Vanessa

1. Help us understand what you do for a living that makes you a successful businesswoman.

I own multiple franchise of restaurants. I started out in my little town of Whoville, the little café was called “Mama’s little diner” as an ode to my late mother. I started the restaurant only to make a living for myself, with no big vision as such, to be honest. But the ambience was homely and cozy, so people started being drawn to the place very soon and it took off. So I started a bunch of other diners in the town, and now it’s an international franchise. I am now thinking of developing it into the hospitality industry as well.

2. Tell us a bit about your journey in the culinary industry?

When I was young, I loved dining out. It’s just the relief of not worrying about cooking, treating your guests right, and the joy of talking, dressing up to go out, eating, and feeling of togetherness. There definitely was something that I loved about dining out, and ambience was always essential to me. So, when the time came when I had to choose what I’d do for a living, I chose to offer that very experience to people. That’s how I got into the hospitality industry.

3. Tell us one thing we don’t know about you?

I can’t cook. A lot of people think I cook well because I own a bunch of restaurants. That’s not true, I’m a businesswoman who built an empire on an idea she loved as a kid. I don’t chef, I don’t wait, I don’t design… or anything related to the restaurant itself, I am someone who funds the restaurant business so people can enjoy it in exchange for their money. It sounds curt and emotionless, but it is what it is.

4. What brings you joy or makes you happy?

Proving the haters wrong. My journey wasn’t a smooth one, I’ve had a bunch of people tell me I cannot do what I’ve wanted to do. It’d hurt me in the early stage of my career, but I’d always pick up the pieces and get back stronger. The satisfaction you get when you finally overcome the hurdle and do what they thought you can’t – it’s the best!

5. Tell us a bit about your family.

I’ve got two notorious boys and a very loving husband. My boys are twins so they’re both in middle school, one is really into gaming and the other is very invested in what I do so he’ll probably take over my business someday… of course after he proves he’s earned it. My husband is a stay-at-home dad and he loves it, we’re a bit of an unconventional family according to societal standards. But we’re extremely happy with the way we lead our lives, and I’ve got no time for unsolicited opinions. So, on the family front, I’m living my best life.