84. Liquor Store Dreams: A Journey of Identity and Generational Dreams with So Yun Um
Short N' Sweet: A Donut Princess Podcast
Release Date: 07/27/2023
Short N' Sweet: A Donut Princess Podcast
Today's episode is an absolute gem. I'm joined by the incredible entrepreneurs Sophia and Hawk, who have become like family since the day we met. We're diving deep into our family’s history of survival to assimilating in America through hospitality and food. Our conversation explores their roots and the challenges of cultural identity. We reminisce about favorite childhood dishes highlighting the significance of home-cooked meals and the rich tapestry of Asian cuisines in Southern California, as well as their experience creating the first ever Cambodian American wings in Southern California....
info_outlineShort N' Sweet: A Donut Princess Podcast
In this episode, I present Mai from 'Mai Serenity Space.' We go way back, and she's not just a guest; she's family. Today's podcast is about the incredible journey Mai has taken in the world of organizing and decluttering. We kick things off by diving into our own experiences with the law of attraction and how our perspectives have evolved over time. Turns out, there's a powerful connection between decluttering physical spaces and deepening relationships. We share personal stories, like how I met my guest on the street, and she became an integral part of my life. From being patient zero in her...
info_outlineShort N' Sweet: A Donut Princess Podcast
In this episode of my podcast, "Short and Sweet," I had the privilege of having Lauraine Mann who is a psycho-somatic therapist with expertise in psychology and energy healing. Our conversation delved into the fascinating world of somatic therapy, emphasizing the crucial connection between our minds and bodies. Lauraine shared her personal journey and how somatic therapy had a profound impact on her life, allowing her to explore and unlock deeply buried emotions and experiences stored in her body. We also discussed the concept of the inner child, which I personally resonated with, and the...
info_outlineShort N' Sweet: A Donut Princess Podcast
In the world of branding and marketing, Sarah Sambles, a copywriter and coach, passionately helps small business owners, especially those in content-based fields like coaching, writing, and education, define their core message. She excels in crafting narrative-based copy that not only appeals to their audience but also authentically represents who they are. Sarah's journey into coaching and branding began when she realized her knack for marketing while working in a high-tech agency in England. Her love for literature led her to write children's stories, where she identified the struggle many...
info_outlineShort N' Sweet: A Donut Princess Podcast
Rosemary Kelly’s journey takes us from her early desire to become a nurse, where she showcased her nurturing nature by caring for everyone, even her dog, to her remarkable 18-year career as a dietitian, where she helped people understand the importance of nutrition and its role in health. Later, she ventured into the field of transpersonal psychology, and it was there that she discovered the transformative power of Psych K. Rosemary explains how Psych K taps into the subconscious mind, highlighting the impact of childhood beliefs on our adult lives. She walks us through the Psych K balancing...
info_outlineShort N' Sweet: A Donut Princess Podcast
In this episode, I'm excited to welcome Wamite Muthara as our special guest, the founder of Career Safari, a platform that spotlights and celebrates the diverse career journeys of women who are challenging what it means to be successful. We dive into inspiring career stories and discuss the empowerment of women in various stages of their professional lives. Wamite takes us on a journey through her own career path, sharing how she transitioned from fundraising for nonprofits to the tech sector, and what inspired her to create Career Safari. Our conversation explores the hurdles women often face...
info_outlineShort N' Sweet: A Donut Princess Podcast
In today’s episode of the podcast, I have Dr. Rhysa Sisco with me. She is a life and business empowerment mentor who has helped hundreds of people transform their lives by resetting their relationship with money, releasing limiting beliefs, and attracting abundance to live a life of alignment and freedom. Our conversation is a captivating journey through the intricacies of the nervous system and its profound impact on our lives. This episode delves into Rhysa's personal childhood experiences, marked by trauma and illness, and how these experiences ultimately led her to a deep understanding...
info_outlineShort N' Sweet: A Donut Princess Podcast
Abby Borden (Founder, Table Set Go) is a Freelance Event Producer specializing in food & beverage. Her client list has included the Grammys, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Warner Brothers, Amazon Studios, the Dodgers and the James Beard Foundation and she has been the Producer for Regarding Her Food’s 10-day Festival, since its inception in 2021. Her goal for every event is that guests are well fed, thoroughly entertained, and still talking about it when they leave. The daughter of a diplomat, she was fortunate enough to be exposed to different cultures, cuisines, art and design...
info_outlineShort N' Sweet: A Donut Princess Podcast
For the first time in Short N’ Sweet Podcast history, Mayly Tao is interviewed instead of interviewing her guest by owner Moulino Tan of Phnom Penh Noodle Shack to explore her book, "An American Dream with Sprinkles: The Legacy Story of the Donut Queen and Donut Princess." They delve into sharing common family backgrounds with stories of their parents' survival of the Khmer Rouge and helping their family businesses while their parents assimilated here in America. When 2nd generation of immigrant kids get together, there is an unspoken form of respect and regard. The discovery of a...
info_outlineShort N' Sweet: A Donut Princess Podcast
Pesith Vann, born in Long Beach, California but raised in Fresno. Built Vanntastic Sweets from just the presence of friends and family. Started off as a private chef then sold madeleines from home, and expanded to macarons. Through their presence at farmer’s markets to wholesaling to retail and boba shops, Vanntastic Sweets has expanded to around California. Stay in touch with them on IG: @vanntasticsweets or place an order with them at vanntasticsweets.com! Here are five "Golden Nuggets" on marketing and entrepreneurship that were mentioned: Utilize Social Media...
info_outlineSo Yun Um's directorial debut documentary feature film, "Liquor Store Dreams," made its world premiere at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival. The film delves into the experiences of second-generation Korean American children of Liquor Store owners in the LA area, shedding light on their unique challenges. Her work has been screened at prestigious events including the Tribeca Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival, BFI London, and more. In addition to her accomplishments, So Yun Um is currently a participant in the 2022-2023 BAFTA Breakthrough USA program. She is an alumnus of the 2021 CAAM Fellowship, where she received mentorship from acclaimed Director Nanfu Wang, as well as the recipient of the Armed with a Camera Fellowship by Visual Communication, the Sundance Uprise Grant, and a Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program Grantee.
Join us on this engaging journey as we delve into the captivating world of "Liquor Store Dreams," discussing the experiences of growing up in immigrant families, the challenges of customer service, and the importance of breaking stereotypes surrounding store ownership. Along the way, we'll provide invaluable advice for Asian Americans pursuing their dreams. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be inspired and support the incredible work of our guest. Tune in now!
Liquor Store Dreams is now available on PBS and Apple TV.
Here are five golden nuggets for aspiring filmmakers:
1. Stay true to your own story: Tell a story that nobody else can tell. Take your time to work on the craft and create something uniquely you.
2. Embrace your delusional fighting spirit: Believe in yourself even when others may not. Support yourself and find the inner motivation to keep pushing forward.
3. Be brutally honest in editing: Cut out anything that feels boring or not cool. Don't just make your favorite movie; challenge yourself to create something truly exceptional.
4. Find a supportive community: Surround yourself with people who understand your vision and can contribute to your film. Build a network of like-minded individuals, including producers, cinematographers, and editors.
5. Don't tolerate toxic individuals: If there are people in the industry who are disrespectful or hinder your progress, feel free to cut them out. Focus on collaborating with those who support and uplift you.
Connect with me:
Email: [email protected]
Business Website: www.donutprincessla.com
YouTube: Mayly Tao / DONUT PRINCESS LA
Instagram: @donutprincessla / @maylytao
Facebook: Donut Princess Los Angeles
Twitter: Donut Princess LA
Tiktok: teochewdaily
LinkedIn: Mayly Tao
Apple Podcast: Short N' Sweet: A Donut Princess Podcast