Meet Ivanna Nguyen | Small Business Owner, Creator & Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ivanna Nguyen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivanna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting Lucky Yu Bakery was rooted in something close to my heart—a childhood dream I once thought would never be possible. For a long time, I felt the need to hide parts of who I was, especially when it came to the foods and flavors I grew up loving. Flavors like matcha, red bean, corn pudding, and durian were once things I felt embarrassed by, simply because they weren’t seen as “normal” in the spaces I grew up in.
But over time, I realized those flavors are part of my identity—and they’re all something to be proud of.

So when I launched Lucky Yu in December 2024, it wasn’t just about baking desserts or making drinks. It was about embracing my culture unapologetically and sharing it with others in a way that feels creative, comforting, and modern. I wanted to reclaim the narrative I grew up with and help others feel proud of where they come from too—especially through something as joyful and universal as food.

But beyond that, I wanted Lucky Yu to feel like a safe, uplifting space. As someone who struggles with mental health, I know how much it means to find little pockets of comfort. That’s why we put out motivational pull-tab posters at our pop-ups, give out playful or thoughtful sticker messages, and try to make every interaction a warm one. It’s my hope that—even if it’s just for a minute—someone can enjoy a treat and feel a little more at ease, like they’ve stepped into a space that truly sees and welcomes them.

In short, I started this bakery to create a community where culture is celebrated, creativity thrives, and people leave feeling just a little bit happier than when they arrived.

What should our readers know about your business?
Lucky Yu Bakery is a small-batch dessert and drink brand that was created from a dream I had as a young girl—and it’s grown through passion, community, and storytelling. What sets us apart is that we’re not just a bakery—we’re a creative space that prioritizes mental health, cultural celebration, and meaningful connection.

One of the things our customers love most is our rotating menu. Every pop-up or event features new, fun, and seasonal flavors to keep things exciting and fresh—so nothing ever feels repetitive or overdone. We bake in small batches and handcraft all our drinks, typically selling until we’re sold out. This approach allows us to focus on quality, creativity, and attention to detail in every item. As a small business, that level of care is something we take great pride in.

But more than just the treats, I’m most proud of the connection we’ve built with our community. Lucky Yu has always been about creating a space that feels warm, uplifting, and intentional. We put a lot of thought into the little things—like motivational pull-tab posters, playful packaging, and thoughtful stickers—because we want every customer to feel seen, encouraged, and a little bit lighter after visiting us.

I’m also incredibly proud of the feedback we receive, whether it’s kind words or constructive ideas. Every message, comment, or suggestion helps us grow, and I’m genuinely thankful to those who take the time to support or share their thoughts. It means so much when new customers tell us they love our branding or think our booth and promotions are cute—we put a lot of effort into making everything visually pleasing and welcoming, so it’s incredibly rewarding when that gets noticed.

Getting to where we are today has been anything but easy. In the beginning, I had no idea how to break into the local pop-up scene—I didn’t know anything about hosting events, applying to markets, or even where to begin. It felt overwhelming and intimidating. But after doing extensive research, reaching out to other small businesses, and attending events myself to learn and observe, I slowly began to figure things out. Each step forward was a small win.

Even then, traction didn’t come overnight. Every pop-up was a learning experience—how to prep more efficiently, how to improve our booth setup, how to better engage with customers. There was a lot of trial and error. But over time, I started meeting people who believed in what I was doing. Through word-of-mouth and social media, we slowly started to grow—and with every event, we continue to build something meaningful.

Running Lucky Yu is still a major challenge. I manage almost every part of the business on my own—from baking and drink prep to menu development, flavor testing, content creation, graphic design, and social media—on top of being a full-time student and working two other jobs. It can be exhausting, but the support from our community and the joy I get from watching people connect with our brand makes it all worth it.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is to stop doubting myself. I’m a perfectionist and tend to overthink because I want every customer experience to feel special. But I’ve learned that growth takes time, and things don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. I’ve had to remind myself to be patient with my process, to give myself grace, and to celebrate the small wins along the way.

What I want the world to know is that Lucky Yu Bakery was built from a place of love—for culture, for creativity, and for community. It’s a reflection of my journey in embracing who I am, honoring the flavors I once felt self-conscious about, and creating a space where others can feel seen, celebrated, and comforted.

Every detail—from our menu items to the motivational posters and packaging—is intentional. I pour a lot of heart into this brand because I know how powerful it can be to find even small moments of joy and connection. Lucky Yu is my way of offering that to others.

At its core, this brand is a love letter—to anyone who’s ever felt different, to those navigating mental health, to students and dreamers balancing multiple jobs, and to anyone finding healing through food, creativity, and community. And this is just the beginning. I’m so excited to keep learning, growing, and sharing this journey with the people who make it all possible.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit, here are some of my favorite spots I’d take them to for a fun week:

Food Spots
• Noodle Works (Southlake) – Handmade noodles and authentic chinese food
• Maht Gaek (Carrollton) – Authentic Korean food with bold, homey flavors
• JingHe Japanese Restaurant (Dallas) – Cozy atmosphere and consistently great AYCE sushi
• Legacy Hall (Plano) – Food hall with tons of variety, live music, and city vibes

Drinks
• Redstraw – One of my favorite boba spots

Activities & Fun
• The Cosm Studio (Dallas)
• K-style Photobooth (Carrollton) – For cute, fun photos to remember the trip
• Bishop Arts District / Deep Ellum – For murals, indie shops, and local vibes
• Visiting local pop-ups or markets for handmade goods, treats, and community fun

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There’s absolutely no way I could have built Lucky Yu Bakery on my own, and I’m endlessly grateful for the people behind the scenes who make it all possible.
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family and close friends—the ones who wake up early to help wash dishes, set up and tear down our pop-up booth in the Texas heat, chat with customers to help create our warm and welcoming atmosphere, and offer words of encouragement exactly when I need them.

They’ve believed in me from the very beginning—even in moments when I struggled to believe in myself. Their love, support, and quiet acts of service have carried me through every challenge and celebrated every small win right alongside me. Lucky Yu wouldn’t be what it is without them, and I’m so thankful to have them in my corner.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckyubakery/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivannan13

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572509035831

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@luckyubakeryy

Image Credits
Ivanna Nguyen