In 2000, I first set foot in Taiwan as a foreign laborer working in an electronics factory. At the time, I didn&rsquot have many plans for the future &mdash I just knew I loved beauty and enjoyed interacting with people. After returning to Vietnam for three years, I came back to Taiwan for love. From then on, I began a new chapter of life here.

Back in Vietnam, I had already started a business at a young age. I opened my bridal shop at 18 and worked as a bridal stylist. I&rsquove always had a passion for beauty and styling. After marrying into a Taiwanese family, I continuously took training courses to integrate into the local community, including many programs for new immigrants. I also served as the chairperson of a new immigrant association for over six years. Through the association, I helped many Vietnamese sisters who had just married into Taiwanese families learn the language and adapt to life here. That experience inspired my vision of building a &ldquofamily-style entrepreneurship base.&rdquo

What I&rsquove deeply realized is this: entrepreneurship is not a simple path &mdash it takes time, preparation, structure, and the right mindset. Once I found my footing, I chose to share my experience with other new immigrant sisters, becoming a consultant and companion on their entrepreneurial journeys. 

From Learner to Companion

I&rsquove mentored many new Vietnamese immigrant women. Some have just arrived in Taiwan and struggle with the language. Others are more settled and want to turn their skills into a business. Regardless of their background, the phrase I say most often is:
 &ldquoStarting a business takes more than passion &mdash it&rsquos a long-distance endurance race.&rdquo

I don&rsquot teach people how to succeed overnight. Instead, I help them clarify their readiness: Are you prepared? What risks might you face? I guide them through realistic assessments and planning. 

1. Don&rsquot Just Think About the First Step &mdash Think About the Third

Ask yourself: &ldquoAre my skills solid enough? Do I understand the Taiwan market? Am I aware of the legal requirements? Where is the funding coming from?&rdquo
 Don&rsquot open a shop on impulse or just because others encouraged you &mdash you could lose both money and hope. Your mindset must adapt with the times, and you need to keep learning the basics: language, laws, management, marketing, and finance. Be ready to face pressure and challenges. Don't fear hardship &mdash start from the ground up. 

2. Legal Operations Are Basic and Protective

In Taiwan, opening a business requires official registration and tax filing. This is not just a responsibility &mdash it also protects your rights, including applying for subsidies or business loans in the future. 

3. Don&rsquot Rely on Emotions Alone &mdash You Need Systems

Many people start businesses with friends and family. While people say &ldquolead with heart,&rdquo without clear roles and rules, conflicts can easily arise. I learned this the hard way when a group of trusted employees left all at once. That&rsquos when I realized:
 &ldquoTrust must be backed by structure. Profit-sharing systems must be clearly defined.&rdquo
 Sharing profits is key to employee stability and loyalty. 

4. Let Your Team Grow Independently

In today&rsquos market, skills alone aren&rsquot enough &mdash you must market yourself. At first, I didn&rsquot run ads but built a steady client base through word-of-mouth and Google reviews. I encourage my sisters to learn basic video-making and social media skills. Let customers see what we&rsquore doing &mdash that&rsquos how business grows steadily. 

5. It&rsquos Okay to Have Limited Funds &mdash But Not to Lack Planning

Many people think all they need is décor and equipment. But the real test comes in the 3&ndash6 months after opening. You must reserve operating funds. Otherwise, the shop may close in just two months &mdash the most heartbreaking outcome.

For my first store, I used my car loan, some cash and did much of the setup myself. I didn&rsquot apply for subsidies. What I relied on was my &ldquofriendship capital&rdquo &mdash my years of involvement in various community groups gave me rich connections and resources. That was my biggest asset.

I Don&rsquot Give Standard Answers &mdash I Help My Sisters See Clearly

As a consultant, I often say:
 &ldquoI won&rsquot decide for you, but I&rsquoll help you see each option.&rdquo
 Each sister has her own life and circumstances. I don&rsquot give them one-size-fits-all templates &mdash I help them find their rhythm.

I also say: &ldquoEntrepreneurship is not the only path.&rdquo
 If you're not ready, or if family pressure is too great, it&rsquos okay to focus on working, learning, and building yourself first. Life is not a race &mdash walking steadily matters more than walking fast.

My Belief: Going Slowly Is the Fastest Way

I've seen many strong women in this journey of supporting new immigrant entrepreneurs. They may have no background or resources, but they&rsquore willing to work hard, learn, and give their best. That spirit is what I cherish most.

I hope that when they step onto their stage, they&rsquoll know they&rsquore not walking alone. I&rsquoll keep being that person beside them &mdash offering support, reminders, and light &mdash because I believe that on this path, &ldquowith three people walking together, one can always be our teacher.&rdquo