Business leaders are always looking for new ways to do it make their own brands stands out. There are opportunities everywhere, but the most important ones usually emerge when you identify a personal, specific, and often overlooked pain point.

It was the alcohol blush effect for me, which is also known as the “Asian glow”. I've had this problem for a long time, but I soon found out I wasn't the only one. That event changed everything and set the stage for what would become an incredible venture.

If you want increase your sales by solving a real problemlet me share how identifying a specific pain point in the market transformed my journey – and how it can totally do the same for you.

Related: How to thrive in niche markets

How my personal struggle became a business idea

Like many in the Asian community, I have dealt with alcohol flush reactions my entire life. The flush, the heat, the discomfort—it was all too familiar. What started as a case botheration it quickly became something that shaped how I navigated social settings. Events with friends and colleagues were filled with awkward excuses about why I didn't want another drink or why I would have to put this one down.

The alcohol flush reaction can really affect confidence, making social events feel more like a challenge than a good time. #FOMO is real. The more I connected with people, the more I saw how common this issue is – and yet, it felt like no one was dealing with it. A light bulb moment hit me. This is the pain point that no one talks about, but everyone is dealing with.

The thought wasn't just about creating another product. rams choose something personal and real to people who were going through the same thing I was.

Related: How to identify the pain points that make customers decide what to buy

Validate the market

Before I jumped in, I had to prove that this issue was as significant as it seemed. I started things off by immersing myself in real conversations with the people around me—friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers in online communities. Their answers were absolutely eye-opening. Feelings of frustration, embarrassment and a strong desire for a solution were definitely shared among all, especially in the Asian community.

Building a relationship with potential customers is extremely important for anyone who is willing to open their own business. Identifying a problem is only the first step; proving that others share the same view is a whole different level. Conversations are your first step towards validation.

I kept pushing forward. I jumped on the internet forums, social media topics and community groups where people were looking for solutions to alcohol addiction. I was honestly surprised – so many of the solutions that were thrown around were just quick fixes or completely ineffective. This made it clear that people wanted something better and more innovative.

Don't just rely on guesswork or emotional outbursts. Go out, talk to people and listen. If you keep hearing the same frustration, chances are you've run into a real pain point that's worth fully addressing.

Validating your idea through a mix of personal contact, data and ongoing market analysis ensures you're addressing a topic people really care about. It's what takes your business idea from “just another product” to something people are actively looking for and more likely to patronize.

Build a product around a real problem

Once I understood the scale of the problem, the next step was to build a product that actually worked. However, I didn't want the solution to be just a quick fix. I wanted a solution that would address the underlying issue and really help people who deal with alcohol flush regularly.

Research has found that the alcohol flush reaction is caused by a deficiency in an enzyme called ALDH2, which is responsible for breaking down alcohol in the body. The lack of this enzyme results in the accumulation of harmful byproducts that worsen redness and discomfort. To further validate, I conducted market research using surveys and explored health data related to alcohol metabolism in people of Asian descent. I also closely monitored online chatter about the rash reaction.

From this, we developed a product specifically designed to target this reaction. Remember, it's not always about what you're doing – how you position the product or service matters too. In my case, people needed to know that alcohol rash was not something they had to live with and, more importantly, that there was a real solution to help.

Related: The step-by-step guide to finding your niche and target market

Create a strategy that resonates

Having a great product is only half the battle – you need to communicate that solution in a way that resonates with your audience. My team focused on educating people first and foremost. Many didn't even know why they were getting the rash reaction. So our strategy was to inform and empower.

Your social media campaigns on TikTok, Instagram or any other relevant platform are essential for this. In addition to showing what the product could do, we also shared real stories of people who were finally able to enjoy social events without worrying about getting red after a drink. that authenticity and relatability will make people feel connected to your brand.

Instead of selling a product, sell a solution. Address a real pain point that people can relate to. The combination of education and connection goes a long way in building trust with your audience quickly.

Own your country

One of the biggest challenges of building in a niche market is the fear that it is already too crowded. But the thing is, most products claim to help with one specific pain point they don't actually solve the problem. They were temporary fixes, or weren't designed with this specific problem in mind. This gave us an opportunity.

Focus on creating a high-quality, targeted solution that directly addresses the pain point. We focused on the problem we set out to solve and avoided the trap of trying to do too much. We didn't need to appeal to everyone. We needed to serve people who were struggling with drinking and were looking for something real.

You don't have to worry about oversaturation if your product stands out by solving the problem better than anything else on the market. Focus on quality, stay true to your position, and your audience will find you.

Related: Is focusing on a specific location really that important?

Why solving particular problems works

Any company that wants to see explosive sales must first know the real problems that consumers are dealing with and offer a workable solution. Finding your niche is to define a problem that no one else is solving and make it the heart of your business.

Although it turned out to be a pain point for many others, the alcohol flush reaction was personal to me. Facing that challenge made me realize that real success is about listening to your community, capturing their needs, and producing a product or service that actually makes their lives better.

Aspiring entrepreneurs who want to make an impact shouldn't hesitate to focus on a niche and overlooked challenge. This is where the real opportunities lie.