Meet Jennifer Nguyen | Founder and Owner of Mochimas

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

Hi Jennifer, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
The one thing about our industry that outsiders are probably unaware of is the challenges small businesses face especially for those who are building their business from the ground up with no prior experiences. I knew it’s a lot of work to start any company, but I didn’t realize how much work truly goes into it. Especially all the paperwork you need to legalize your business especially in food and beverage. From registering your business with the state to obtaining certain permits and licenses to getting insurance for your business to protect your personal assets – there’s a lot to it than people realize.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Mochimas offers Hawaiian butter mochi inspired baked goods that’s gluten free and nut free with select vegan options. We avoid using any artificial flavors or food coloring. Here at Mochimas, we try to incorporate Asian flavors from our Vietnamese (me) and Filipino (Sebastian) heritages into our baked goods while baking certain classic desserts like brownies, muffins and cakes. Our baked goods are not stuffed with mochi, but is incorporated into the baking. We are currently in the mist of sourcing ingredients directly from Hawai’i. After all, we are Hawaiian butter mochi inspired baked goods so it would only make sense to source what we can from Hawai’i and to support farmers. With all the unique flavors and techniques, this sets us apart from other bakers.

Over the years, as a small business with no prior experiences we definitely endured many challenges. The beginning challenges were not knowing where to begin filing paperwork with the state or how to obtain certain permits. More recently, other AAPI businesses taking advantage of us (which still breaks my heart today) or how to take my business to the next level can be challenging too. I like to keep a positive mind set and believe everything happens for a reason. Lessons can be learned through any setbacks, nonetheless, that doesn’t mean you’re failing – you’re growing and more knowledgeable for the next set of challenges that may come ahead. There’s been a couple of investors and other businesses who reached out wanting to become business partners or carry our products at their stores, however, for a few reasons I would decline or didn’t think it was the right time. I did what felt right. Things will fall into place when it should be. My ultimate goal is to have my own brick and mortar without any loans – all me.

I’m proud of me. I’m proud where our business is heading and I’m excited to see what Mochimas has in stored for years to come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In my house hold we love to eat! I would take you to all our favorite local bakeries, chocolate store such as Francium Chocolate in Tustin, tea booths/shops, ice cream stores, restaurants and farmer markets throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. I also love attending themed festivals and events like lavender farm because we can continue to eat, shop, explore and experience unique products. Great way to support fellow small business owners.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Mochimas’ success wouldn’t be where it is today without many individuals that helped, encouraged and supported my journey. To start, my husband Sebastian has been my number one supporter since the very beginning. He was the person that gave me the courage to start Mochimas – I still remember fondly our chat the night I started Mochimas. I’m the kind of person that likes to have a plan and security; whereas, Sebastian is more of a “just do it” person. About 2 years ago, Sebastian had a demanding position at his corporate job where he worked long hours, weekends and sometimes holidays. But he decided to step down from that role to a position where he can have more of a set work schedule to be available on the weekends to give me a helping hand. Sebastian has helped me so much over the years behind the scenes. I’m forever grateful for my loving and supportive husband.

To my family, especially my mom for taking such great care of my daughters to allow me do what’s needed for my business plus giving me some resting days when needed. My mom even cooks for us on occasion because there’s been times when Sebastian and I don’t eat until the end of the day or have the chance to cook a healthy meal because we’re too exhausted from a full day’s work.

I am also beyond grateful of our friends, extended family and community. To those who have purchased from us whether it’s for a catering event, office parties or for yourselves – thank you. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your celebrations and including our baked mochi into your life weekly at our farmers market. Thank you to those who allowed us to share our journey on how/why we started our business and are engaging on our social media. I really appreciate those who took the time to leave us their honest review on Yelp. All your ongoing words of encouragement kept us going. Your support doesn’t go unnoticed. I’m thankful for all the brands Mochimas had the opportunity to collaborate with and the events we’ve been blessed to attend. Words cannot express how immensely grateful I am.

Instagram: @mochimas

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mochimas-lake-forest?osq=mochimas

Image Credits
Lupe Juarez Photography