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Bourbon Whiskey Community Corporation Food Immigration Vietnamese

A Tale of Resilience and Belief: Di Tran’s BELIEF Bourbon and Steven Yeng’s Skrewball Whiskey

In the heart of Louisville, KY, a remarkable meeting took place at Liquor Barn between two extraordinary individuals, Di Tran, a Vietnamese immigrant and proud American, and Steven Yeng, a refugee from Cambodia. Both men, hailing from humble beginnings, have carved out successful paths in the world of entrepreneurship and spirits, showcasing the power of resilience, belief, and the American dream.

Di Tran, a man of many talents, is not only a nurse, licensed nail technician, and computer engineer but also a serial entrepreneur. With a journey that began in dirt-poor Vietnam, Di and his family sought refuge in the United States, where they worked tirelessly to build a better life. Di’s relentless drive and passion for education led him to establish multiple businesses, including the Louisville Beauty Academy and a chain of nail salons, before venturing into the world of bourbon with his exclusive BELIEF collectible bourbon.

On the other side, Steven Yeng’s story mirrors that of Di Tran’s. As a refugee from war-torn Cambodia, Steven grew up in a world far removed from the comforts many take for granted. His fascination with peanut butter, a novel flavor in his new homeland, inspired him to create a best-selling peanut butter whiskey cocktail at his bar and restaurant. Alongside his wife Brittany, a lawyer and chemist, Steven developed Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, a spirit that celebrates diversity and the unconventional paths that lead to success.

The meeting between Di Tran and Steven Yeng was a moment of mutual admiration and recognition of their shared journey from adversity to prosperity. Di Tran, out of excitement and respect, offered Steven a bottle of his BELIEF bourbon, a symbol of their common belief in the power of hard work and determination. Their encounter was a testament to the fact that, regardless of one’s background, success is attainable through perseverance and a strong belief in one’s dreams.

As they exchanged stories and took pictures, Di Tran and Steven Yeng looked forward to future conversations, each wishing the other continued success. Their meeting serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us that the American dream is alive and well, fueled by the belief in oneself and the unwavering spirit to overcome obstacles.

In a world where stories of success often overshadow the struggles behind them, the tales of Di Tran and Steven Yeng stand as beacons of hope, reminding us that from the most challenging circumstances can emerge the most remarkable achievements. Here’s to the dreamers, the believers, and the trailblazers who show us that anything is possible when you hold onto your belief and strive for greatness.

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Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS Guiding Lights: A Journey of Courage, Compassion and Faith Immigration Leadership Development Self-Improve Small Businesses Workforce Development

Embracing the Beauty Industry: A Vibrant Side Hustle for the Overworked Professional

Every working professional can relate to the ceaseless pressure, exhaustion, and monotonous cycle associated with traditional 8 to 5 jobs. The once fascinating allure of corporate stability can turn into a draining chore, leaving many seeking alternative avenues to generate income and enrich their lives. For college degree holders in search of a refreshing side venture, the beauty industry might just offer the perfect escape route.

The beauty industry, renowned for its dynamism, continuous growth, and versatility, can be a rewarding side hustle, whether you’re looking to augment your income or crave a new passion. With high demand for beauty services, learning new skills such as Nail Technology, Esthetics, or Cosmetology can be a game-changer for professionals feeling drained by their primary employment.

The road to a career in beauty begins with professional licensing, a necessary step to ensure service quality and safety. The study period ranges depending on the specialization:

  1. Nail Technology requires about 450 hours of study, roughly equivalent to 2.5 months.
  2. Esthetics requires about 750 hours of study, equivalent to approximately 4.5 months.
  3. Cosmetology requires the most extensive study, with about 1500 hours or approximately 9.5 months.

Notably, these timelines may be accelerated or extended to accommodate individual circumstances and learning pace. A distinct advantage is the flexibility to work part-time, on weekends, or after your regular work hours, aligning perfectly with the needs of those maintaining full-time employment.

But where should one begin? The Louisville Beauty Academy, a testament to the successful amalgamation of technology and beauty, provides these programs at your preferred pace. Founded by a tech stalwart with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. (ABD) degrees in Information Technology, the academy offers a unique blend of cutting-edge tech and beauty instruction.

The founder’s story is inspiring – a successful computer engineer owning a chain of nail salons and schools, demonstrating that a career in beauty can go hand-in-hand with other professional pursuits. His journey provides an encouraging blueprint for others seeking to carve a niche in the beauty industry while juggling a full-time job.

Moreover, operating a small beauty business can be one of the easiest small ventures to manage, especially when equipped with the right skills and knowledge. From at-home salons, mobile beauty services, to professional establishments, the options are vast and can be tailored to one’s preferences and lifestyle.

So, if you are a professional feeling hemmed in by the rigors of traditional employment, consider stepping into the exciting world of beauty. With a little investment in training, you can explore new horizons, enjoy a supplementary income, and perhaps even find a fulfilling passion that brings color to your world. As the saying goes, “You can, when you think you can.”

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Information Technology Leadership Development Self-Improve Small Businesses

Follow Your Interest, Follow Your Passion: Adding Value to Others and the World

The idea of following your passion and doing what you love is often touted as the key to success and happiness. However, the reality is that passion alone may not be enough to sustain a fulfilling career or life. It is important to consider how your interests and passions can add value to others and the world around you. This is the philosophy behind Di Tran’s book “Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS,” in which he shares his journey from a successful computer engineer to a small business owner dedicated to serving others.

Di Tran followed the conventional path of going to school, attending college, and becoming a computer engineer. He quickly rose to the top of his field and worked for a Fortune 50 company. However, despite his success, Di Tran began to feel bored and unfulfilled in his work. He realized that he had hit a ceiling in his career and that the work had become repetitive and uninteresting.

On the other hand, Di Tran had always been interested in entrepreneurship and had run small businesses on the side. He realized that his passion for serving others through his small businesses was what truly drove him. He decided to leave his career in IT and devote himself to entrepreneurship full-time.

Di Tran’s journey highlights the importance of following your interests and passions while also considering how they can add value to others and the world. Simply doing what you love may not be enough if it does not benefit others or contribute to society. By framing his passion for entrepreneurship in terms of serving others, Di Tran found a fulfilling and meaningful path.

The key takeaway from Di Tran’s story is that it is important to think about how your interests and passions can contribute to the greater good. This does not necessarily mean that you have to pursue a career in a specific field, but rather that you should consider how your skills and talents can be used to make a positive impact.

For example, if you love art, you could consider volunteering at a local community center or school to teach art to children. If you are passionate about the environment, you could look for ways to reduce your carbon footprint or volunteer with an environmental organization. The possibilities are endless, and the important thing is to think beyond yourself and consider how you can make a difference.

Following your interest and passion is important, but it is equally important to consider how your passions can add value to others and the world. Di Tran’s story shows that by framing his passion for entrepreneurship in terms of serving others, he found a fulfilling and meaningful path. So, whether you are just starting out or looking to make a change, take some time to think about how your interests and passions can make a positive impact on the world.