WOW Brand Podcast

In this episode of the WOW Brand Podcast, we sit down with Eric Bustamante, First Vice President and General Manager of Philippine National Bank New York, to explore his inspiring journey through more than two decades in the banking industry and why he believes banking is ultimately about serving people.What began as an unexpected career path became a lifelong mission of helping the Filipino community in the United States. Eric shares how leadership, humility, and a passion for service have shaped his career, from leading one of the oldest overseas Philippine banks to guiding clients through financial milestones, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.We dive into leadership, finance, customer service, personal growth, and the lessons he's learned after more than 20 years in banking.In this conversation, we discuss:How an unexpected career led to bankingWhat it takes to lead a successful financial institutionWhy banking is a service-driven professionLeading a team through the COVID-19 pandemicCommon financial mistakes people should avoidBuilding trust through exceptional customer serviceLeadership lessons from managing high-performing teamsHelping overseas Filipinos invest back homeThe importance of humility and leading by exampleAdvice for young professionals entering the banking industryWhether you're a finance professional, entrepreneur, aspiring leader, or simply interested in personal and professional growth, this episode is filled with practical wisdom, leadership lessons, and real stories from one of the banking industry's most respected leaders.Guest: Eric BustamanteFirst Vice President & General ManagerPhilippine National Bank New YorkHighlights:Over 20 years in the banking industryFirst Vice President & General Manager of PNB New YorkLeading one of the oldest overseas Philippine banksPassionate advocate for the Filipino-American communityThree-time Best Customer Service Award recipient (PNB New York team)📸 Instagram:@ericbustamantee📍 WOW Brand Podcast – Midtown Manhattan

In this episode of the WOW Brand Podcast, we sit down with **Christopher Yu**, co-founder of **Yumpling**, to explore how an idea that started in a home kitchen grew into one of New York City's fastest-growing Taiwanese fast-casual restaurant brands.Without any formal culinary background, Chris left corporate life, started cooking for friends, tested his recipes with neighbors, and slowly scaled from a home kitchen to flea markets, food trucks, and now two successful restaurant locations. Along the way, he learned that building a restaurant isn't about luck. It's about discipline, partnership, execution, and relentless consistency.We dive into entrepreneurship, building a food business from scratch, creating a unique fast-casual concept, expanding a restaurant brand, and why success often comes from taking calculated risks one step at a time.In this conversation, we discuss:* Leaving corporate America to start a restaurant* Growing from a home kitchen to two successful locations* Building Yumpling without a culinary background* Why testing your idea before scaling matters* The importance of finding the right business partner* Creating the first fast-casual Taiwanese concept in New York* Scaling through systems and operational excellence* Managing burnout as an entrepreneur* The discipline required to grow a restaurant business* Why customer experience is the foundation of every successful brandWhether you're an entrepreneur, restaurant owner, foodie, or someone thinking about starting a business, this episode is packed with honest advice, practical lessons, and real stories about what it takes to build a brand from the ground up.**Guest:** Christopher YuCo-Founder of YumplingHighlights:* Co-Founder of Yumpling* Two restaurant locations in New York City* Featured by Eater, The Infatuation, and NBC* Winner of Taiwan's Golden Bell Award for hosting a History Channel travel show* Expanding one of NYC's leading Taiwanese fast-casual brands📍 WOW Brand Podcast – Midtown Manhattan

In this episode of the WOW Brand Podcast, we sit down with John Kastanis, co-founder of Casita of BK, to explore how he left a successful career on Wall Street to build one of New York City's fastest-growing coffee brands.What started as a leap of faith during the uncertainty of 2020 has grown into three successful coffee shop locations built around one simple philosophy: Home is not a place, it's a feeling. John shares how hospitality, community, and genuine human connection became the foundation of Casita of BK and why creating memorable experiences matters more than simply serving great coffee.We dive into entrepreneurship, opening a business during COVID, building a loyal customer base, scaling multiple locations, and why getting uncomfortable is often the first step toward building something extraordinary.In this conversation, we discuss:Leaving Wall Street to pursue entrepreneurshipBuilding three successful coffee shop locationsOpening a business during the height of COVIDCreating a hospitality-first brandBuilding customer loyalty through genuine relationshipsGrowing a business without losing its identityThe challenges of hiring and scaling a teamUsing social media to grow a local businessWhy community is the heart of every successful brandThe mindset every entrepreneur needs to succeedWhether you're an entrepreneur, restaurant owner, coffee lover, or someone thinking about taking a leap of faith, this conversation is filled with practical business advice, inspiring stories, and lessons on building a brand people truly love. Guest: John Kastanis Co-Founder of Casita of BK Highlights:3 successful coffee shop locations across New YorkFeatured in The Wall Street JournalFeatured by The InfatuationBuilt one of NYC's most community-focused coffee brands📍 WOW Brand Podcast – Midtown Manhattan

In this episode of the WOW Brand Podcast, we sit down with Dilara Malikova, founder of Didi Nails NY, educator, author, and entrepreneur, to discuss her inspiring journey from immigrant to building one of New York City's most recognized nail salon brands.What started as a passion for mastering her craft eventually grew into two successful salon locations, a thriving education business, and a book teaching her signature manicure technique. Dilara shares how focusing on quality instead of growth, building strong standards, and investing in education helped her stand out in one of the most competitive industries in New York.We talk about entrepreneurship, building a personal brand, hiring and training a team, the reality of owning a salon, social media marketing, and why mastering your craft is the foundation of every successful business.In this conversation, we discuss:Building a successful beauty business from scratchGrowing from one nail technician to two salon locationsThe truth behind the Russian manicure techniqueWhy business owners must stop doing everything themselvesBuilding a brand through social mediaCreating unforgettable customer experiencesHiring, training, and maintaining high standardsHelping immigrant women build successful careersWriting a book and becoming an educatorWhy trying is more important than waiting for perfectionWhether you're an entrepreneur, beauty professional, salon owner, or someone working toward a dream, this conversation is filled with practical business lessons, inspiration, and actionable advice.🎙️ Guest: Dilara Malikova💅 Founder of Didi Nails NY🏆 Highlights:Two Didi Nails NY salon locationsYelp Award Winner (2023, 2024, 2025)Author of a book teaching her Russian manicure techniqueNail educator and trainer📍 WOW Brand Podcast – Midtown Manhattan

In this episode of the WOW Brand Podcast, we sit down with **Mita Quiogue**, a serial entrepreneur, immigrant from the Philippines, and founder of **AKA Medical, KVQ Group, Glossy Skinnovation, Mamita's Grab & Go, and NYC Tanghulu**.From supplying pastries to movie theaters as a teenager in the Philippines to building five businesses across healthcare, technology, beauty, food, and business acquisitions in the United States, Mita shares the mindset, discipline, and systems that have fueled her entrepreneurial journey.We dive into how she evaluates business opportunities, why she believes numbers never lie, how she scales companies without micromanaging, and the lessons she's learned from launching businesses in completely different industries. Mita also shares the story behind AKA Medical's remote patient monitoring platform, her vision for acquiring and growing small businesses, and why every entrepreneur needs a plan beyond going viral.In this conversation, we discuss:* Building five businesses across multiple industries* Growing companies through systems and leadership* How to scale without micromanaging* Trusting the right people and building strong teams* Why numbers should drive every business decision* Turning viral success into sustainable growth* Healthcare innovation through remote patient monitoring* Acquiring and scaling small businesses* Leadership lessons from years of entrepreneurship* The mindset required to build multiple successful companies* Why action beats perfection in businessWhether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, aspiring founder, or simply looking for practical business advice, this episode is filled with valuable insights on leadership, growth, innovation, and building businesses that stand the test of time.🎙️ **Guest:** Mita QuiogueFounder of:* AKA Medical* KVQ Group* Glossy Skinnovation* Mamita's Grab & Go* NYC TanghuluFollow Mita's businesses:📸 AKA Medical Wellness – @akamedicalwellness📸 Glossy Skinnovation – @glossyskinnovation📸 Mamita's Grab & Go – @mamitasgrabandgo📍 WOW Brand Podcast – Midtown Manhattan

In this episode of the WOW Brand Podcast, we sit down with Halley and Kip, co-founders of Tree Top Hospitality, to explore how they've built three unique restaurant concepts across New York City in just a few years.From launching their first restaurant, Margot, to creating the community-focused Montague Diner and their newest West Village concept Cleo, Halley and Kip share the realities of entrepreneurship, raising capital, building the right team, and learning through failure. They open up about the challenges of opening restaurants, the importance of strong partnerships, and why hospitality is ultimately about creating spaces where people feel comfortable returning again and again.In this conversation, we discuss:• Building multiple restaurant concepts from the ground up• What makes a successful business partnership• Lessons learned from opening and scaling restaurants• Hiring, leadership, and building strong teams• Fundraising and growing a hospitality business• Creating memorable guest experiences that keep people coming back• Balancing creativity with business strategy• The future of Tree Top Hospitality and New York diningWhether you're an entrepreneur, restaurant owner, hospitality professional, or someone passionate about building meaningful businesses, this episode is packed with valuable insights and real-world lessons.🎙️ Guests: Halley & Kip🍽️ Co-Founders of Tree Top HospitalityFeatured Restaurants📍 Margot – Brooklyn📍 Montague Diner – Brooklyn Heights📍 Cleo – West VillageFollow their restaurants:📸 Margot: https://www.instagram.com/margotbrooklyn/📸 Montague Diner: https://www.instagram.com/montaguediner/📸 Cleo: https://www.instagram.com/cleodowntown/Own a business or building something as an entrepreneur?Contact us at [email protected] or DM us on www.instagram.com/wowbrandnyc/ to apply, collaborate, or share your story.📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/wowbrandnyc/🎵 TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@wowbrandnyc▶️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@wowbrandnyc🧵 Threads: www.threads.com/@wowbrandnyc𝕏 X: x.com/wowbrandnyc📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/wowbrandnyc📍 WOW Brand Podcast – Midtown ManhattanWant to be featured on the WOW Brand Podcast?Follow WOW Brand

In this episode, we sit down with Robin, the founder of Boy Isaw NYC, to talk about how he built one of New York City’s most loved Filipino street food pop-ups.From working in the restaurant industry to quitting his manager job during the pandemic, Robin shares how Boy Isaw grew through word of mouth, community support and authentic Filipino barbecue culture. We talk about Filipino street food, pop-up events, family, entrepreneurship, food struggles during winter seasons and his dream of owning a food truck one day..If you love Filipino food, business stories and community-driven entrepreneurship, this episode is for you.📍 WOW Brand Podcast – Midtown

In this episode we sit down with Kevin Talbot founder of Talbot Media.This isn’t a straight success story.Kevin shares how he got laid off multiple times early in his career… and how those moments forced him to bet on himself.From shooting music videos with friends in the Bronx to building a full digital marketing agency, Kevin breaks down the real journey behind entrepreneurship.We talk about:Getting fired and using it as fuelWhy most creatives stay underpaidHow storytelling actually makes you moneyBuilding a business through networking (not luck)Working a 9–5 while building your dreamWhen to stop doing everything yourselfWhy your pricing mindset is keeping you smallKevin also shares how he turned small opportunities into long-term success — and why consistency beats talent every time.This episode is for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone tired of playing it safe.🎬 Your story isn’t a weakness it’s your biggest asset.📍 Midtown Manhattan, NYC - WOW Brand Studio

In this episode we sit down with Jeff founder of Lucky 13 in Brooklyn to talk about building one of New York City’s most iconic bars from absolutely nothing.This episode is NOT just about nightlife.It’s about risk, perseverance, burnout, growth, community, addiction, reinvention, and learning how to build a life you actually enjoy living.Jeff opens up about:• Moving from Massachusetts to New York City• Working construction before entering nightlife• Building Lucky 13 with maxed out credit cards• The struggles of entrepreneurship and burnout• Addiction, unhealthy habits, and personal growth• Why success doesn’t always mean happiness• Expanding the Lucky 13 brand to Florida• Creating a space where everyone feels accepted• The mental pressure behind owning a business• Why perseverance matters more than motivation• Learning balance as an entrepreneur• Building a community instead of just a businessHe also shares how Lucky 13 became more than just a bar becoming a safe space, creative hub, and second home for people from all walks of life.This conversation goes way deeper than business.🎬 Build something real. Build something people remember.📍 WOW Brand Podcast - Midtown

In this episode we sit down with George founder of Siembra Connect who shares how he built a creator community during the pandemic after watching people in the social media industry lose their jobs overnight.This episode is NOT about chasing followers or going viral.It’s about sustainability, community, mental health, business structure, and building opportunities that actually last.George opens up about:• Building a creator platform during the pandemic• Why most creators fail financially• The importance of business education for creators• How creators can find real brand deals• Why networking events DON’T work for most people• The hidden truth behind social media success• Why creators need boundaries and mental health support• The problem with gatekeeping opportunities• How AI should be used by creators• Pricing yourself properly as a business owner• The power of community and collaboration• Why consistency and relationships matter more than cloutHe also shares stories from working with major brands like Toyota, building Latino creator movements, organizing conferences, and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities in media and tech.This conversation is bigger than content creation.It’s about building something meaningful that lasts.🎬 Don’t just chase attention. Build real value.📍 Midtown Manhattan, NYC - WOW Brand Studio

In this episode we sit down with Hamid founder of Cafe Vendôme who shares his journey from Morocco to France to the United States… and how he went from aerospace engineering and working with Airbus to building one of Atlanta’s most loved café brands.This episode is NOT about overnight success.It’s about sacrifice, risk, discipline, health, community, and the reality of entrepreneurship.Hamid opens up about:• Leaving corporate engineering behind• Putting his entire 401K into his café dream• Why most entrepreneurs underestimate hiring problems• The immigrant mindset and survival mentality• Building authentic community through business• Why health matters more than money• The truth about employees, leadership, and modern work culture• Why consistency beats motivation• How social media changed younger generations• The importance of emotional intelligence in business• Why he believes entrepreneurs must be a little “crazy”He also explains how Cafe Vendôme grew into multiple locations without chasing expansion — with developers actually approaching HIM because of the brand reputation.This conversation goes way deeper than business.It’s really about life philosophy.🎬 Build for people first. Money comes later.📍 Sunmi x WOW Brand Atlanta studio - King and Queen Towers📅 New Episodes Everyday at 10AM EST

In this episode, we sit down with Jayshil founder of Brix & Stones Pizzeria to talk about how he went from a gas station background to building one of Atlanta’s growing late-night pizza spots.This isn’t just a pizza story.It’s about taking a risk, building with family, learning business from scratch, and figuring things out under pressure.Jayshil shares:Why he left the gas station businessBuilding a pizza shop from zero experienceTraveling to New York for pizza researchWhy they stopped selling 99-cent slicesThe truth about Uber Eats & DoorDash feesGrowing Instagram from 3K to 18K+ followersRunning operations himselfExpanding to multiple locationsUsing influencer marketing to grow locallyWhy quality matters more than cheap pricesThe reality of restaurant ownershipHe also talks about building the business with his wife, parents, and family — and why treating employees the right way matters if you want to scale.This episode is for entrepreneurs, restaurant owners, creators, and anyone trying to build something real from the ground up.🍕 Real business.🔥 Real struggles.📈 Real growth.Website - brixandstonespizzeria.comInstagram - @brixandstonespizzeria📍 Sunmi x WOW Brand Atlanta studio - King and Queen Towers

In this episode, we sit down with Brian, founder of Bigger Creative. A Brooklyn-based branding and design studio focused on sustainable design and real business impact.With over 20 years of experience working with major platforms like New York Fashion Week, SXSW, and CES, Brian shares what most business owners get wrong about branding—and how to actually stand out.We talk about:Why your brand is NOT about youThe importance of understanding your audience firstThe difference between design vs real brandingSustainable design and business strategyAI vs human creativity in today’s worldWhy cheap design costs more in the long runBuilding a business from scratch vs working with established brandsIf you’re building a brand or business, this episode will change how you think about it.📍 Brooklyn, NYC – Bigger Creative

In this episode, we sit down with Tamoya, founder of Le Aura Luxury Studio and Le Aura Body Treats a NYC based brand blending self-care, wellness, and immersive experiences.What started as a personal mission to help her daughter’s eczema turned into a full business, from handmade skincare products to sold-out self-care workshops and curated events.Tamoya shares the real journey behind building her brand:Turning a personal problem into a businessGrowing from word-of-mouth to viral eventsPricing mistakes and learning your worthHiring, payroll, and managing financesThe importance of community in businessWhy trends and reinvention are everything todayBuilding experiences that people actually rememberThis is more than business it’s about purpose, creativity, and building something people feel.📍 Brooklyn, NYC – Le Aura Luxury Studio

In this episode, we sit down with Dave, a business performance coach with over 20 years of experience helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses without sacrificing their lives.Dave shares his journey from sports broadcasting and real estate into coaching thousands of business owners across the United States. We talk about business growth, hiring mistakes, burnout, scaling to seven figures, finding fulfillment and why many entrepreneurs stay stuck even after seeing success.This conversation is packed with practical advice for small business owners, creators and anyone trying to grow a business while creating a better life.📍 WOW Brand Podcast – Midtown

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Edwards. A former White House aide, military veteran, entrepreneur, filmmaker, actor, and restaurant owner with one of the most unbelievable life stories you’ll ever hear.Born in a two room sharecropper shack with no electricity or running water, Sam shares how a series of serendipitous moments led him from a small town in Georgia to working alongside President Jimmy Carter at the White House.We dive into his military experiences, near death moments in Afghanistan, working with astronaut and Senator John Glenn, life in Los Angeles as a struggling artist, documentary filmmaking, entrepreneurship, and the mindset that helped him survive and adapt through every chapter of life.This episode is packed with insane stories, life lessons, humor, and raw perspective from someone who has truly lived an extraordinary life.Guest: Sam Edwards of Sam’s Burger DeliInstagram: @samsburgerdeli📍 Sunmi x WOW Brand Atlanta studio - King and Queen Towers

In this episode, we sit down with Ronell, founder of Cash Class Academy, to talk about financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and why kids should learn about money early.From working a 9–5 as an electrician to building a movement that teaches children about assets, credit, budgeting, and investing, Ronell shares how he turned passion into purpose. We also dive into his book, Cash Class A to Z, his educational app, how he balances family and business, and the real reason why schools don’t teach financial literacy.This conversation is packed with gems for parents, entrepreneurs, creators, and anyone trying to build a better financial future.📍 WOW Brand Podcast – Midtown

In this episode we sit down with Donna, mindset and accountability coach, creative, and author. Who helps high performing women break free from procrastination and finally achieve their goals.Donna shares how her own journey through a mini stroke, major health challenges, and years of feeling stuck led her to discover the power of the subconscious mind.What looks like “laziness” is often something deeper.Inside this conversation, we talk about:Why you keep repeating the same goals every yearHow subconscious beliefs control 75% of your daily actionsThe truth about procrastination (it’s not what you think)Why accountability creates real changeTurning pain, depression, and setbacks into purposeBuilding discipline through systems, not motivationWhy goals without deadlines stay dreamsDonna also shares how she built her coaching system, launched her academy, and expanded into creative work from acting to photography by doing the inner work first.This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or tired of starting over.🎯 If you’ve been saying “this year will be different”… this is the conversation you need.📍 New York

In this episode we sit down with Lisa founder of El Figure Films, who shares her journey from working over 25 years in healthcare to building her own film production company.This isn’t a “quit your job and go all in” story.It’s about building something real… while still working your 9-5.Lisa opens up about:Why she didn’t quit her job right awayTaking 4+ years to transition into her dreamLearning film production from scratch during the pandemicFailing publicly and building confidence anywayThe importance of mentors and guidanceWhy marketing yourself feels uncomfortable (but necessary)Creating content even when it doesn’t performShe also shares how she produced her own films, built a creative team, and even took her work to an international film festival in Spain.This episode is for anyone who feels stuck between stability and passion and thinks it’s “too late” to start.🎬 You don’t need to jump… you can build your way there.📍 New York / New Jersey - L'Tigre Films

In this episode we sit down with Mel, founder of Curated by Mel and co-owner of The Bookstore Bar in Patchogue.With over 20 years in hospitality, Mel shares how she went from working as a server to building multiple businesses in events, restaurants, and consulting all without loans or outside investors.We dive into:Starting in hospitality and working your way upThe truth about partnerships in businessWhy people skills are the ultimate advantageHow to price your products correctlyThe reality of running restaurants and eventsBuilding a business without investorsUsing free resources and city programs to growThis episode is about execution, resilience, and turning everyday skills into real opportunities.📍 The Bookstore - 20 E Main St, Patchogue, NY 11772

In this episode owe sit down with Clifford, founder of Dare to Change. A consulting firm and movement empowering Asian communities through advocacy, funding, and real impact.From navigating identity as a Chinese-Filipino immigrant to working in government and launching a purpose driven business, Cliff shares how he turned intention into action.We dive into:Walking away from traditional expectationsBuilding a business with purpose, not just profitStarting with no money, no backingSecuring over $2M+ for communitiesWhy intention matters more than ideasEthical business and relationship-first growthBuilding a Gen Z led teamCreating impact globally, not just locallyThis episode is about identity, leadership, and building something bigger than yourself.📍 New York / Global - Dare To Change

In this episode, we sit down with Tanya, a young entrepreneur running a boutique souvenir store in Midtown Manhattan alongside her mom.From feeling stuck after college to stepping into the world of business, Tanya shares the real journey behind retail the emotions, the challenges, and the lessons that come with building something from the ground up.We talk about:Starting a business at a young ageWorking with family and building trustThe reality of retail and dealing with tourists dailyInventory mistakes that cost moneySlow seasons and financial pressureEmotional resilience as a business ownerWhy feeling “stuck” can be the start of something biggerThis is a real conversation about growth, risk, and figuring things out as you go.📍 Featuring: The Souvenir Stop (Manhattan, NY)

In this episode, we sit down with Rezan, a restaurant owner in New York, to talk about the real journey of building a business from the ground up.From starting as an immigrant with a vision to now operating multiple restaurant locations, Rezan shares the truth that most people don’t talk about the stress, the sacrifices, the hidden costs, and the lessons that only come from experience.We dive into:The reality of owning a restaurant after COVIDWhy time is the most expensive investment in businessThe importance of choosing the right partnersHidden fees and systems that quietly eat your profitsThe pressure of payroll, operations, and managing peopleWhy most entrepreneurs fail and how to keep goingThis is not a highlight reel. This is the real side of entrepreneurship.If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or thinking about starting something this conversation will give you perspective you won’t find anywhere else.📍 Featuring: Holy Pita (Brooklyn, NY)