We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sujitra Chubthaisong. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sujitra below.

Sujitra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Growing up in Thailand, food was always at the center of family, community, and culture. Some of my earliest memories are of watching meals being prepared with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and recipes passed down through generations. Those experiences inspired my love for cooking and eventually led me to pursue a career as a chef.

I attended culinary school in Thailand and later worked in professional kitchens, continuing my training and gaining experience internationally, including in Australia. Throughout my journey, I learned that food is more than something we eat—it is a way to share culture, create connections, and bring people together.

When I moved to Asheville, North Carolina, I noticed an opportunity to introduce authentic Thai cuisine to the community. I wanted to create a restaurant that reflected the flavors I grew up with while offering guests a welcoming place to experience Thai culture.

That vision became Thai Pearl.

The name “Thai Pearl” represents something valuable, beautiful, and unique—just like the traditions and recipes I wanted to share. My goal was never simply to open a restaurant. I wanted to create a place where guests could experience genuine Thai hospitality, discover new flavors, and feel connected through food.

In March 2020, I opened Thai Pearl. The timing was challenging, as the world was entering the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the uncertainty, I remained committed to the dream. Through perseverance, hard work, and support from the community, Thai Pearl continued to grow and become a beloved part of Asheville’s dining scene.

Today, Thai Pearl stands as a reflection of my journey, my heritage, and my passion for sharing authentic Thai food with others.

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.

My name is Sujitra Chubthaisong, and I am the owner and chef of Thai Pearl in Asheville, North Carolina.

Cooking has always been more than a job to me—it is part of who I am. I grew up in Thailand surrounded by food, family, and tradition. Those early experiences inspired me to pursue a culinary career and eventually attend culinary school in Thailand. Later, I had the opportunity to work and train internationally, including in Australia, where I learned from talented chefs and expanded my knowledge of the culinary world.

No matter where I traveled, I always carried my Thai roots with me. I dreamed of one day creating a place where I could share the authentic flavors and culture of Thailand with others.

That dream became Thai Pearl.

When I opened Thai Pearl in March 2020, I was excited and hopeful, but I never imagined the challenges that would come with opening a restaurant during a global pandemic. Like many small business owners, I faced uncertainty, long hours, financial struggles, and obstacles that tested my determination. There were moments when giving up would have been easier, but I believed in my vision and kept moving forward.

Over the years, Thai Pearl has become more than a restaurant. It has become a reflection of my journey, my culture, and my passion. Every dish we serve tells a story about Thailand and the traditions that shaped me. I want guests to experience not only great food but also the warmth and hospitality that are at the heart of Thai culture.

As a woman-owned business, Thai Pearl represents resilience, hard work, and the belief that anything is possible with dedication and passion. I am proud of how far we have come and grateful for the support of our community.

Today, my goal remains the same as it was when I first started: to create authentic food, meaningful experiences, and a place where people can come together and feel at home.

Thai Pearl is my dream, my story, and my way of sharing a piece of Thailand with every guest who walks through our doors.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I think about resilience, I think about opening Thai Pearl in March 2020. After years of culinary training in Thailand and working internationally, I finally achieved my dream of opening my own restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina. What I didn’t know was that only days later, the world would shut down because of COVID-19.

Like many restaurant owners, I faced uncertainty almost immediately. Dining rooms closed, business slowed, and every day brought new challenges. There were moments when I questioned whether my dream would survive. As a small business owner, I had to adapt quickly, work longer hours, and make difficult decisions while trying to keep my team employed and my doors open.

The challenges did not end with the pandemic. Over the years, I faced staffing shortages, rising costs, financial pressures, natural disasters, and personal hardships. At times it felt like every obstacle possible was placed in front of me. But each challenge taught me something valuable about perseverance, leadership, and believing in myself.

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that resilience is not about never struggling. It’s about continuing to move forward even when things are difficult. There were many days when I was exhausted, overwhelmed, or unsure of what would happen next, but I refused to give up on the vision I had for Thai Pearl.

Today, Thai Pearl is a thriving women-owned business that has become part of the Asheville community. Looking back, I am proud not only of what I built, but of the strength I discovered along the way. Every challenge made me a better business owner, a stronger leader, and a more grateful person.

My journey has taught me that success is not measured by how few obstacles you face, but by your willingness to keep going when those obstacles appear.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn as a business owner was believing that I had to do everything myself.

When I first opened Thai Pearl, I was involved in every detail of the business. I was cooking, ordering inventory, managing employees, handling customer concerns, creating specials, posting on social media, and solving problems every day. I believed that if I wanted something done right, I had to do it myself.

For a while, that approach worked. But as the business grew, I found myself working longer hours and carrying more responsibility than one person could realistically manage. I was constantly busy but not always moving the business forward.

The turning point came when I realized that growth requires trust. I had to learn how to delegate, train people, and allow my team to take ownership of their responsibilities. That wasn’t easy for me. As someone who deeply cares about quality and customer experience, letting go of control felt uncomfortable.

Over time, I learned that strong businesses are not built by one person. They are built by teams. By trusting others and focusing on leadership instead of trying to do everything myself, I was able to create a stronger foundation for Thai Pearl.

Today, I still care about every detail, but I understand that my role is different. My job is not to do everything—it’s to guide the vision, support my team, and continue growing the business.

That lesson changed the way I lead, and it continues to influence how I approach every new challenge and opportunity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thaipearlasheville.com/?utm_source=google
• Instagram: Thaipearl_restaurant
• Facebook: Thai pearl restaurant