Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gia Huynh . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gia , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?
Emerging from the humble roots of a little girl in Vietnam, my journey unfolds through the challenges of a modest upbringing, limited education, and the trials of life that included teaching myself English, overcoming trauma, and experiencing homelessness. Through sheer determination, I emerged victorious, establishing a successful business that not only sustains my family but also paves the way for a brighter future for my son and extends a helping hand to others.
In aspiring to be remembered, my hope is to leave behind a legacy as a resilient, empowered woman – a beacon of motivation and a role model for fellow women to pursue and realize their dreams. My story embodies strength, motivation, and the firm belief that every woman holds the capacity to surmount obstacles and achieve her utmost potential. I aspire for people to speak of my journey as an inspiration, emphasizing the empowering impact I’ve had, urging others to fearlessly chase their aspirations.
Gia , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m delighted to share my story with you. I grew up in Vietnam in challenging circumstances, experiencing poverty firsthand. My inspiration and drive for creativity stemmed from my love for “mut rau cau,” our traditional Lunar New Year candy. Despite starting with nothing and not knowing English upon arriving in a new country, I taught myself the language and worked in the nail industry to make ends meet.
As my journey unfolded, the birth of my son and then becoming a single mom became a turning point, motivating me to take control of my fate. Starting small, I ventured into the business world, and over the past year and a half, my enterprise has grown immensely. We take immense pride in having built a community of loyal customers, each of whom we know by name and who reciprocate that familiarity.
In our business, we offer a little piece of culture in a beautiful, handcrafted tasty treat. What sets us apart is not just our commitment to quality but the personalized touch we bring to our customer relationships. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging, where our clients are not just patrons but valued members of our community.
I am most proud of the team that we have built and the relationships we have built with our social media followers and customers. It brings me joy to see the positive impact we’ve had on the lives of our customers. What I want potential customers and followers to know about us is our dedication to excellence, our unique approach to social media, and the genuine connections we form with everyone who interacts with our brand. We are not just about providing a product or service; we are about building a community and making a difference in the lives of those we touch.
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
Yes, I manufacture my products. From my early years, I actively participated in our family tradition, assisting my great grandma, and later, my mom and grandma. The inception of Silky Gem happened in our small townhouse kitchen, where I managed operations right from my bedroom. Remarkably, within six months, we smoothly transitioned to a commercial kitchen.
Operating from my bedroom and later moving to a commercial kitchen, we encountered unique challenges. Unlike using vendors, we craft every piece of candy by hand in our own commercial kitchen. This hands-on approach underscores our commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
With the trust in our product and love for our customers, we work hard every day to improve our process. The learning journey never stops, and our dedication to refining our craft remains unwavering.
In essence, my journey into manufacturing has been a transformative learning experience, blending my love for the candy-making tradition with the challenges and rewards of reaching a broader audience, all while maintaining a personal touch in our own commercial kitchen.
On January 22, we celebrate our 2-year anniversary, having sold over 3 million pieces of candy. This milestone is a testament to our commitment, and the sweet success of Silky Gem is fueled by our ongoing efforts to enhance and perfect our processes.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Establish clear communication channels, fostering an open and transparent environment. Recognize and appreciate individual and team achievements, creating a positive and collaborative atmosphere. At Silky Gem, we view ourselves as a big family and community, where tradition serves as the main course driver. Provide opportunities for professional growth and skill development, demonstrating a commitment to your team’s success. Encourage a healthy work-life balance, and actively seek feedback to address concerns promptly. By prioritizing communication, recognition, growth, and well-being within the context of a tight-knit community like Silky Gem, you can effectively manage a team and maintain high morale.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.silkygem.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silky.gem/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silkygemshop
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silky-gem-0b7651274/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/silky_gem
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRl8xqRmRRTvJRjhBgaqcQ
Image Credits
Silky Gem