As I sit down to write this blog, my thoughts turn to the incredible kids who play such a big role in our community. This month, I had the privilege of volunteering in several spaces, and one that truly stood out to me was Junior Achievement North. I volunteered as a career speaker and pitch judge, and the experience was nothing short of amazing.
I had the opportunity to interact with kids from 4th to 6th grade, and I was in awe of their excitement and eagerness to learn. As an entrepreneur, I have the flexibility to share the wide variety of things I get to do each day, and it was a joy to see the kids so engaged. I talked about how I chose my path, what it means to make a difference, and how being an Asian immigrant shapes my journey.
One of my favorite parts of the sessions was the Q&A round. The kids' questions were raw and real, giving me a glimpse into their curious minds. Some questions made me reflect deeply, while others filled me with excitement. Questions like, "How did you make it even though you weren't born here?", "How did you start your business?", "Why are you not working for others?", "How do you maintain such positive energy?", and "Does your family support you?" were inspiring.
However, there were also questions that made me dwell later, like "I don't know what my mother does?", "What car do you drive?", "Where did you buy your shoes?", and "How much did your shoes cost?" These questions remind me of the diverse realities the kids come from and the importance of being a positive role model.
Connecting with these kids is my chance to make a difference, no matter how small. As entrepreneurs, we often get caught up in our own spaces, but I encourage everyone to take time to volunteer. The lessons you learn and the joy you receive are immeasurable.
I'm thankful for all the volunteer opportunities I have because they allow me to give back. The mission of Namaste Brows and Boutique is to make people feel beautiful inside and out. This past year, I learned that I don't have to wait for my customers to come in to share positive energy. Instead, I choose to volunteer in various spaces and be a light for others.
With this blog, I encourage you to volunteer, whether individually or with your family. If you live in St. Paul, MN, there's a big Volunteer Fair on August 12th, 5pm-7pm hosted by Do Good Roseville at Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, 1910 County Road B West, Roseville, MN (https://dogoodroseville.com/past-volunteer-fairs/. It's a fantastic opportunity to find ways to give back to our community.
Let's make a difference together!
Warm regards,
Jeena Gurung Vomhof
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