Entrepreneurship has always been more than a career path for me; it is a deep-rooted passion that fuels my drive to build, adapt, and grow. In 2019, I took over one of the largest Vietnamese baguette and coffee restaurant franchises in Southern California, stepping into a fast-paced world of operations that would challenge and transform me over more than five years. What began as an ambitious business decision quickly became a hands-on education in leadership, problem-solving, and perseverance. Every day presented new opportunities to learn, refine processes, and stay committed to delivering quality food and experiences to our community.

Running the restaurant taught me the full spectrum of business management. I became responsible for hiring and leading teams, creating work schedules that balanced efficiency with employee well-being, and handling accounting, cash flow analysis, and strategic pricing adjustments to keep the business healthy. I earned my food handler certificate for managers, managed inventory by shopping for restaurant supplies, and learned how to troubleshoot and repair basic equipment when issues arose. Technology became an essential ally; I leveraged digital tools for ordering, scheduling, and daily operations to keep everything running smoothly. Navigating regular health and city inspections added another layer of discipline, ensuring we consistently met high standards of safety and quality.

The true test of this entrepreneurial journey came during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many businesses struggled or closed, I focused on adapting operations, supporting my team, and finding ways to serve customers safely and sustainably. Those months demanded constant creativity, resilience, and a commitment to protecting both the business and the people who relied on it. The experience reinforced my belief that entrepreneurship is not just about growth in good times; it is about steady leadership when circumstances are most uncertain.

Challenges extended beyond the pandemic. The store faced a robbery that resulted in the loss of cash, inventory, and equipment, requiring immediate action to secure the premises, support the team, and restore operations. On another occasion, a drunk driver struck the building in the middle of the night. I received a call from the authorities and had to respond quickly, coordinating repairs and ensuring the restaurant could reopen as soon as possible. Each setback tested my resolve, but overcoming them strengthened my ability to stay calm under pressure and find practical solutions.

Looking back, these years of hands-on ownership have shaped me into a stronger, more capable person than I was before. Managing employees, navigating difficult customers, mastering the financial and operational details of a busy restaurant, and persevering through crises have deepened my passion for entrepreneurship. The lessons in resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning continue to guide me. This journey has not only built a successful business but has also instilled in me an unshakable confidence that the next challenge is simply another opportunity to grow.