Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hanh Nguyen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hanh, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
When I am the only one in the room (or feel alone), I stay focused on my overall objectives, goals, outcomes, and potential impacts to be effective/successful.
Before launching July Moon, an award-winning Asian bakery and café in Alpharetta, Georgia, I managed global IT teams and operations in corporate America. During my IT career, I often pioneered and paved the global pathway for innovative, cutting-edge technology and processes. As a minority leader with a creative and resilient nature, I was driven to make a positive difference in people’s work performances—while promoting career development and mentorship—and improve internal/external business outcomes.
I have taken the corporate skills and experience and applied them to my own business at July Moon Bakery & Café.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
It is a blessing that I get to do what I love and pursue both of my passions in baking and still dabble in IT—and not lose my corporate and specialized IT skill sets.
Nowadays, my primary job is to keep July Moon Bakery & Café fully operating and growing. The July Moon brand is a marriage between my Vietnamese cultural heritage, love for flowers and art, and more importantly, the symbolic representation of my two daughters.
At July Moon, we recently released new menus featuring our most popular specialty coffees and boba teas, house-made breads/bagels/pastries, and an expanded list of delicious, authentic Vietnamese food options.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Overcoming fear and taking that first step!
When I have conversations with new or aspiring entrepreneurs, the most common hurdle that I hear and sense from them is overcoming fears. Their fears paralyze them from taking that first step and focusing on priorities—and actually, executing on those to-do’s.
Perseverance
Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey is NOT for the faint of hearts. I am wired to not give up. I am a high performer. I will do whatever it takes to get the job done *well* and with high quality. I have great tenacity. And I don’t waste time and try not to waste any opportunities.
Vision
Before you can take that first great step or embark on an exciting journey, you must have a Vision. “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18)
Where do you go? Where do you turn? What do you do and work on? To get to your destination and fulfillment, determine where you are going and what that looks like.
Before opening July Moon, I did not have any restaurant or barista experience. I have been learning as I go and grow. When I don’t know something, I would figure it out or seek wise and trusted counsel.
But I had a Vision of what July Moon was going to look and feel like, provide, and the possible impact on the community. I did not have all of the details or know how I was going to make it all happen, but I kept “chipping at it” and “taking one step forward”—without hesitation.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
July Moon Bakery & Café is approaching its two-year mark, and I am looking for partners/investors and franchisees to grow and scale the business.
I have received several invitations to open multiple locations nationally.
If you are interested in becoming a partner/investor or franchisee, please email [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.julymoonbakeryandcafe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julymoonbakeryandcafe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julymoonbakeryandcafe
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/hanhcrose
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/july-moon-bakery-and-caf%C3%A9-alpharetta
Image Credits
Hanh with laptop pic @patricejolene_photo Drink & dessert sampler pic @atl.joe
