As we close out 2022 what better entrepreneur to spotlight this month than the startGBC 2022 Student Entrepreneur of the Year! We are so proud to catch up with Chef Sand Tsoi, Executive Chef, Baan Authentic Thai
About Chef Sand Tsoi
Chef Tsoi has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. When she combined her passion for cooking with her love of Thai food, she found a gap in Toronto’s culinary scene for authentic Thai street food and turned it into a business. Chef Tsoi, is a 4th-year student in, Culinary Management Program at George Brown College. Wonderfully juggling academic requirements, running a business and raising her 14-month-old son. Through Baan Authentic Thai, Chef Tsoi has the vision of applying modern culinary theory and techniques to the generational Thai family recipes she has learnt from her mother and grandmother.
Academic Background
Chef Tsoi is in her final year of the Culinary Management Program at George Brown College
What made you want to become an entrepreneur?
I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. With my passion for cooking and my love of Thai food, I wanted people in the Greater Toronto Area to be able to taste and enjoy authentic Thai food.
Why did you create your business?
When the pandemic struck the hospitality industry, like so many in the industry I had my hours cut at the restaurant I was working at. So I seized the opportunity to bring to life my vision of launching my own business which I had passionately considered for some time.
What successes have you enjoyed so far with building your company?
An article in BlogTO really helped launch my business in 2021 and since then I’ve been featured in Toronto Life and on the CBC. But getting to know my repeat customers and hearing firsthand how much they enjoyed the food is really rewarding and keeps me motivated.
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
“Be patient, don’t let the early failures make you give up. Don’t let making money be your focus, find something you are really passionate about and the money will come.” – Chef Sand Tsoi
Who helped support your entrepreneurial journey?
I can’t give enough credit to George Brown College. GBC helped me find my first job in Toronto’s culinary scene. I met my friends who have helped me grow my business at GBC. Most importantly the wealth of knowledge and experience in the faculty staff who have been instrumental in guiding and supporting me in my journey
What book or books inspire you?
Anthony Bourdain – Kitchen Confidential
Final thoughts?
Being an entrepreneur is tough. But it is a crazy and fun journey that will fill you with experiences you won’t get with a regular job.