and saw potential.” Despite a 16-year age gap, given her academic excellence, he perceived her as mature.

Vanndy’s husband would travel by boat on the Tonle Sap to visit her. “I observed how great he was with kids. He would bring treats and sweets for my younger siblings,” Vanndy mentions. As the eldest of five, his gestures resonated with her, and she could envision him being a wonderful father to their children. “I was curious about how much I can grow in a place like Phnom Penh,” Vanndy reflected. “I wasn’t sad to be leaving my home; I was ready to see what I could accomplish with my husband with the economic opportunities waiting available for us in Phnom Penh.” After a six-month engagement, they were married in Siem Reap.

Married at just 16, Vanndy left her Siem Reap roots for the bustling city life of Phnom Penh, urged by her mother to accelerate the family business. Trusting her parents’ judgement, Vanndy embraced the future, fuelled by childhood dreams of teaching and entrepreneurship. Her mother encouraged her to explore accounting, a vital contribution to expanding the goldsmith business.

Further continuing her studies in sales and marketing, Vanndy aimed to be successful. “Upon arriving in Phnom Penh, I began dreaming of owning a spacious house with an area for BBQs and a pond,” Vanndy shares with a smile. “During those days, my husband was a modest goldsmith, far from a millionaire, but we shared a dream of success.”

In Phnom Penh, Vanndy found energy in its bustling markets, a departure from the serenity of Siem Reap. Despite her love for socialising, she prioritised studies in sales and management, balancing the vibrant atmosphere with efficiently managing her household. While she enjoyed preparing traditional Khmer dishes, her children developed a taste for Western food. Despite her culinary hopes, none shared her enthusiasm, with her eldest briefly attending culinary school before pursuing a career in finance management.

“During those days, my husband was a modest goldsmith, far from a millionaire, but we shared a dream of success.” — Vanndy Imphan

Vanndy aims to position CBVH alongside prestigious brands like Bulgari, Cartier, and Tiffany and Co., drawing inspiration from Bulgari’s timeless rose gold colour and designs. Cambodia’s cultural love for exquisite jewellery is evident, especially during elaborate weddings. Vanndy highlights that brides often opt for multiple sets, with up to three changes during the event, even having distinct sets for the red string tying ceremony, resulting in four sets for one wedding and contrasting this with her wedding experience, where she used her mother’s or her jewellery. In November 1998, Vanndy and her husband opened their first CBVH store on Kampuchea Krom Blvd in Phnom Penh. Despite starting with just five workers, the store gained rapid popularity, thanks to Van Hong’s exceptional goldsmith skills, attracting a loyal clientele appreciative of the craftsmanship.

Commencing her journey as a cashier, Vanndy assumed managing the store’s finances while frequently engaging with customers. Simultaneously, Van Hong remained immersed in crafting designs and goldsmithing. Despite being born in Cambodia, his time spent in Vietnam during the Khmer Rouge had influenced a noticeable accent when he spoke Khmer to customers. Upon his return to Cambodia as a teenager, his father, Cheang Bak (also a goldsmith), became his mentor creating the store’s namesake.

Vandy expanded the brand’s horizons from its inaugural store by attending various workshops in Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. This journey helped them establish connections and broaden their business, including stores in Siem Reap and Battambang. Marking each store opening with a fashion show, Vanndy aimed to showcase the diverse possibilities in jewellery fashion to people in the countryside. She expressed that many individuals in those areas were delighted to experience such events, giving them a glimpse of Phnom Penh fashion.

Vanndy and her husband have three children, two daughters and one son. Devoting time to her children, all coincidentally born in July, Vanndy celebrated their recent birthdays at the prestigious Rosewood Hotel in Phnom Penh.

Despite having travelled the world and realising her dreams, Vanndy remains deeply connected to her youth and the memories of Siem Reap, a place that will always hold a special place in her heart.

“One of my favourite jewellery pieces showcases the romduol flower,” Vanndy shares. The romduol, Cambodia’s national flower, boasts a delicate hue and lasting fragrance. It exudes simple yet captivating beauty with a spherical blossom featuring three outward and three inward-curving petals. “In Siem Reap, especially on the road to Angkor, you’ll find the most romduol flowers.” She fondly recalls riding her bike to Angkor Wat during Khmer New Year, around March to April, where the whole place would be fragrant with flowers, and she would often taste the dark fruits. During the same time, the cicadas would sing. Her poem earned her the nickname “Bang Romduol,” reflecting her charm, grace, and love for this exquisite flower.

She would search for a tree full of flowers, pick some to tie into her hair and take a few home to dry between her books. “But they dry out so fast!” she laughs. “By morning, they would break apart from being dry.” She would often fall asleep in her bedroom, surrounded by the sweet smell of the flowers.

“Although the CBVH romdoul flowers on the necklace don’t have a scent, they will last for a lifetime.” — Vanndy Imphan

Vanndy noticed there weren’t many designs featuring romdoul flowers in jewellery. In 2019, she started laying the groundwork for a line stretching from brooches to hairpins. Within six months, she brought it to an auction for a hospital,

and it sold for a very high price. Inspired by its success, she decided to create more romduol-inspired jewellery. In 2020, she took the new earring designs to a charity event, fetching an even pricier tag. The proceeds went to help a children’s hospital right before the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, as part of a project, Vanndy helped design a necklace featuring romduols, and it, too, sold rapidly. “Although the CBVH romdoul flowers on the necklace don’t have a scent, they will last for a lifetime,” she jokes.

The charity auctions motivated Vanndy to engage in more philanthropy. “When I was invited to do ‘bonn’ or charity work, I never had time because I was busy building a business,” says Vanndy. She used to donate money but never actively participated in events. However, her perspective shifted when Vanndy joined a leadership programme that would forever change her life. She became a part of John C. Maxwell’s training programme, affiliated with a non-profit organisation that has empowered over five million leaders in 180 countries. Leveraging Maxwell’s expertise as a New York Times best-selling author with 24 million books sold in fifty languages, the programme became a turning point for Vanndy’s approach to charity work.

“One of the programme’s requirements was to participate as a volunteer in these charity events actively,” she stressed. “Although it’s a one-year commitment, my community service skills have grown immensely through this leadership programme.” The experience inspired her to delve deeper into the community, volunteering at various charities and connecting with those less fortunate. “I learned more about humanity, pushing me to do more on my side. Now I participate 100 percent,” she adds.

“Smiles can have the power to change moods, heal the heart, and refresh your energy. When I smile, and someone smiles back, it helps reduce stress and uplifts moods.” — Vanndy Imphan

One of Vanndy’s passion projects involves collaborating with the Girl Guides Association of Cambodia (GGAC), an organisation led by H.E. Dr. Chanmony Pich, First Lady of Cambodia. “I’m a small part of her team,” Vanndy says. “We aim to empower girls and young women through education.” The latest event spanned three nights and four days, featuring camping, team-building activities, workshops on public speaking, confidence-building, and debate, as well as creative studies in films, cooking, and survival skills like fire-building, hiking, history tours, and problem-solving. The event in Kampong Thom Province at Sambor Prei Kuk involved over 380 girls and young women aged nine to 25, including executive committee volunteers, media, security and a healthcare team, totalling nearly 500 participants. With the theme ‘Together We Can,’ the experience was a resounding success, with participants eagerly anticipating the next camping event.

In a recent charity event, Vanndy orchestrated a meditation coaching session in a pagoda, incorporating a Buddhist ceremony involving offering food to monks. Notably, she ensured the inclusion of people with disabilities, allowing them to partake in this traditional practice often hindered by physical limitations. Leading a team of volunteers, Vanndy facilitated their participation by providing transportation and assistance. The participants expressed deep gratitude to CBVH for enabling them to engage in this meaningful Buddhist ritual, further heightened by the presence of a renowned monk.

Annually, Vanndy collaborates with individuals from The Phnom Penh Center for Independent Living (PPCIL), an organisation aiding people with disabilities, including those with missing limbs or visual impairments. For the past four years, she has organised activities, with past years’ trips to Sihanoukville being particularly memorable. Witnessing their joy, especially during their first experience on a jet ski, continues to inspire Vanndy to explore new adventures. Last year, they visited Amarak farm, a luxury homestay accommodation on the left bank of the Bassac River on the outskirts of southern Phnom Penh. The trip even included their families and allowed them to explore the delightful location.

Frequently, they inquire about the key to her success and the reasons behind her philanthropic efforts. Engaging in conversations, sharing moments of happiness, and collectively smiling are integral to their interactions. “Smiles can have the power to change moods, heal the heart, and refresh your energy. When I smile, and someone smiles back, it helps reduce stress and uplifts moods,” she says. This aligns with the philosophy of GGAC and reflects her personal mentality.

Similar to everyone, Vanndy experiences moments of anger and stress. To manage these emotions, she consciously repeats calming phrases. Meditation has been a particularly beneficial practice for her, extending its positive impact on her personal life and business realm. Vanndy says that since she embraced meditation in 2018, she has experienced a significant reduction in anger and stress over the past five years. In reflecting on her previous lifestyle as a socialite, she recalls the toll it took on her well-being—manifesting in physical symptoms like cold hands and feet, constant fatigue, and frequent illnesses that led her to seek relief through massages and medications.

“My idol, (H.E. Dr. Chanmony Pich), encouraged me to meditate with her, introducing me to Vipassana,” says Vanndy. Although raised in a Buddhist household, her parents were unfamiliar with meditation. While they emphasised doing good deeds and adhering to basic Buddhist principles, Vipassana meditation provided a deeper understanding of the underlying reasons for those practices. Initially hesitant due to the prospect of relinquishing her phone and maintaining silence for ten days, Vanndy was persuaded by her friend’s encouragement. The First Lady challenged Vanndy, questioning the adventurous spirit she once embodied. Determined to rediscover that spirit, Vanndy embraced the challenge, finding greater clarity about her life and thoughts during the ten-day experience. She has now made it a yearly practice.

“Do what makes you happy; by doing so, you’ll love yourself more.” — Vanndy Imphan

The initial three days proved challenging, enduring 12 hours of meditation with brief breaks every ten minutes. Vanndy grappled with physical discomfort and concerns about her business and family. However, on the fourth day, she found her focus, immersing herself in the daily sermon lessons—the diverse group, comprising foreigners and Cambodians, operated solely on donated funds. Vanndy has since returned to support the teachers as an assistant, highlighting that each visit enhances her patience.

Balancing social engagements, celebrating life, and embracing various activities, she finds joy in dancing and taking photos, fostering a more profound love for herself. “Do what makes you happy; by doing so, you’ll love yourself more.”

Vanndy extended her passion for meditation to her family, encouraging her children to try it. While her younger sister Vannda Imphan joins her annually for the whole Vipassana experience, her children opted for a single-day session, not yet fully prepared for the ten-day commitment. Her husband now also goes to these meditations as often as he can.

With a marriage spanning over 25 years, Vanndy and her husband have found a harmonious balance in their personal and business lives. Their roles complement each other, with him managing production and her leading in marketing, creating a seamless partnership. The couple’s shared philosophy of an equal alliance extends to their parenting approach, promoting discipline and open communication among their children. Since embracing meditation, Vanndy notes positive changes in her husband’s perspective, fostering a more constructive and learning-oriented team environment.

This multifaceted journey, combining entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and a commitment to personal well-being, epitomises the spirit of Vanndy Imphan—a woman whose smile radiates through her business success and transformative impact on those she touches. Embarking on a new phase of their journey, Vanndy and her husband ushered in a fresh start by enhancing communication and mental clarity. Fuelled by newfound confidence, their vision expands over the next five years, with plans to open additional stores.

“We aim to empower girls and young women through education.” — Vanndy Imphan

At 35, Vanndy’s younger sister, Vannda Imphan, is Vice President at CBVH Jewellery, overseeing fiscal affairs and internal policies. With 17 years of experience, she blends financial expertise with a profound passion for jewellery design and fashion. After pursuing business administration courses post-high school, Vannda is married to H.E. Dr. Vathana Sann, a mother of two, and poised to lead CBVH into a new era. Vannda will spearhead the upcoming store in Bak Touk, Phnom Penh, a significant step in her growth after a decade of collaboration with Vanndy. This move aligns with her vision to diversify the brand, introducing a sub-brand to expand the CBVH portfolio to reach a broader audience, catering to the low to medium market segment and attracting younger customers. This strategic move complements the main CBVH focus on the high-end and VVIP market.

Their aspirations extend to creating a jewellery factory that will export their creations across Asia, Australia, and the United States, positioning themselves as a wholesaler on the global stage. With raw materials sourced from Belgium, Israel, and Russia, their close ties with diamond manufacturers in Hong Kong and India propel their vision towards international success.

Photography: Vuth Sovin Chem
Producer: Daniel Hu
Art Direction: Andrew Ng Vany
Fashion Stylist: Shasne Suleimanova
Editorial Coordinator: Sokarhena Va
Photographer’s Assistant: Longdy Ong (TEDDY)
Lighting: Mongkol Pang, Panha Sycheat, Davan Try
Location: CBVH Headquarter

For Vanndy
Make-Up Artist: Moha Vireak Chen Mom
Hairstylist: Panha Sim

For Vannda
Make-Up Artist: Chhaykry Bun
Hairstylist: Sopanha Chea