Lavinia Doan

LAV Sushi

I’ve been fortunate to have my work and story featured on platforms such as KPRC2, Houston Life, Asian Hustle Network, The Bert Show, Voyage Houston, The Leader, and Unation, which has allowed me to share my journey and connect with a broader community. I was also honored to receive the McKinsey Next Generation Woman Leader Award and the Wharton School's Unsung Hero Award, both of which recognize leadership, impact, and dedication to making a difference beyond the spotlight

Nu Beta | University of Alabama

What motto or phrase motivates you?

If you're lucky enough to live to 90 years, you only have 32,850 days; so make them count. If something is important to you, don't wait.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Resourceful, Empathetic, Unifier

What advice would you give to someone entering your field?

Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy, and getting started is often the hardest part. Along the way, there will be peaks and valleys, but nothing is more gratifying than stepping back and calling something your own. If you ever want to start something, just go for it. Start small, choose a path with minimal barriers, and build on it if it feels right. Don’t be afraid to lean on your community for help - people want to see you succeed. Most importantly, if you do something you love, success will find its way to you, and you’ll never feel like you’ve worked a day in your life.