In today’s fast-paced world, where success often means pushing yourself to the limits, Stella Ungphongphan is changing the story. As the founder of Rice Remedy and the creative mind behind Stella Rice Girl, she shows us that real strength comes not just from power, but from softness and sustainability.
From Childhood Roots to a Vision for Change
Stella’s journey started in Buriram, Thailand, where her grandfather owned a rice mill. Growing up, she saw firsthand the delicate balance between nature, tradition, and the challenges farmers face. When the rice industry went through tough times, it wasn’t just about lost crops it was about protecting a heritage and a way of life.
Inspired by this, Stella found a way to transform what many consider waste rice byproducts into something valuable. Using biotechnology, she developed a process that spins silk from bacteria through fermentation, turning discarded materials into sustainable resources.
The Power of “Assertive Softness” for Women
Stella’s mission goes beyond innovation in biotech — it’s deeply personal. She speaks to women, especially those aged 28 to 45, who carry many responsibilities and often forget to care for themselves. These are women juggling careers, family, and cultural pressures, striving to be strong at all times.
Through her podcast, “Reclaim Radiance,” recorded in her bathtub (yes, really!), she shares business strategies with a gentle yet firm approach she calls “assertive softness.” It’s about leading with kindness and strength, without losing your peace and well-being.
Bridging Cultures, Honoring Traditions
As someone who once visited the Middle East, Stella understands the unique pressures women face there the blend of age-old hospitality and modern ambitions. Many women feel they must be unbreakable, powering through exhaustion and stress without showing vulnerability.
Stella’s goal is to help women reclaim their space emotionally, physically, and spiritually and find power in embracing vulnerability. “I’m trying to save one million spines,” she laughs, highlighting the need for self-care in a demanding world.
The Rice Girl: From Humble Beginnings to Bold Leadership
Known affectionately as “The Rice Girl” — a nickname from her childhood days helping in her mother’s Thai restaurant in Sydney — Stella’s story is one of grit and grace. From selling snacks late at night to leading a groundbreaking biotech company, she embodies perseverance and boldness.
Her journey is about embracing who she is without apology and inspiring others to do the same.
Sustainability as a Way of Life
Stella’s work with Rice Remedy is a shining example of how sustainability can be more than a buzzword — it can be a lifestyle. By turning rice waste into eco-friendly materials, she not only reduces environmental impact but also creates new opportunities for innovation.
Her story reminds us that sometimes, the softest things can be the strongest, and a crisis often holds the seeds of transformation.
Join Stella Ungphongphan’s Movement
Stella’s path teaches us that strength is not just about pushing harder, but about embracing softness, sustainability, and self-care. To learn more and support her vision, follow her journey at
@stellaricegirl.
