Meet Christine Suh | Educational Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christine Suh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christine, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk-taking has been a fundamental aspect of my life and career journey. I resonate deeply with the idea that “each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.”-Theodore Rooselvet. This sentiment is echoed in my belief that taking risks is essential for personal growth and professional development.

One of the pivotal risks I took was transitioning from the public education sector to the private sector to serve public schools in need of staffing support. This decision was made because I wanted to contribute to creating solutions rather than just identifying problems and complaining about the options that existed. Despite the significant pay cut involved in joining a small mom-and-pop agency, I was given the opportunity to deliver direct services to clients while gaining valuable experience in business operations, finances, recruiting, and leadership. The agency quickly grew and within 2 years, we were acquired and served as the educational division of a nationwide staffing company.

This risk not only led to financial success but also provided me with a wealth of knowledge that has been instrumental my current endeavors as a small business owner.

Another life-changing risk was leaving the high-paying position at the agency. While the financial stability was appealing, I felt a lack of fulfillment as I was no longer directly involved with the core purpose of my career – working with children and educators directly working with students. This prompted me to take the bold step of leaving that comfortable yet misaligned situation to pursue my passions independently.

The quote by Muhammad Ali, “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life” deeply resonates with me. Despite encountering challenges and setbacks along the way, including financial uncertainties and personal sacrifices such as temporarily moving back in with my parents and renting out the unit I was living in, taking these risks has ultimately allowed me to align my career with my passions. It’s a reminder that while we may face defeats, we must not be defeated, and that taking calculated risks is often the catalyst for growth, fulfillment, and achieving one’s true potential.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m excited to introduce the essence of Baryo and what makes us unique. At its core, Baryo is dedicated to cultivating a loving and inclusive community while celebrating the diverse tapestry of cultures through the art of cuisine. We strongly believe that food possesses the incredible power to unite people and foster a shared sense of belonging.

Baryo’s mission is deeply intertwined with our personal journeys and upbringing. It represents more than just a culinary venture; it’s a platform to share our stories and vision, emphasizing the importance of locally grown, prepared, and shared food within a close-knit community. Our goal is to bring people together, sparking curiosity, and igniting discussions about the cultural origins of food and its potential to inspire and educate.

One of our proudest accomplishments is our dedication to serving breakfast and lunch to Adult Day Health Centers every weekday, nourishing senior citizens and adults with disabilities. We are privileged to provide them with wholesome, authentic and tasty meals that contribute to their well-being.

Participating in events like LB Proud, LA3C, and the Central Ave Jazz Festival, as well as collaborating with local establishments and breweries, allows us to connect with diverse communities and introduce them to our unique blend of Southeast Asian and Filipino-inspired cuisine with a Southern California vibe.
We love organizing events to raise awareness about our partners, including AAPI DJs, musicians, artists, nonprofits, and small businesses. Through private catering services and fundraisers, we leverage the power of our food and atmosphere to support various causes close to our hearts.

Baryo also offers our signature vegan coconut jam, Matamis Na Bao, renowned for its versatility. It has become one of my favorite condiments due to its buttery, spreadable texture and “not so sweet” taste. It complements a wide range of dishes, perfect on toast, pancakes, waffles, or as a pairing for cheese and charcuterie. Additionally, it’s a delightful drizzle on ice cream or in your coffee, and adds a delectable touch when baked into desserts.

Baryo’s newest venture is at Union, a culinary gem within Compound, an arts and wellness center in Long Beach’s Zaferia district. Baryo’s CEO and Executive Chef, Eugene Santiago curates a menu that celebrates diverse cultures, blending Southeast Asian and Filipino influences with a SoCal vibe. Our residency at Union embodies Baryo’s commitment to community and culinary excellence, offering guests a unique dining experience that highlights intersectional culture and fosters connections through food and hospitality.​

Looking ahead, we aim to establish our own brick-and-mortar location in Long Beach, creating a permanent community hub that reflects our values and fosters cultural and culinary vibrancy. Additionally, we are committed to partnering with local farms and youth empowerment organizations, offering work experience opportunities to young individuals and supporting their growth as future leaders.

My journey in education and business have been shaped by my entrepreneurial spirit and passion for working with youth and doing all that I can to assure they feel seen, heard, valued and celebrated. After 20 years in education, serving in various roles from middle and high school Special Education Teacher to Non Public Agency Director, I took a leap of faith and transitioned into independent contracting for Special Education consultation part time to pursue my personal passions.

It has been a dream for me to be a business owner to then partner with educational organizations to offer mentorship and work experience opportunities to untapped youth. Being an owner of Baryo has truly been a humbling and life changing experience. My previous experience in business in the world of education taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, strategy, and perseverance which have been critical in the transition to the hospitality industry.

One of the major lessons I’ve learned along the way is the immense value of social networks as the most crucial resource in any endeavor. Building strong relationships and fostering a supportive community not only opens doors to opportunities but also enhances innovation, collaboration, and resilience. The collective knowledge, skills, and diverse perspectives within a network of individuals can lead to creative solutions, strategic partnerships, and sustained growth. In essence, investing in people and nurturing meaningful connections is the cornerstone of long-term success in today’s interconnected and dynamic business landscape.

Additionally, although I’ve always been a people person, I also love nerding out on numbers. Through my experiences, I’ve come to understand that the longevity of a business hinges on working smarter, not harder, and ensuring its financial viability. This understanding has been crucial in shaping the trajectory of both my educational and entrepreneurial journeys. It’s taught me the importance of strategic decision-making, effective resource allocation, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders.

At Baryo, we prioritize not just creating exceptional culinary experiences but also building a community and empowering our team members. By balancing my passion for people, especially youth, with a strategic approach to business operations, I’ve been able to navigate challenges and seize opportunities effectively. I believe that this combination of people-centric values and financial acumen is key to sustainable success in any industry.

I believe in creating opportunities for the next generation and fostering a sense of community and cultural appreciation. Baryo represents not just a business but a vision of inclusivity, education, and culinary exploration. #Community #Culture #Cuisine

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ooo so much to do!! I’ll provide some options in Long Beach, my favorite city and hometown since 2005 and sprinkle in a little LA.

Where to eat/drink:
-Union located at the Compound with menu curated by Baryo
-Manaow Thai
-Ammatoli
-The Attic
-Ellie’s
-Saints on 2nd
-Sushi Nikkei
-Claire’s at Long Beach Museum of Art
-Ambitious Ales with Pizza delivered to you by Thunderbolt Pizza
-Sala Coffee and Wine
-Baby Gee’s Bar
-Rosemallows Bar
-Rose Park Roasters on Ocean or Pine
-Common Room Roasters Coffee
-Gusto Bread
-Collosus Bread

What to do:
-Bike ride along the boardwalk to the lighthouse, Queen Mary and to Ballast Point
-Scooter ride around downtown and Arts District to see all of the murals that are a part of “Long Beach Walls”
-Fourth Fridays on 4th street
-Shopping along 4h street retro row or 1st street in Arts District
-1st Fridays Bixby Knolls with must stops at Ambitious Ales, Sala and Kubo LB
-Farmer’s market at the Marina on Sundays
-Club Real Ones-1st Sundays
-Paddle Board at Mother’s Beach/Naples
-Museum of Latin American Art
-Signal Hill View

Long Beach Adjacent-Palos Verdes
-South Coast Botanic Garden
-Terranea Discovery Trail

LA:
-Los Angeles Record Fair by Beatswapmeet
-Griffith Observatory
-Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art
-Getty Museum
-Grammy Museum
-Museum of Contemporary Art
-Wine tasting at Malibu Cafe
-Immersive experiences with past favorites including Hip Hop til Infinity and Van Gogh.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents, whose love, support, and guidance have been instrumental in shaping who I am today. Their hard work, generosity, and strong faith have deeply influenced my core values, teaching me to be kind and spread love, the importance of giving back, helping those in need and fulfilling God’s purpose in my life. I also want to acknowledge the countless individuals and organizations that have played a role in my journey, providing mentorship, opportunities, and inspiration along the way.

Website: https://www.eatbaryo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csuh55/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-suh-b2aa6472/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.suh.5?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Headshot-Angel Matute