An Entrepreneur’s Story of Overcoming Setbacks

The following article was written from an interview with Mrs. Wong sharing her experience as a business woman and a landlord, as well as personal advice for the younger generation.

The younger generations have something to learn, and it’s not about private or mental life seen in generic videos, it’s the truth beyond the classroom. In student life, a balance must be struck between school-work, extracurricular activities, and the personal life behind the scenes. When asked about advice for students, she places an emphasis on time management, and to “balance school work better.” She explains, “I could have done much better in scores and in general. I could have accomplished more, and been more proud of myself.” Students should keep an open mind when learning new topics, whether in school or not.

Advice for Balancing School Work

Reflecting on her younger years, she acknowledged that she could have been more disciplined. “I should have done more school work to feel more accomplished and learned to balance it,” she said, noting that her lack of focus made her first few years after college difficult. Entering the workforce, she kept these regrets. "I didn’t get into a good company," she admitted. “I could have done better, and I wasted my first three years after graduating college.”

Over time, she recognized the critical role of time management in both personal and professional success. She acknowledged the consequences of her early disregard for this skill, explaining, “Self-discipline—I wasn’t great with that. I realized it more towards the end, and it was too late because the scores were already out.” Today, she encourages young people to embrace time management, seeing it as an essential skill that can shape their futures. She gave an example from her current role as an employer, where one of her employees often arrives late. She considers this a cautionary tale for the next generation, stressing that time management can make or break one’s reputation and opportunities.

Experiences Starting a Business

Her career truly transformed when she decided to start her own business, a decision marked by initial setbacks and ultimate success. She took on the ambitious goal of opening a GNC franchise but encountered resistance early on when she was denied the property she needed. This obstacle, however, didn’t deter her. Reflecting on this experience, she sees her determination as a key lesson in resilience—a trait that has helped her overcome various challenges.

However, the decision to venture into entrepreneurship wasn’t easy. At a critical juncture, she had to choose between a comfortable promotion and the uncertain path of running her own business. Her father’s influence played a vital role, as he always encouraged her to avoid the conventional employee role. “He never wanted me to work under someone else,” she recalled, a sentiment that motivated her to take risks. Additionally, she felt a deep desire to test her own limits and see just how much she could accomplish independently. This ambition was matched by her husband’s unwavering support. “He kept reminding me that I was still young,” she said. He believed in her, and that helped her believe in herself.

As her business grew, she encountered various ethical and legal challenges. One incident stands out—a lawsuit that threatened her reputation. Despite the pressures of the legal process, she remained steadfast in her commitment to honesty. “I was sued, but I didn’t make any lies in my text messages. I was very upfront,” she explained. This transparency ultimately protected her, as she faced no legal repercussions. She describes honesty as her guiding principle, saying, “My biggest takeaway in life is just be honest. No matter the situation, if you know you’re doing the right thing, you won’t be in trouble.” She sees this commitment to integrity as a valuable lesson for anyone facing difficult decisions, urging others to rely on honesty as their anchor.

Her journey is a testament to resilience, self-awareness, and courage. Through setbacks and triumphs, she learned that discipline and time management build the foundation for success. In her story, she hopes to inspire others, showing that even the hardest paths can lead to fulfillment if you remain true to your values and committed to growth.

Written by Aaron Wong and Steven Huang

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