Lan Ho, a 35-year-old woman from Chicago, Illinois, left her well-paying job as a Walgreens pharmacist to start a Vietnamese coffee company. Today, her business, Fat Miilk, earns more than $500,000 a year and continues to grow fast.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, Lan spent more than a decade in school. She earned degrees in chemistry, finance, and pharmacy. Despite her accomplishments and a six-figure salary, she felt unfulfilled behind the counter, she told CNBC.One day, she found herself asking, “What am I doing at the back of Walgreens, like, hidden from the world?” That question pushed her to rethink her future.
Lan was raised in St. Louis in a household shaped by her parents’ experience as Vietnamese refugees. Wanting her to have a secure career, they encouraged her to pursue pharmacy. Out of respect, she followed their wishes but her interests kept drifting elsewhere.
While in school, she explored blogging and fashion, though none of her ventures gained traction. What stuck with her was a deep curiosity about coffee and how it connects cultures and personal rituals.
In 2018, she launched Fat Miilk as a side hustle while still working as a pharmacist. When the pandemic hit, she was furloughed for two months. That break gave her time to fully commit to the brand. She funded the business through personal savings, credit cards, and loans from family.
A turning point came in 2022 when she appeared on the show Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars. Lan became a finalist and pitched her brand on national TV. The exposure boosted her confidence and helped legitimize the business. In February 2024, she opened the first Fat Miilk café in Chicago and plans to open more stores soon.
Lan says the biggest lesson she’s learned is to take up space and believe in herself. That mindset helped her build a successful coffee brand and leave her old life behind.
“That was the thing that allowed me to create new lanes and narratives for myself that ultimately led me to where I am now,” she said. “If I were seeking permission, I’d still be waiting.”