A Day in the Life at Kowide Outdoors
Behind the Scenes of Crafting Bespoke Backpacks and Outerwear
At Kowide Outdoors, a company renowned for crafting high-quality, bespoke backpacks and outerwear, it’s not just about making exceptional products; it’s also about the people who make it all happen.
We take pride in providing a safe, ethical, and friendly work environment for our employees. We continuously provide our staff with the means to further their expertise and improve their careers. We believe building a healthy and joyful working environment is the key to providing the best quality products and services for our clients.
The heart of Kowide is its dedicated team, and today, we get a closer look at the daily lives of two of the long-time employees who help drive the company's success: Lin Qingyuan from the Accounting Department and Chen Jincha who is one of the Garment Workshop Production Line Supervisors.
Lin Qingyuan: Accounting at Kowide
Lin Qingyuan’s journey with Kowide started over 13 years ago, and she has settled into a routine that combines her professional commitments and family responsibilities.
Starting the Day
Lin’s day starts bright and early.
“I wake up at five in the morning, brush my teeth, wash my face, and get ready to head out.” - Lin (Kowide Outdoors)
By 6:30 AM, she’s off to drop her son at school before heading to the office, arriving just in time to clock in by 7:30 AM.
Once at Kowide, Lin takes on a variety of tasks in the Accounting Department, from handling finances and insurance to dealing with records related to foreign business matters.
“My job is very busy, but I enjoy the challenge.” - Lin (Kowide Outdoors)
Despite the demanding work, Lin finds satisfaction in managing the company’s accounts and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Work-Life Balance
In the afternoon, after a well-deserved lunch break with her colleagues, Lin picks up her son at 4:30 PM and heads home. Her evenings are filled with family time—cooking dinner, helping her son with his studies, and winding down by watching the news before heading to bed by 10 PM.
Lin appreciates the friendly atmosphere at Kowide, stating,
“My colleagues are very kind, and I’ve learned so much over the years. I’ve also had the chance to improve my professional skills.” - Lin (Kowide Outdoors)
It’s clear that for Lin, Kowide is more than just a workplace—it’s a place where she has built lasting relationships and grown both personally and professionally.
Chen Jincha: Garment Workshop Management
Just one year behind Lin in terms of tenure, Chen Jincha has been with Kowide for 12 years. Like Lin, she lives in Long Khanh City and enjoys a short 15-minute commute to work, where she is a production line supervisor in the garment workshop.
A Morning Full of Energy
Chen starts her day similarly to Lin, rising at 5 AM to prepare breakfast for her family and herself. By 7:15 AM, she clocks in and immediately begins organizing the day’s work in the workshop.
“The day is always busy. I arrange the tasks for the workshop team, making sure everything runs smoothly.” - Chen (Kowide Outdoors)
The work environment in the garment workshop is fast-paced, with Chen overseeing the production of the company’s clients’ outerwear production. She thrives in the role, having learned a great deal over the years.
“I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and improved my leadership skills.” - Chen (Kowide Outdoors)
Afternoons and Family Time
Chen also enjoys a lunch break with her coworkers, where they chat, drink tea, and share fruit—a moment of relaxation before diving back into work until 6 PM. Once home, Chen’s evening is spent with her family, whether it’s cooking dinner or taking a walk. After some downtime watching the news, she heads to bed by 8 PM to rest up for another busy day.
Chen loves the camaraderie at Kowide, saying,
“My colleagues are incredibly friendly, and I’ve built some great friendships over the years. I always look forward to learning something new.” - Chen (Kowide Outdoors)
For Chen, the sense of teamwork and continuous learning is one of the best parts of working at Kowide.
Kowide’s Culture: A Blend of Hard Work and Friendship
Both Lin and Chen reflect on the close-knit atmosphere at Kowide, which fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. They enjoy the moments during lunch breaks when they can bond over tea and fruit, chatting about work and life. These small interactions help create a positive, supportive environment where everyone is motivated to do their best.
“It’s not just about the work. It’s about the people you work with. At Kowide, I feel like I’m part of something bigger.” - Lin (Kowide Outdoors)
Why Kowide?
For both Lin and Chen, the decision to stay at Kowide for over a decade is a testament to the company’s supportive work environment and the opportunities for personal and professional growth. They’ve built a deep connection to Kowide’s mission and values, and their loyalty reflects the company’s commitment to its employees.
In an industry where success depends on the quality of the product and the dedication of the team behind it, Kowide Outdoors has truly fostered a workplace where both employees and the company can thrive together.
Whether it’s working in the accounting department or managing the garment workshop, Lin and Chen exemplify the hard work, dedication, and teamwork that have made Kowide a leading name in the world of bespoke outdoor gear. Their stories highlight the importance of a work environment where people come first—something Kowide Outdoors values deeply.
Working at Kowide: Employee Wellbeing
Kowide Outdoors is aligned with the FairTrade program, which means that its facilities meet rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards and criteria related to social and environmental responsibility, employee empowerment, and economic development. Factory workers are some of the most vulnerable workers in the global economy. Kowide ensures that its employees are treated with the respect and care they deserve. Kowide follows government regulations to only hire workers above the legal working age and provides proper training, compensation, and benefits.