We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Munji Kahalah a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Munji thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

The biggest risk I’ve taken came during the pandemic when supply chains were at a standstill and face-to-face interactions were eliminated. Local convenience store owners were struggling to stay informed on the latest products, vendor information, and basic necessities. I saw an opportunity to be the bridge between global suppliers and these local shops. With a $2,000 credit card loan, I started helping convenience stores order products from around the world, leveraging technology to keep their shelves stocked. Within two years, I turned that initial investment into over $1 million in sales.

But it wasn’t easy. One of the biggest challenges was the language barrier. Many of my suppliers were based in Asia, and I didn’t speak Mandarin. I spent hours using translation tools, trying to ensure we were on the same page. At times, delayed shipments made it difficult to meet my credit card payment deadlines, which added a lot of stress, but I managed to overcome these hurdles and keep the business growing.

As I became more immersed in my business, I realized the next big opportunity was in data. It was clear to me that data was going to be the “new oil,” and I needed to invest in myself to stay ahead. After researching universities and boot camps, I discovered Le Wagon in the Netherlands, a program that focused on machine learning and data-driven decision-making. Without overthinking it, I booked a ticket to Amsterdam. It was a leap of faith—I quit my 9-to-5 and left everything behind.

When I arrived, I found myself in an international hotel surrounded by people from all over the world, ready to connect and learn. It was the best risk I’ve ever taken. I invested in myself and the experience paid off beyond what I could have imagined. I met some of the smartest people—solution architects at Amazon, programmers at Uber, and venture capitalists looking to connect with startups. Beyond the classroom, I became deeply connected with the vibrant energy of Amsterdam. I spent my weekends biking through the city’s canals, exploring its neighborhoods, and making new friends in local cafés and co-working spaces. The city’s openness and creative spirit only fueled my passion for learning and growth. It’s shaped my approach to business and technology ever since.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Munji Kahalah, and I proudly call myself a Growth Hacker. I thrive on finding creative ways to increase revenue through marketing campaigns, email outreach, and even something as simple as cold calls. Business has always been a passion of mine, and it was my best friend, Dominic Maestas—who owns a successful venture here in Albuquerque, NM—who inspired me to create my path to success.

My first taste of success came at 19 when I developed an app that received funding from ABQiD, the state’s largest venture capital group. That experience taught me how to scale businesses quickly and acquire customers in efficient and cost-effective ways. While my initial tech-focused venture didn’t pan out as I had hoped, it shaped my understanding that I needed to succeed on a local level before going global. It grounded me and allowed me to focus on creating a winning product or business, setting the stage for future successes.

Today, I am the President of Operations at Monaco Market, New Mexico’s largest tobacco and exotic snack store, located right here in Albuquerque. What sets Monaco Market apart is our focus on creating a unique experience for our customers. Being a mid-sized city, Albuquerque often lags behind larger cities in offering exciting new experiences. That’s where Monaco Market comes in—we offer our customers the chance to try snacks from around the world without having to spend big on travel. From Japanese Red Bull to UK Skittles, Dubai chocolates, and so much more, we bring the flavors of the world to our store.

At Monaco Market, we take pride in not just providing unique products but in making every customer feel welcome. We understand that people work hard for their money, and we strive to make their experience memorable—whether they’re shopping in-store or online. What I’m most proud of is how we’ve been able to blend great customer service with a sense of adventure, allowing people to explore global flavors right here in New Mexico.

For anyone getting to know me or my brand for the first time, the main thing I want them to understand is that I’m driven by the desire to create new opportunities and experiences. Whether it’s through growth hacking strategies for businesses or curating an international snack experience at Monaco Market, I’m passionate about bringing creativity and innovation into everything I do.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What has helped me build my reputation within the market is a focus on genuine human connection. In an age where AI and digital interactions dominate, we’ve become so accustomed to engaging with screens that we’ve forgotten the importance of face-to-face interaction. At Monaco Market, we make it a priority to foster relationships with our customers through real, meaningful interactions. We want everyone who steps foot in our store to feel cared for and valued—not just as a customer, but as a part of our community.

What also set us apart was doing something no one else in town had done—combining exotic snacks from different parts of the world with a tobacco shop. This unique blend allowed us to not only stand out but to attract a broader clientele. Additionally, we’ve partnered with some of the biggest influencers in the area, and we make it a point to invest in these collaborations by paying our influencers and building genuine relationships with them.

This personal touch, combined with innovative ideas, is what helped us build our reputation.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

The key to building an audience on social media isn’t just about figuring out “how”—it’s about asking “who.” Often, someone in your network or niche already has the audience you’re trying to reach, and the smartest move is to leverage those connections. Rather than trying to do all the heavy lifting yourself, reach out to influencers or businesses in your space that align with your brand. Make sure the collaboration benefits both parties and always include a clear call to action (CTA) to guide your audience to the next step.

Collaborations not only build your audience faster but also create more authentic engagement. The key is to focus on partnerships that make sense for your brand and resonate with your target audience. My advice for those just starting is simple: don’t hesitate to connect with others, and always give your followers a clear path forward after engaging with your content.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://monacomrkt.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/munji.kahalah/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/munji-kahalah-124773115/