Tuyet Hanh Ly

Working as a Retail Sales Associate at TJX taught me more than just retail skills. It shaped how I approach work and people. I learned how to communicate clearly, stay organized in a fast- moving enviroment, and adapt quickly to constant change. Most importantly, the role helped me develop a customer- focused mindset, strong teamwork habits, and a calm, solution-oriented approach when challenges arise. These experiences continue to influence how I collaborate, manage tasks, and deliver value in every role I take on.

My time as a Restaurant Manager at Cafe Earle was a defining chapter in my professional journey. Managing daily workflows, staff scheduling, inventory, and service standards taught me how strong processes directly impact performance and team efficiency. I learned to organize priorities, solve problems proactively, and support teams through clear communication and structured execution. These experiences continue to shape my approach to operations-focused roles, where efficiency, coordination, and continuous improvement are crucial.

Working as an Assistant Manager, I grew into a dependable right hand to the Restaurant Manager, supporting daily operations and stepping in wherever the team needed guidance. Working closely with both leadership and frontline staff taught me confidence, adaptability, and ownership. This experience marked an important stage in my professional growth, shaping my operational mindset and my ability to support teams with clarity and care.

As a Co-founder at Yiko Tea, I learned the challenges and rewards of building a business from the ground up. Leading both sales and operations, I balanced customer needs, team coordination, and daily logistics, developing resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking. This journey taught me how to take initiative, solve problems creatively, and ensure smooth operations while keeping the customer experience at the heart of every decision.

Starting as a server and working my way up to Food and Beverage Manager at Dragon Feast, I have experienced every side of the restaurant operations. This journey taught me how to lead by example, coordinate teams efficiently, and manage day-to-day operations with care and precision. Beyond leading the team incoordinating daily service, I handled basic sales reporting and staff tip calculations, ensuring accuracy and a smooth financial process. Growing through each role strengthened my problem-solving, adaptability, and ability to support both staff and guests, shaping my approach to operational excellence.