Life has a way of teaching its biggest lessons when you least expect them. For Rita Kim, the founder of Australia’s Mochi Donuts, 2024 started as a year focused on business expansion and market growth. Yet a business trip to Los Angeles changed everything. Between meetings in exclusive airport lounges and conversations with industry legends, she found herself confronting hard truths about time, purpose and what really matters in building a lasting business. Her story is indicative of how the most valuable business insights come from the most personal moments.
Facing a Harsh Reality
What started as a routine business trip to LA turned into something more profound when Rita visited her godmother in a nursing home. “I looked into her eyes and it was just a conversation where I’m the only one talking,” Rita shares. “She was just staring at me the whole time. I don’t know what she thinks. I could only hope that she remembers who I am.” The visit hit hard. Her godmother, an artist who once painted men’s ties in Vietnam and enjoyed parties in Las Vegas, now lay frozen in the same position for two years, unable to even swallow. “She’s not even that old,” Rita notes. “To me, she’s not at the age to be in a nursing home yet. She probably has another good 10-15 years.”
This sobering experience changed how Rita views success. “Before that, or even looking around my circle of friends, everyone sort of takes their days for granted,” she reflects. “I feel like, sure, you can wind down, but maybe make it a meaningful winding down day.” Rita sees too many people getting stuck in unfulfilling routines nowadays. “They’re dissatisfied with their life but don’t use any moments they have free to get out of it,” she observes. “They just keep complaining about it and then nothing changes.”
Beyond the Donut Empire
During her LA conference, Rita found herself rubbing shoulders with business legends such as a member of the Ferrari family and recalls having a personal chat with Ugg Boots founder, Brian Smith. These conversations revealed a common thread – successful founders know when to let go. “These people, they founded a company but they sold it so long ago. They let someone else run it,” Rita explains. “Even Ferrari – he doesn’t have any shares. If he wants to have a Ferrari, he has to go to the showroom and buy one.” This sparked a new way of thinking about her own business future. “I will exit as well. I know that Mochi Donuts is not my endgame,” she states matter-of-factly. “One day, I will let another company run it – somebody who’s better than me at doing franchising or international expansion.”
Finding Problems Worth Solving
For Rita, business isn’t just about making money – it’s about solving real problems. “After coming back from LA, I got so many ideas,” she says excitedly. “If something is stressful for somebody else, it means there’s an opportunity for me to jump in and solve it.” She’s already planning her next move. “I have many plans regarding business, specifically for 2025,” Rita reveals. “It’s sort of expanded out. Not just Mochi Donuts, but different businesses under me. It’s more like I’m building an empire rather than being known as the donut lady”, she notes.
Her godmother’s situation served as a powerful reminder that time is precious. “Who knows what’s going to happen within two years, three years”, Rita muses. “I have friends who have colon cancer at the age of 30. The food we eat, the air that we breathe – everything seems a bit more toxic nowadays.” For Rita, this means making every day count. Whether she’s expanding her business empire or solving new market problems, she’s determined to create meaningful impact while she can. After all, you never know when your time might be up – or when you might find yourself staring at a loved one, hoping they remember who you are.
To learn more about Rita’s journey and business ventures, visit her website.
