Did you make an effort to make your dream come true this winter vacation? Or did you just take a part-time job to earn some money? I wanted to have new business experience with the title of opening an establishment. So, although unfamiliar with the business, I set a goal to sell baked sweet potatoes in the streets in hopes of being different from others. A fresh and new story started with my soul mate.

 

Start

It was not easy to start because we thought putting firewood and sweet potatoes into the container would be as easy. The most urgent problem was getting the firewood. Not only did we have to find a place where we could get over 10kg of firewood, we also had to think about its transportation and storage. Furthermore, we didn’t know how to burn the wood properly nor did we have skills to roast sweet potatoes deliciously. Through this, I could perceive that starting something new requires detailed planning and thorough preparations.

 

Relationship

When we first opened, we came across a very important relationship by accident. Two strange middle-aged men from the restaurant hung around and said, "Is this firewood? Why are you so clumsy at burning?" Although I felt bad, we requested advice with modesty because I had to learn something from them. After talking for about an hour, we were like brothers. Then they said, "Take a used oak wood from the barbecue restaurant. You can use the vacant lot in front of the restaurant. Why don't we become partners in business?" I realized how precious relationships were in life.

There were times when we wanted to give up, but we got over this with patience and passion. Guests who felt nostalgic dropped by and gave praises like, "How commendable of you to do this!" and "You are a man!" These words may have become a driving force for us. Also, by continuing our profit kept growing and this would boost us. I achieved a small, but big goal, and my next goal waits for me.

 

 Experience

I learned many things during this business experience. First, I learned the strict fundamental rule of business from my older-brothers. Also, I learned the significance of guests. When I entered a hair shop and gave some baked sweet potato for free, they approached us as regulars. Another thing I learned is the attitude to do one's best at every moment and not to treat any guest poorly, and the value of the money that I earned by myself. Though this was a very small establishment, I learned the importance of managing partnership and public money. The most important thing I obtained was the self-confidence that I can do it. To a person, the most necessary part of growth is experience. It is important to become the master of myself instead of a slave of money and time. By thinking differently and standing out, be Dankookians who rise with your own ability to a higher level!