From Refugee to Richmond Icon Tan A: Yen’s 35-Year Journey
How one Vietnamese refugee turned $10,000 and determination into a thriving Richmond grocery business
6221 W Broad St, Richmond, VA
When Yen escaped Vietnam by boat as a refugee, she arrived in Canada with nothing but hope. What followed was two years of grueling work: 5 AM newspaper delivery routes, weekend factory shifts, and every dollar carefully saved. The goal was $10,000 to start their own business.
"Time was very rough," Yen recalls of those early years. But rough times build resilient entrepreneurs.
With their savings, Yen and her family opened a small rental store in Canada. After proving their concept, they made a bold move: driving up to DC without GPS, eventually settling in Richmond. That leap of faith was 35 years ago.
The business grew steadily: a larger location after 10 years, and an even bigger expansion after 30 years. Today, Yen’s store serves as a cornerstone of Richmond's Vietnamese community.
Her schedule tells the story:
Monday and Thursday: 1:30 AM wake-ups to a 1.5 hour drive for the freshest groceries in Washington D.C.
Open 9 AM to 9 PM, seven days a week
No vacations, no days off
Her family calls her "superwoman"
The Cultural Advantage
What separates Yen’s store from competitors isn't just dedication; it's cultural knowledge as a business strategy.
Authentic Expertise: Yen doesn't just sell Vietnamese products; she knows them intimately. Her Chinese herbs and natural medicine section offers personalized recommendations based on individual situations, knowledge rooted in cultural tradition that other stores can't replicate.
Community Pricing: Yen practices the Vietnamese value of "tình" (relationships over transactions). She negotiates with companies for the best deals, offers strategic discounts, and honors the bargaining culture. All to make products more affordable for her customers. Fair treatment builds loyalty no marketing can buy.
Family Foundation: Mom, dad, brother, and son all work in the business, a classic Vietnamese multigenerational approach that pools resources and shares success.
Never Give Up
Yen didn't speak English when she arrived. She learned by selling goods on the streets, one customer interaction at a time. "Determination and courage. Never give up," she says simply.
From a refugee boat to 35 years of Richmond business success, Yen embodies the heritage advantage: cultural wisdom isn't an obstacle to overcome. It's your greatest competitive asset.
