Meet Addison Van | Social Entrepreneur

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

Hi Addison, what do you want people to remember about you?
In contemplating the legacy I hope to leave behind, I strive to be remembered as someone who lived authentically and genuinely cared for the well-being of others. I want people to recall moments where I extended a helping hand wherever and whenever it was needed, always aiming to make a positive difference in someone’s day.

Whether it was through wearing a bright yellow Big Bird costume to school or simply cracking silly jokes to bring laughter, my intention was always to uplift spirits and spread joy. I hope that these lighthearted moments serve as a reminder of the importance of finding humor and happiness in everyday life.

Moreover, I want people to be reminded of the importance of integrity and doing what’s right, even when no one else is watching. True integrity lies in consistently adhering to one’s principles and values, regardless of external recognition or acknowledgement by one’s peers. My hope is that by living my life with integrity and compassion, I inspire others to do the same, fostering a ripple effect of positive change in the world.

I aim to leave behind a legacy that encourages others to embrace authenticity, kindness, and integrity in their own lives. Though I am, of course, not perfect, I hope that by leading by example and showing that small acts of kindness and integrity can make a significant impact, I can inspire others to follow suit and make the world a better place for all.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My entrepreneurial journey has been driven by a dual commitment to business success and positive social impact. What sets my business apart is its focus on empowering aspiring, online entrepreneurs to succeed while also fostering personal growth and self-improvement. This unique approach has allowed me to create a brand that resonates with individuals seeking not only financial success but also fulfillment and purpose in their endeavors.

The road to where I am today in my business has been far from easy. I’ve faced numerous challenges along the way, from general skepticism about my capabilities as an individual to navigating the complexities of smoothly running and operating a business. However, each obstacle has been an opportunity for growth and learning. I’ve learned to embrace challenges as stepping stones rather than barriers and to approach setbacks with resilience and determination.

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the importance of perseverance. Building a successful business requires unwavering dedication and persistence, even in the face of adversity. I’ve also learned the value of adaptability and flexibility as the business landscape (especially with social media) is constantly evolving. Being able to pivot and adjust strategies as needed has been crucial to overcoming challenges and staying ahead in a competitive market.

In addition to perseverance and adaptability, another crucial lesson I’ve learned is the importance of building and trusting a capable team. As my business has grown, I’ve realized that I can’t do it all alone. Delegating tasks and responsibilities to a skilled team not only lightens the workload but also brings diverse perspectives and expertise to the table. Trusting my team to do their work effectively has been a significant learning curve for me because it’s really easy to fall into the trap of micromanaging, but I’ve learned that empowering my team to take ownership of their responsibilities leads to better outcomes and performance. By fostering a culture of trust and autonomy, I’ve seen my team members rise to the occasion and exceed all expectations. Expanding my team has also allowed me to focus on strategic decision-making and long-term growth. Instead of getting bogged down in day-to-day tasks, I can now devote more time and energy to scaling the business and pursuing new opportunities. This shift has been instrumental in driving the continued success of my business.

As a social entrepreneur, my brand and story are centered around a dedication to making a positive impact that extends beyond traditional business success with its emphasis on fostering self-improvement and personal growth within my audiences/community.

One of the core pillars of my entrepreneurial journey is empowering individuals to realize their full potential and pursue their aspirations. Through providing mentorship programs, workshops, and educational initiatives, my business seeks to provide the tools and resources necessary for personal development and even career advancement. Community engagement is an integral aspect of my brand. I believe in the power of businesses to strengthen communities and create opportunities for social upliftment. By actively participating in community events, supporting local initiatives, and collaborating with like-minded organizations, my business aims to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the community members it serves.

What I’m most proud of is the impact my business has had on the lives of individuals within my community. By offering support, guidance, and encouragement, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of entrepreneurship in empowering individuals to achieve their goals and aspirations.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the potential for an even greater impact as my business continues to grow and expand its reach. I envision a prominent community that will become synonymous with personal growth and entrepreneurial development in hopes ofcinspiring others to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.

Ultimately with everything I do in my life, I strive to leave a legacy of positive change in this world, even if that positive impact is only ever so fractionally minuscule, I have been so thankful for all the opportunities I’ve been given, and I’m proud of the work I am able to do for my communities. I’m excited for what the future holds, and I just cannot wait.

Thank you.

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 was visiting, and I was tasked with showing them the best time ever, here’s what I would do.

I’d start by taking my friend to Hermann Park. The park has everything around it like my personal favorite spot, McGovern Centennial Gardens, where we can enjoy the beautiful scenery and have a picnic. We can spend some time exploring Rice University’s great campus, checking out the area. Next, we’d head to the Museum District to visit some of the incredible museums, like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The Museum of Natural Science holds a special place for me and my entire childhood.

I’d take them to Tay Do, the Vietnamese restaurant my family has been going to for decades since my family moved down to Houston. Tay Do was one of the first Vietnamese restaurants in the area at the time. The food there is always amazing, and it’s a nostalgic experience every time we visit.

Another day, we could venture out to Katy Asia Town to check out Popstroke, which is Tiger Wood’s mini golf place, and Kura Conveyor Belt Sushi for some fun and unique dining experiences.

No trip to Houston would be complete without catching an Astros game at Minute Maid Park, so I’d definitely make sure to include that in our itinerary. We’d soak up the energy of the stadium and cheer on the home team while enjoying some classic ballpark snacks.

Throughout the week, we’d mix in some walks through the Bayou, Discovery Green, and different neighborhoods, maybe stopping by local shops and cafes to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Overall, it would be a week filled with great food, exciting experiences, and unforgettable memories spent exploring the best that Houston has to offer.

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?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my family and friends. Their unwavering support, encouragement, and love have been the cornerstone of my journey. From the sacrifices they’ve made to the guidance they’ve provided, I owe a debt of gratitude to each of them for believing in me and pushing me to pursue my goals.

Additionally, I want to acknowledge all of my countless teachers and mentors who have played a pivotal role in shaping my path. Their guidance and wisdom have been invaluable in helping me navigate challenges and seize opportunities, helping me hone my abilities and learn new skills that will carry me throughout my life.

Finally, I want to give credit to the countless individuals and organizations in my community who have contributed to my growth and success. Whether through their mentorship, resources, or encouragement, they have all played a part in shaping my story, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.

Instagram: @vantheasianman

Other: addisonvan05@gmail.com is my email.

Image Credits
Andrew Tan