Life & Work with HuyenTram Nguyen of Monrovia

Today we’d like to introduce you to HuyenTram Nguyen.

Hi HuyenTram, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in the restaurant business in Chicago, and after getting married, I moved to Southern California. Following my divorce, I worked as a bartender while raising my five children. When my youngest started high school, I decided it was time for a new challenge. At that time, I was managing the catering department of a local spot in the San Gabriel Valley. I thought, if I can successfully run someone else’s catering business, why can’t I start my own? With the support of a few people who believed in me, I took the leap, and now, seven years later, I have a steadily growing business.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been an easy journey. Unfortunately, I started my business just before COVID hit, which had a significant impact on both my business and the world. To stay positive, I focused on providing meal prep services and delivering meals to people. I listened to what customers were missing, as many of their favorite restaurants were closed, and some were too afraid to go out. I delivered twice a week to both Los Angeles and Orange County. My aim was to show people that if we supported each other, we could get through this challenging time together.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I provide customized menus tailored to each client because everyone’s needs are different, and each group is celebrating a unique occasion. I enjoy learning about their special moments, their favorite dishes, and the stories they want to share. Fixed menus often limit these narratives, but with an open menu concept, there are endless possibilities!

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Success isn’t just about serving great food. It’s about having an incredible team that shares your love and passion. A team that realizes it takes a collective effort to achieve our goals. While we strive for perfection, we must ask ourselves: what is perfection? Ultimately, all we can hope for is a smooth event and satisfied guests.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sayhuyencatering.com
• Instagram: @sayhuyencatering
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/say-huyen-catering-monrovia?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)