Annie Park, a 32-year-old Harvard graduate, has exemplified the American dream through her entrepreneurial journey. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Park and her mother immigrated to the U.S. in 2000, seeking new opportunities and a brighter future. In 2015, after completing a one-year master’s program in policy and management at Harvard University, Park’s ambitions took an unexpected turn when she and her mother, Sarah, decided to venture into the world of entrepreneurship. Together, they opened Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream in Bethesda, Maryland, in March 2019, marking the beginning of a sweet success story.
What started as a single ice cream shop quickly evolved into a thriving business. Within a year of its inception, Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream expanded, opening a second store in the D.C. area. Rather than a passing hobby, Park embraced her role as a full-time partner in the venture, contributing to its growth and success. Now, with 35 employees and an annual revenue of $1.86 million, the ice cream shop has become a local favourite. Looking ahead, the mother-daughter duo has ambitious plans, with a third location set to open in Potomac, Maryland, in December 2023.
Park’s dedication and business acumen have not only transformed a small ice cream shop into a profitable enterprise but have also secured her a substantial income, earning just over $230,000 in 2022 through a combination of salary and partnership profits. Annie Park’s inspiring journey reflects the power of determination, education, and entrepreneurship. From immigrating to the U.S. at a young age to graduating from one of the world’s most prestigious universities and then successfully running a growing business, Park’s story underscores the limitless opportunities available to those who pursue their dreams with passion and resilience.
