EP3: From Ad Executive to Restaurateur, Nicole Ponseca is Championing Filipinos Through Food and Story
Show Notes:
"If you don’t know where you’re from, how can you get to where you want to be?"
Knowing the “why” behind your decisions and dreams is one thing that can constantly fuel your motivation. In a society that favors familiarity, breaking new ground is no easy feat. For Nicole Ponseca, a Filipino woman that’s transforming the restaurant industry, she’s experienced first-hand what it’s like to break into new spaces.
On today’s episode, Nicole Ponesca and I discuss how she went from being an advertising executive to becoming a restaurateur. Nicole’s experience is unique, being a woman of color in an industry dominated by white men. We also discuss the racial tensions that came with opening up the first Filipino restaurant in NYC, how she handled racism hurled her way, and how she’s breaking cultural boundaries and transforming the perception of Filipino culture.
Questions I Ask:
What’s your origin story? (2:57)
What’s the James Beard Award? (11:15)
What was the first restaurant you worked in? (18:45)
Why aren’t there more Filipino restaurants? (27:29)
When you opened the first restaurant, what was the response like? (30:54)
Are you the one putting together the business plan? (40:05)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
What it looks like to question a predestined route for your life. (9:30)
About the cultural impact of Nicole’s JBF nominated cookbook. (11:22)
How Vanessa realized how she could best impact others’ lives. (14:32)
How spiritual practices can help get you out of a dark spot in your life. (17:27)
How Nicole transitioned from working in advertising to opening a restaurant. (21:46)
How Nicole handled racism during the startup of her first restaurant. (25:55)
How food is breaking cultural boundaries. (35:16)
Connect with Nicole Ponseca:
Nicole’s NYC Restaurants:
Nicole’s Cookbook:
I Am a Filipino: And This Is How We Cook by Nicole Ponesca
Resources: