Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Peter Nguyen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Peter, thanks for taking the time to share your stories 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.

My parents immigrated to the US in 1975 and rebuilt their lives from the ground up–raising a family in a new country while learning a new language. One thing they deeply prioritized for their children was financial security. They didn’t want their kids to experience the same struggle they endured to make ends meet. To them, financial security meant a corporate career. So for 18 years after college, that’s the path I followed–working for Fortune 500 and well-established companies, earning one promotion after the other and consistent income growth. It was a linear path… until it wasn’t.

In the summer of 2024, I experienced burnout from my job and made the decision to step away to refocus on myself as a dad, as a husband, and on my well-being. During this time, I began tackling my bucket list, one of which is building a brand and community rooted in meaning and purpose. Building a brand is cash-intensive. Not only did our household shift to a single income, but it became one that also supported a new venture presenting a higher financial risk.

I’m five months into launching my brand, Saint Miyu, and actively building our community. This past year has marked the most personal growth I’ve ever experienced. I’ve also built a stronger foundation with healthier habits and am developing a sense of connection, community, and purpose for myself. Importantly, I’m demonstrating to my young kids what it looks like to create value with courage and conviction. All of these would not have been possible without taking the risks I’ve taken.

Risk is only one lens to a story. The journey itself has been the reward.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve been a matcha enthusiast for about a decade. In 2017, while on vacation on the West Coast, I tried a strawberry matcha latte–an unforgettable experience I really enjoyed. When I returned home to Minneapolis, I couldn’t find anything quite like it. While matcha lattes have become more popular today, they often come with a hefty price tag–sometimes over $10 at a cafe for a drink that can be filled with additives.

I set out to create an experience that was accessible, affordable, and uncompromising on quality. Matcha is a beautiful superfood, and it deserves to be paired with ingredients that complement its natural benefits–not masked by fillers, artificial ingredients, or excessive sugar. My goal is simple: to make flavorful matcha more approachable while staying true to its purity, power, and purpose.

Saint Miyu crafts fruit infused matcha latte blends designed to whisk with your favorite milk–crafted for those treat-yourself moments while fueling focus and energy. We use real fruit, 2,000mg of premium Japanese matcha, all organic ingredients, and only 3g of added sugar. Our purpose is to be a positive source of energy that brightens and uplifts the day. This extends beyond our product–to our communities and one another. That’s why we donate 2% of every purchase to the Foundation for Social Connection–a nonprofit whose efforts address social isolation, loneliness, and connection. We proudly support their vision of building a path to a vibrant society where social connection is at the heart of how we live.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

It’s okay to pursue what you want–your passions, your dreams, the life you envision.

For a long time, I didn’t embrace that. Wanting more felt selfish. Whether it was buying something nice or traveling, there was always an underlying sense of guilt. That mindset was deeply rooted in my upbringing, where stability and sacrifice came first. As a result, I consistently chose internships over studying abroad, work over rest, and practicality over possibility.

It wasn’t until I started working with a coach that I recognized how limiting this belief had become. At its core, it wasn’t discipline–it was fear. Fear of risk. Fear of loss. Fear of stepping outside what felt “safe”.

My relationship with money was unhealthy. I viewed spending–especially on myself or my growth–almost entirely through the lens of loss. Unlearning this meant shifting my mindset from “What am I giving up?” to “What am I gaining?” Growth, experience, perspective, opportunity.

It’s a behavior I still actively work to improve upon, but that shift–from scarcity to potential–has changed how I show up as a founder, as a parent, and as a person.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Hands down, it’s been in-person opportunities where I get to share the Saint Miyu story and let people sample the product. When someone can learn about the brand, try it for themselves, and truly experience it, belief happens naturally.

Even in a highly digital world, I still believe that in-person experiences and the word of mouth that comes from them are the most powerful forms of marketing. A referral from one experience leads to trial, trial leads to conversion, and oftentimes conversion leads to repeat. One positive experience can create a ripple effect.

Saint Miyu is rooted in connection and community; 2% of every purchase supports the Foundation for Social Connection. When the brand shows up authentically in these moments–whether at markets, pop-ups, gatherings, or retreats–these experiences create meaningful connections that extend far beyond the product itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://saintmiyu.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saint_miyu
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saintmiyu