Q1. Tell us about a side project that has meant a lot to you. 

I used to have this side project with a friend that I really loved a lot, it was a podcast about our journey building CPG startups called Project Unperfect. Unfortunately, it didn't continue past Episode 9 due to bandwidth, but I'm still really proud of the conversations we shared in the first 9 episodes.

For most of my 20s, I had a lot of side projects that started and stopped after a year; I think I got bored quickly and wanted to always try something new. Nguyen Coffee Supply was at one point a "side project" too, not by prioritization, but simply by time allocation and the fact that I was freelancing film gigs full time to support myself while building Nguyen Coffee Supply "on the side." Eventually, Nguyen Coffee Supply grew to the point where it became too time consuming for me to maintain any other gigs, and I went full-time into building the company. Today I don't have the time or mental space for any other side projects, as building a company is incredibly demanding of my mental, emotional, and physical energy. I'm really happy with where I'm currently at though, because building Nguyen Coffee Supply is super fulfilling; I get to be creative in building something new every day, and I haven't gotten bored of it! 

Q2. Why is it important to have ownership of, and to pursue your own ideas?

Some people feel really fulfilled in playing a supporting role in other people's ideas, and some people prefer to drive a path forward with their own idea; it's important to celebrate all types of contributors. More than anything, it's about having integrity in your work and understanding the impact you want to make.

For me, personally, entrepreneurship is in my DNA, so I'm super motivated by creating a world in my own vision. I get a thrill out of doing something that's never been done before. A lot of it comes from my parents, who are both refugees from Vietnam and started their own businesses in Boston (a laundromat and floor sanding company); and I think part of it comes from growing up feeling underestimated, stereotyped, marginalized, and made invisible as an Asian American female. To pursue something totally unique to me and take ownership is part of my process to claiming power. 

Q3. What would you say to individuals trying and struggling to move their own side projects forward? 

If you find yourself struggling to move a side project forward, ask yourself if the block is internal (ie. lack of motivation or confidence) or external (ie. lack of equipment), then make a plan to address this. At any stage, I think it's worth asking "why do I even want to do this?" Whether it's building a side project or full-blown company, getting clear on your "why" is your north star. And remember, it's okay to stop, start, or re(start) anytime. The best thing about side projects is that they’re 100% on your own terms. 

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