Mandy Nguyen, originally from Vietnam, made a life-changing decision to move to New Zealand more than twenty years ago with only $40 in her pocket and two pairs of clothing.
Her journey to New Zealand was daunting, as she did not know what was to come and had a minimal English background.
Despite her challenges, Nguyen is grateful for her opportunities and the people she has met since arriving in New Zealand.
Her passion for hospitality began with her frequent meetings with clients and friends in cafes and bars. From her observations of the café atmosphere, she dreamed of owning her café or restaurant, which became a reality.
Milk & Honey's unique menu combines Western and Asian fusion dishes. The cafe serves a wide range of coffee and organic teas and has an excellent selection of wines.
For Nguyen, the defining feature of a great coffee is not just the skill involved in making it or the quality of the coffee itself but the combination of care, love, and appreciation between staff and customers.
When asked about her go-to coffee order, Nguyen prefers a triple shot flat white with no sugar. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her kids.
In her spare time, she likes to go to the beach, take a road trip, walk in the forest, and experience the world's natural beauty.
Nguyen appreciates the simple things in life and finds joy in the sounds of waterfalls, birds chirping, and a song on the radio that brings back memories.
The most rewarding aspects of her job are the friendships she has formed, the connections she has made, and her ability to adapt to different situations.
Over the years, Nguyen has enjoyed listening to the stories and experiences of customers from all walks of life and witnessing their significant life events.
She is also proud of her team's efforts to create a meaningful customer experience. Many of her team members have built successful careers in hospitality, and she values the opportunity to help them achieve their goals.
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