Lan Ho, a 35-year-old entrepreneur based in Chicago, left her career as a Walgreens pharmacist to launch her own Vietnamese coffee company. Her business, Fat Miilk, now brings in over $500,000 annually and continues to expand.
Before starting the brand, Lan spent over a decade in school, earning degrees in chemistry, finance, and pharmacy. Although she had a stable six-figure salary, she felt disconnected from her purpose. “What am I doing at the back of Walgreens, like, hidden from the world?” she recalled asking herself.
Raised in St. Louis by Vietnamese refugee parents, Lan was encouraged to pursue a secure profession. She followed that path out of respect but remained drawn to creativity and culture. While in school, she dabbled in blogging and fashion, but her lasting interest was in coffee and its cultural significance.
Lan launched Fat Miilk in 2018 as a side project while continuing her pharmacy work. During the early pandemic, she was furloughed for two months and used the time to invest fully in the business. She funded the venture using her savings, credit cards, and loans from family.
A major boost came in 2022 when she appeared on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars and became a finalist. The national exposure gave her brand more visibility. In February 2024, she opened Fat Miilk’s first café in Chicago, with more locations planned.
Reflecting on her journey, Lan says learning to believe in herself has been key to her success. “That was the thing that allowed me to create new lanes and narratives for myself,” she said. “If I were seeking permission, I’d still be waiting.”
