From Cancer to Catering, James Choi's Journey of Perseverance Through Life's Challenges, Bootstrapping and Ultimately Achieving Success with Perillas

UnderDog

In this heartwarming podcast episode of The UnderDog, James Choi shares the pivot points that defined his entrepreneurial journey. Despite pressure to follow a conventional career path, James followed his passion for Korean cuisine and created Perillas, a fast-casual restaurant concept. Discover how James's commitment to his team and innovative thinking helped Perillas not only survive but expand during the toughest of times. Get ready to be moved and motivated by a true underdog story!

James Choi is a second-generation Korean immigrant who defied the odds and his family's expectations to become a successful entrepreneur. He is now the owner of Perillas, a restaurant that came from the desire to bring Korean food to the forefront of fast dining, and a personal quest to create a business that reflected his values.

Key Takeaways:

• Health Struggles: Dealing with a cancer diagnosis right after graduating from seminary was a significant personal challenge. It required resilience, a strong support system, and a positive mindset to navigate through the treatment and recovery process.
• Unemployment: Facing a year and a half of unemployment after graduation and unsuccessful job hunting was emotionally challenging. It required a shift in perspective to see it as an opportunity to pursue entrepreneurship rather than a setback.
• Transitioning to a New Industry: Moving from seminary to the tech industry and later to the food business involved a steep learning curve. Adapting to new environments and industries requires humility, a willingness to learn, and the ability to make good decisions consistently.
• Financial Constraints: Starting a business with limited capital posed financial challenges. This required creative solutions, such as utilizing shared kitchen spaces and gradually building the business organically.
• Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sudden halt in revenue for Perilla. Adapting to the new circumstances involved quick thinking and the strategic introduction of meal kits to sustain the business during a challenging period.

As you listen to Pamela’s conversation with James, you'll find yourself rooting for him, not just because he's the underdog, but because his story resonates with the part of us that believes in the power of authenticity, the strength of community, and the courage to follow one's passion against all odds.

Listen to this exciting episode. Join us for the conversation! Listen to the full episode here:

• Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/underdog/id1534385651
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FbSDu0aNtuxAEiderUAfB
• Website: https://theunderdogshow.com

If you found this story worth your time and made changes in your life, we'd love to hear from you! Subscribe and leave a review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Follow and connect with James:

• Perillas: https://www.perillasfood.com/
• Perillasfood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perillasfood/
• James Choi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameschoi6/

The Underdog Podcast host is none other than Pamela Bardhi. She's rocking the Real Estate Realm and has dedicated her life as a Life Coach. She is also in the Forbes Real Estate Council. To know more about Pam, check out the following:

• Website: https://pamelabardhi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamela_bardhi
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pamela_bardhi
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatethroughrealestate

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