Today’s Bossbabe Feature is one that is near and dear to my heart.  Pin and I both grew up in Woonsocket, RI and have built businesses from the ground up.  She is the definition of a Bossbabe!  She is a mom, wife, business owner, and serves our country!  She is strong and so inspiring!   We have similar backgrounds with her parents escaping Laos and my father escaping and both living in refugee camps to starting fresh here in America.  Pin has endured many hardships but is still one of the most positive people I know.  Her husband Nik is one of the most down to earth and funniest people I know.  We have known each other since elementary school.  Seeing him and Pin together and watching them raise a beautiful daughter brings me so much happiness.  They truly are a power couple.  Their daughter Kaydence has two of the best people to look up to!  She is a little spit fire on her own.  So much personality and such a cutie.  If you haven’t tried Minymeals yet what are you waiting for?  They offer meal plans and party platters!  Here are a few of my favorites from our brand session with Pin!  I know you’ll love her feature!  1. Tell us about yourself!

I’m Pin Minyvong and I am the founder/chef of Minymeals.  I am a mommy and I am currently serving full time in the USAF as an Air Reserve Technician.

2. Tell us a little bit about your business!

We are a meal prep business bringing you high quality prepared foods cooked with local ingredients.  Coming from an asian background, our meals are heavily influenced by cultural and traditional recipes passed down from ancestors.  Being the first generation Asian American, our meals are fused with all natural traditional Asian spices with a collaboration of Western cuisine.

3. How did you get where you are today?  What was the journey like?  Who/What helped you along the way?

I changed my eating habits and lifestyle after the death of my mother.  I was 23 years old and had just given birth to a beautiful baby girl when my family and I found out my mother was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.  I did tons of researching about AML, looked up home remedies, foods, or anything that could possibly help her but unfortunately the cancer won.  I lost my mother in a matter of two months.

My life began to spiral down hill.  I lost motivation, I looked sick.  I was burnt out.  I was stressed, gained weight, and soon became depressed.  I didn’t realize how much it took a toll on my life until I failed my first Physical training test in the Air Force.  It shattered my and I felt like a complete loser.  I had enough and told myself “no more.”  No more excuses and that I needed to wake up and take charge of my life.

That’s when I joined my local gym.  I started lifting weights and became part of a fitness community also known as my fit fam.  I learned a lot from them with it came to proper techniques and weight lifting.  I started eating right and meal prepped.  I documented my journey through Instagram.  One of my friends from the gym noticed my Instagram and asked me to meal prep for him because he hated cooking.  I posted his meals and the inquiries started rolling in through my DMS!  I was shocked and didn’t realize how many people wanted/needed meal prep.  I seized the moment and that’s how Minymeals was born.

My parents escaped communism in Laos, my sister was born in a refugee camp in Thailand.  My mother hid her pregnancy (me) so that I could be gifted as an Asian American born a U.S. Citizen.  The hardship they endured is something I’ll never be able to top.  They are my greatest inspiration.  My biggest motivators.  The sacrifices they have made leaves me no other choice other than to succeed.

4. Do you follow a certain daily routine or schedule to maximize productivity and well being?

When I wake up, the first thing I do is drink water and a cup of hot black coffee.  I start off with a list of things I am grateful for and I say it out loud.  On my way to work, I listen to influencers on YouTube such as Gary Vee, Robert Kiyosaki, and Thomas DeLauer just to name a few.  After work, I head to the gym and get my daily workout in.

5. If you could go back 5 years what would you tell yourself?

Slow down and don’t rush, take your time!  Stop comparing your journey to others.  This is your life and it’s at your pace.  Enjoy every minute of life as it comes and embrace it with gratitude.

6. What is the biggest challenge you face as an entrepreneur?

Time.  I work full-time and run a side business.  I need to learn how to let go of some of the hats I wear.

7. You are a role model for women!  Do you have any advice for women in business?

Yes!  You are not ALONE!  Network and get involved with others that are in the same boat as you are.  Be part of a community, build a team of cheerleaders.

8. What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not working on your business?

Spending time with my daughter and baking brownies!  Cuddling in bed with her and watching her favorite tv shows or doing arts and crafts.

9. If you could inspire our readers, what would you say to them to pursue their dreams?

If you believe in yourself, others will too!  You’ll know that it’s your passion when you don’t realize that you’re doing “work.” It’s something you enjoy that makes you happy and feels rewarding!