My name is Mai Ker Hang, and my journey began in a refugee camp in Thailand, where I was born in 1993. Growing up in Wat Tham Krabok, life was challenging. The camp was a place of uncertainty and hardship, and as the eldest child, I often found myself dreaming of things that seemed out of reach. One of those dreams was to have a birthday cake, something I saw other children enjoying but never experienced myself. It was that simple longing that ignited a passion in me—a passion for baking that would one day shape my future.
In 2004, my family received news that would change our lives forever. We were moving to America, a place my relatives had spoken of with such hope and excitement. They told stories of the "American Dream," a land of endless possibilities where poverty was left behind. But when we finally set foot on American soil, I quickly realized that while America was indeed a land of opportunity, it was also a place full of new challenges and unknowns.
It was overwhelming at first, especially since my parents didn’t speak any English and we had no money. I had to grow up quickly, learning English, navigating a new culture and figuring out how to support my family.
One of the hardest things to face was the way people looked at us as refugees. People assumed we were uneducated, that we were somehow less because we came from a different place. Some even made fun of us or took advantage of our lack of understanding of the American way of life. But I held on to the words of my parents: They always told me that actions speak louder than words. It didn’t matter what others thought or said. What mattered was what I did, how I lived my life and what I achieved.
For me, success isn’t about how much money you have. It’s about the friends you make, the community you build and the impact you have on others. I always dreamed of owning a bakery, and that dream finally became a reality. Now, as the owner of Great Harvest Bread Co. in St. Paul, I wake up every day excited to put a smile on my customers’ faces. My bakery is a place where I can be myself, share my craft and give back to the community that has given me so much.
Looking back on my journey, I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished—from graduating high school and college to owning my first car and finally achieving my dream of running a bakery. But what I’m most proud of is being the first Hmong refugee to own a Great Harvest Bread Co. bakery. It’s a testament to the hard work and determination that brought me here.
Today, I’m involved in various community events and organizations, from the Ramsey Hill Association to Women Venture and the Hmong community. I want to continue being active and giving back, not just to my community but also to other immigrants and refugees who are finding their way in a new country.
To other refugees navigating a new life in a new country, my advice is simple: Stay focused on your dreams and goals. Our parents brought us here so we wouldn’t have to endure the struggles they faced. As long as you keep following your dream, you’ll get there one day.
