We had the good fortune of connecting with VIET MAC and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi VIET, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Not much of a thought process. I just wanted to do something I enjoyed doing and was passionate about. I wasn’t thinking about building a business I was just hoping to make enough money to pay off my student loans

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Growing up a struggled a lot with the law. I was in and out of juvenile hall and jail. I was arrested 4 times before I turned my life around into something positive. Growing up as a first generation American you have very little guidance and have to figure everything out on your own while teaching your parents about the American way of life. They didn’t know much English and relied on us to figure things out.

As a creative and an entrepreneur I wish I had mentors or others I could look up to that could help me along my journey. I didn’t have much and just figured it out as I grew my company.

I’ve learned a lot along the way and happy to help others who struggle and want to do what they love.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Morning walk with my dogs to the local lake. Followed by breakfast at my house then over to our 8000 sqft studio space and creative playground. Make sure if you have some rocking climbing shoes that you bring them because we have a rock climbing wall here. We would probably go out to get some ramen for lunch and then down to the old town of Niles where Charlie Chaplin once had a film studio, it was the Hollywood before their was Hollywood.

Could go to afternoon hike / bike ride/ top golf/ or cruise to San Francisco for the evening.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Mared Hidalgo – She joined my company about 6-7 years ago and has help build Mac House into a legit company with employees- benefits and all the real deal stuff. She works tirelessly around the clock because she believes in what we are doing.

Website: www.machouse.com

Instagram: @machouse

Linkedin: VietMac

Twitter: @machouse

Facebook: MacHouse

Yelp: MacHouse

Other: @dukemac_

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.