Siouxland Magazine - Volume 3 Issue 5
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Peggy La<br />
Owner, Yummi Blox and Hong Kong Supermarket<br />
What are you working on now?<br />
<strong>Siouxland</strong> has always been my home and I am in love<br />
with our community! One thing that I’ve learned in my<br />
years here, is that people and their commitment to our<br />
community are what make living here great and I’m<br />
grateful to be a part of that mission. What’s amazing is<br />
that our family-owned Hong Kong Supermarket isn’t just<br />
a store. It’s a one-stop-shop for hundreds of <strong>Siouxland</strong><br />
newcomers and long-time residents to shop for groceries<br />
and socialize, too. While our store has a multitude of<br />
products, we also have a multitude of resources and<br />
information, helping direct people to the right places.<br />
For example, if people need help with English Language<br />
Learning classes, then we refer them to local agencies that<br />
provide these services, like the Mary J. Treglia Community<br />
House. I have always been deeply passionate about<br />
building bridges and relationships in our community. I<br />
have always been networking and communicating with<br />
our Asian community in hosting local events, such as<br />
the <strong>Siouxland</strong> Asian Festival held in the summer and the<br />
Vietnamese New Year’s celebration, held in February at<br />
the Pho Mon Temple.<br />
It’s a privilege to be able to fulfill that role and help<br />
enhance the quality of life for fellow Sioux Citians of all<br />
ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, religious beliefs,<br />
and abilities. I recently opened Yummi Blox to support<br />
economic development on West 7th, while supporting<br />
small food truck small business efforts. As a new mother<br />
it is important to continue the work of celebrating many<br />
different cultures, education, and uphold my civic duties<br />
to keep our community together.<br />
of <strong>Siouxland</strong> Asian Festivals, I know what it takes to lead with<br />
positive collaboration and encouraging others to go the<br />
extra mile. This annual event invites hundreds of people, not<br />
only from our Asian communities but from diverse groups<br />
of people from all walks of life. It’s a great event for people<br />
to make connections, learn from each other, and celebrate<br />
the beauty of our Asian heritage.<br />
What are you doing to make that happen?<br />
Next year, 2022, is going to be a BIG YEAR for the <strong>Siouxland</strong><br />
Asian Festival. This is going to be our 10th year! I’m so proud<br />
of how far this event has come! The annual <strong>Siouxland</strong> Asian<br />
Festival brings hundreds of people from all over the tri-state<br />
region. This festival is an expressive way for us to celebrate<br />
our heritage, culture, and traditions. It is also meant to<br />
rejoice in the special moments with our loved ones and<br />
leaders among the Asian communities in <strong>Siouxland</strong>. Next<br />
year’s event will be bigger and better - and to make this<br />
happen, we have a committee of dedicated people who<br />
are incredibly passionate about making each Asian Festival<br />
a success! From spreading the word in the community to<br />
our local media, we have the tools and resources for what it<br />
takes to create a stronger presence!<br />
How can people help you make that happen?<br />
The greatest help is willing to be educated, learn, and<br />
embrace other communities. My greatest desire is to see<br />
people continue to get involved and stand up for the<br />
betterment of community and diverse populations.<br />
What is the most important key to success?<br />
Communication and action are the most important keys<br />
to success. When a thought comes about, action has to<br />
happen. Mistakes are bound to happen and can always<br />
be adjusted along the way with communication, and I’m<br />
so thankful that we have an awesome team that thrives on<br />
these two principles. We not only come up with ideas but<br />
execute them.<br />
What is one challenging life experience that taught<br />
you something you’ve been able to use to your<br />
benefit or to the benefit of others?<br />
Make mistakes! Learn from mistakes. Adapt and move<br />
on. A mistake that makes you humble is better than an<br />
achievement that makes you arrogant.<br />
Volunteer Organizations<br />
Asian Pacific Islander Commissioner for the State of Iowa<br />
Co-Founder of <strong>Siouxland</strong> Asian Fest<br />
Volunteer for the Inclusive Sioux City Advisory Committee<br />
Volunteer for Mary J. Treglia Community House<br />
<strong>Siouxland</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | 10 UNDER 40 / 13<br />
What is your vision for the future? / What would<br />
you like to see happen in <strong>Siouxland</strong>?<br />
My volunteer experience has taught me to see the hidden<br />
opportunities in difficult situations. After hosting a decade<br />
Always ask questions. If you don’t ask<br />
questions, the answer will always be no.
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