Sub Scrub: Interview with Inventor Brothers Steven and Raymond Truong
Sud Scrub is a company that produces self-care essentials (such as body scrubbers) that aim to make hygiene more enjoyable while also prioritizing the planet. Committed to clean beauty, Sud Scrub ensures all personal hygiene products offered are free from toxic petrochemicals and instead made with high-quality materials like zinc and silver as well as food-grade silicone. Additionally, in partnership with Clean Hub, the brand actively fights plastic pollution by funding global waste collection, meaning every Sud Scrub purchase helps remove plastic waste from the environment.”
Sub Scrub was founded by brothers Steven and Raymond Truong who are determined to revolutionize the personal care industry by maintaining an eco-conscious approach to the business. The sons of Vietnamese immigrants who came to America after the Vietnam War, they drew on Raymond’s product development expertise to engineer a germ-resistant durable body scrubber that is environmentally friendly. Their first item, the Body Scrubber, is handheld, durable yet soft, and is designed to move soap around one’s body while also providing a relaxing massage-like effect on the skin.
Steven and Raymond Truong recently discussed their business via an exclusive interview.
Meagan Meehan (MM): How did you get interested in personal hygiene products and why did you decide to start with a body scrubber?
Ray: We’ve always been big on personal hygiene. My mom was all about cleanliness when we were growing up, so she always made sure we looked and felt our best, and it just kind of stuck. Starting with a body scrubber made the most sense because almost everyone uses one, but most aren’t built to last or stay clean. It’s a big problem that we knew had to change.
MM: How did you think up the design for this product?
Steven: We had zero experience in design or engineering — so the product really just started as some rough sketches on a notepad. We imagined how it should look and function, then teamed up with scientists to bring it to life. The first version wasn’t perfect, but we got it out there, listened to our customers, and kept making it better!
MM: How different was the prototype from the finalized item and how did the whole manufacturing journey play out?
Steven: The first version looked very different from what we have today. We listened to feedback, made changes, and improved the design but getting it made? That was a nightmare. With no sales and no proof it would work, factories didn’t want to take a chance on us. They’ve never made anything like this before and told us it couldn’t be done. We reached out to over 50 manufacturers before finally finding one willing to give it a shot. And the rest is history.
MM: Why does the issue of plastic pollution concern you so much?
Ray: Plastic sticks around for hundreds of years, piling up in landfills and oceans. It’s bad for animals, the planet, and even us. That’s why we’re all about promoting reusable products and sustainable alternatives — because less plastic means a healthier world for everyone.
MM: What do you wish more people knew about pollution and ways to combat it?
Ray: Pollution isn’t just about the environment — it always finds its way back to us through the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe. To combat it, we must be more conscious about our choices, including the product we choose to buy. Take, for example, a simple plastic loofah — it sheds tiny plastic bits down the drain every time you use it. Most people never think about it, but small choices add up.
MM: You are the sons of Vietnamese immigrants so how, if at all, did your parents influence your business sensibilities?
Steven: Our parents are entrepreneurs too. When they came to the U.S., they didn’t know the language, didn’t have much schooling, and had no safety net. They had to figure it out on their own.
Watching them taught us everything — how to make the most of what we have, how to push through tough times, and how to keep going even when things look bad. We learned that business is full of ups and downs, but success comes from sticking it out. And when things go wrong? Don’t dwell on the problem — focus on finding a way forward.
MM: What is it like to own a company with your brother?
Steven: Luckily, we’re on the same page (most of the time). Spending so much time together means we drive each other crazy sometimes, but at the end of the day, we know we’re in it for the same goal — so we push through… without actually strangling each other.
MM: What other kinds of items will you be releasing in the future?
Ray: Nice try, but that’s classified info! Okay fine — here’s a little sneak peek. We’re working on more bathroom essentials to make your routine even better. We just launched a kids’ scrubber that turns bath time into playtime, and we’ve got some seriously cool soap in the works. Can’t spill all the details yet, so stay tuned!
MM: What kind of feedback have you received about your business and products so far?
Ray: People love seeing something new in a space that hasn’t changed in forever. They appreciate the thought we put into our products — from what they’re made of to how they impact the planet. While big brands rush to launch new stuff, we take our time. We focus on making products that last, work better, and create less waste. It’s not the fastest way, but it’s the right way.
MM: What are your ultimate goals for the future of the company and is there anything else that you would like to mention?
Steven: We want to show other brands that you can make awesome products without hurting the planet. Our goal? To rethink all things personal hygiene — making products that work better, are easy to use, and create less waste.