MIGOEK Erfolgsgeschichten – Vinh Nguyen

Summary

The transcript tells the story of an individual who grew up in Eschwege, Germany, after fleeing Vietnam with their family due to the fall of South Vietnam in 1975. The person shares their childhood experiences, the challenges of fitting in, and how skateboarding provided a sense of belonging. Inspired to create a local skate shop in Eschwege after struggling with long waits for skateboard equipment, they partnered with a friend to start a business. Despite the challenges, they stress the importance of perseverance and dedication for entrepreneurs, especially for young founders aiming to succeed.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker is the founder and owner of a skateboard shop in Eschwege, Germany.
• 😀 The speaker’s family emigrated from Vietnam to Germany after the Vietnam War in 1975, seeking a better life.
• 😀 Growing up in Germany, the speaker faced cultural challenges and was initially treated as an outsider.
• 😀 Skateboarding became a form of self-expression and confidence for the speaker, helping them fit in during school.
• 😀 The speaker was introduced to skateboarding at a young age and has been passionate about it ever since.
• 😀 The lack of local skate shops in Eschwege led the speaker to start their own shop to serve the local community.
• 😀 Initially, the speaker’s family had to order skateboarding products, often experiencing delays.
• 😀 After completing school, the speaker moved to Kassel and worked at a skate shop, gaining industry experience.
• 😀 The speaker and their business partner combined their knowledge: one brought financial expertise, while the other had technical skateboard knowledge.
• 😀 The local Chamber of Commerce and City Council in Eschwege provided valuable support and guidance during the shop’s establishment.
• 😀 The speaker’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to focus on perseverance, as success requires resilience and dedication.

Q & A

What is the significance of skateboarding in the speaker's life?

Skateboarding provided the speaker with a sense of security and confidence as a child. It was something that gave them joy and a feeling of doing something cool, even though not everyone engaged in skateboarding.

How did the speaker's background influence their journey?

The speaker's background, specifically their family's escape from Vietnam and their immigrant experience, played a key role in shaping their resilience and determination. They grew up in a new environment, learning to adapt and overcome challenges.

What motivated the speaker to open a skate shop in Eschwege?

The lack of a local skate shop in Eschwege, combined with the challenges of ordering skateboarding products from other cities, motivated the speaker to open a shop. They saw an opportunity to provide a local solution for skateboarding enthusiasts.

How did the speaker start the business and what challenges did they face?

The speaker, along with a business-savvy friend, founded the skate shop with a focus on combining their passion for skateboarding with sound business knowledge. They sought advice from local institutions like the IHK and received support, which helped them overcome challenges related to funding and legitimacy.

What is the speaker's advice for new entrepreneurs?

The speaker advises entrepreneurs to have perseverance and endurance. It's important to stay committed to goals and overcome setbacks, especially when starting a business at a young age.

What was Eschwege like when the speaker first moved there?

When the speaker first moved to Eschwege, it was not as multicultural as it is today. Being an immigrant, they felt like an outsider, facing challenges and encountering stereotypes, especially during their school years.

How did the speaker feel about their identity growing up in Germany?

Growing up in Germany, the speaker felt they were just like everyone else. They spoke the same language, shared similar interests, and tried to fit in, despite their physical appearance marking them as different.

What role did skateboarding play during the speaker's childhood?

Skateboarding was a key activity that helped the speaker feel secure and develop a sense of belonging. It became an important part of their identity and provided an outlet for fun and self-expression.

What were the initial steps taken to start the skate shop?

The speaker and their business partner consulted with the IHK, the local Chamber of Commerce, to get guidance on starting the skate shop. They also sought support from the city's authorities to ensure they met all legal and business requirements.

What does the speaker believe is essential for business success?

The speaker believes that perseverance is key to success in business. Despite facing challenges and delays in the beginning, staying committed to the business idea and working towards it is essential for long-term success.