By Charlie Yang
When I think about the intersection of art, entrepreneurship, and the grit it takes to carve out a unique path, I can’t help but admire Ahn Sung Jae. As a street photographer, I see the world in moments—fleeting yet profound—and in many ways, Chef Ahn’s journey from Seoul to Michelin stardom mirrors the same chase for perfection. His approach to food, life, and business has taught me some invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship that go far beyond the kitchen.
Here are 10 things Ahn Sung Jae has taught me about entrepreneurship and life:
1. Passion is Your Fuel
Ahn’s passion for food is palpable. Whether he’s fusing traditional Korean flavors with modern techniques or pushing boundaries with molecular gastronomy, his love for his craft shines through. Entrepreneurship needs that same level of passion. If you’re not driven by genuine love for what you do, burnout is inevitable. Passion is what keeps you going through those long, uncertain nights.
2. Respect Tradition, But Dare to Innovate
One of the most impressive things about Ahn is his respect for Korean culinary traditions while being bold enough to challenge the status quo. As entrepreneurs, we need to understand our roots but not be afraid to step outside the box. Sometimes, breaking the rules creates the space for innovation.
3. Mastery Takes Time
Watching Ahn Sung Jae perfect his craft reminds me that mastery doesn’t happen overnight. In street photography, just like in cooking, it’s the hours of unseen practice that shape your ability to capture the perfect shot. Patience is key, and that’s a lesson we can all apply to any business venture.
4. Failure Is Part of the Process
Ahn didn’t just wake up one day as a Michelin-starred chef. He went through failures, rejections, and harsh critiques. Entrepreneurship is no different. Every failure is a stepping stone to success. It’s about learning from your mistakes and pushing forward, even when things seem bleak.
5. Adaptability is Survival
When Ahn moved back to Korea after making a name in San Francisco, he didn’t just replicate his old formula. He adapted. In a fast-changing world, adaptability is the name of the game. Being rigid in business can leave you behind, but staying flexible helps you evolve with the times.
6. Perfection Is a Constant Pursuit
At MOSU, every dish Ahn creates undergoes countless revisions until it reaches a level of perfection only he can see. That relentless pursuit of excellence is something every entrepreneur should emulate. Whether you’re creating a product, service, or brand, always aim to perfect it—even if that perfection seems just out of reach.
7. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Even though Ahn is the creative force behind his restaurant, he doesn’t do it alone. The success of MOSU is also due to his team. Building a business is never a solo journey. Surround yourself with people who complement your weaknesses and share your vision.
8. Storytelling is Everything
Ahn Sung Jae’s food tells a story. Each dish is a narrative of culture, personal experience, and creativity. As a street photographer, I’ve learned that storytelling connects people emotionally, whether through a photograph or a business idea. Your product isn’t just a product; it’s a story that needs to resonate with your audience.
9. Authenticity Is Your Greatest Asset
What makes Ahn stand out is his authenticity. He doesn’t try to be someone he’s not, and that’s a powerful lesson. In business, authenticity is magnetic. People are drawn to those who are true to themselves and their values. You can’t fake it in the long run, so you might as well embrace who you are from the start.
10. Stay Humble
Despite his success, Ahn remains humble and grounded, which is a refreshing reminder that no matter how high you climb, humility will keep you connected to your roots and the people around you. In entrepreneurship, staying humble keeps you open to learning and growing, no matter how far you’ve come.
In conclusion, Ahn Sung Jae’s journey has taught me that entrepreneurship, much like art, is a balance of passion, resilience, and the courage to innovate. Whether I’m capturing a fleeting moment on the streets or navigating the challenges of business, his lessons serve as a reminder to always stay authentic, never stop learning, and above all, continue to create from the heart.