“I want help other influencers reach our goal in making Lao food become mainstream in America.”
“I started a cooking channel because I wanted to help introduce Lao Food to America. There are a small group of influencers doing this, so I figured it was time to join and see what I can do to help.”
“ I have always been inspired by the many chefs on the Food Network growing up. I want to do what they do, but for Lao food. My mentors are my dad and family. My dad always hype me up. He even learned how to use Facebook just to like and share my posts! He is so proud, but the funny thing is that he can't cook. I first learned how to cook when I was eight years old, making meals like Mama noodles, eggs, simple stir fry, and sticky rice. My mom would always have me make Jeow Som starting at age 14. “
Although I do like the toys I get from Happy Meals back then, I always grew up preferring Lao stews such as Aw Seen over a Happy Meal. My friends, however, did not know what Lao food was so growing up I would always cook Lao food for them to try. I'd make sticky rice with Seen Savanh into little burgers for them, but sticky rice with kai dao and soy sauce was always a winner!
“ I have been a Lao cook influencer for more than a year, and so far it's been time consuming to shoot and edit each episode. It takes a lot of my time away from my personal life. Everyone who is close to me have gotten used to this. Although I have missed occasions with them, being part of the Lao Food Movement is my passion.”
“ So I time manage better and improve on my organizational skills. If I want America's attention on Lao food, I know I have to continue putting out each content better than the last. I'm learning as I'm going.”
“ If you have a passion for something or want to deliver a message then keep trying and never give up. You must learn from what works and what doesn't work. I know that learning from tips and constructive critiques help me with my craft.”
“ The advice I would give to my younger self is go for it, do it, keep going, and do you. Explore and do what you like in your own style! Work hard, learn, and grow. Also, plan each project out to reduce stress.”
I will keep on connecting with people who love food, while learning about other cultures as well. I also plan to have more future events with my Lao Community as well. I am excited to see my cooking show continue to grow over the next few years as I produce more Lao food tutorials. I’ve only been doing this for a one year and three months, and my tutorial on Thum Mak Hoong got over 1.2 Million Views!
That has been a highlight in my life! to have so much support from everyone! I'm thankful for everyone's support, and I can't wait to see the rise of more new things to come from Lao food and other Lao culture influencers in America and around the world. Let's do this guys. We got this!
Cooking with
Mr. International
