Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Parshikova
Hi Victoria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I came to the United States 12 years ago as a student-athlete; I was only 17 years old. It was a dream come true for me because ever since I was 13 years old, I always wanted to study in the U.S. because it would allow me to combine tennis with academics.
The opportunity to study in the U.S. and combine tennis with academics was a dream come true, made even more special by receiving a full athletic scholarship offer from the University of North Texas on my birthday. However, as my dreams were materializing, my world was crumbling; just ten days before starting freshman year at UNT, my dad passed away from cancer. In that moment, I realized that if I didn’t seize this opportunity, I might never have another chance. Now looking back, I honestly have no idea how I did it.
Today, I hold 2 degrees, speak 3 languages, work full-time, and run a small business, a journey that’s taken unexpected turns. Ironically, I now work at an immigration law firm, a testament to life’s unpredictable nature. I won’t even get into details about being on student and work visas; it is a whole different topic. I know that not everyone gets these kinds of opportunities, and I am forever grateful to my parents for doing everything they can to make sure I could study in the United States.
My first foray into entrepreneurship was teaching neighbors tennis at 14-16 years old. Throughout college and grad school, I worked on campuses, limited in job choices as a student visa holder, but driven by a desire to support my mom. Graduating from SMU with a master’s degree was a milestone, yet it came with uncertainty; I lacked a job lined up that could sponsor my work visa (H-1B), and the thought of returning home loomed large.
Despite the challenges of life in the U.S. as a foreigner, the idea of starting a business always lingered in the back of my mind. I began brainstorming during late nights in grad school, and while a few ideas surfaced, something crucial seemed missing. This is why I chose to wait patiently for the right inspiration to strike. Pursuing my second master’s in Latin American studies at UTD with a concentration in art history provided me with a platform to explore my passions. Fluent in Spanish, I was keen to utilize my language skills. It was during this time that the creative aspect of my business idea began to take shape. With a profound love for art and cultures, I was determined to incorporate these elements into my future business endeavors.
The turning point came in 2020. Amidst a pandemic, I received a job offer with a company willing to sponsor my work visa, marking a significant breakthrough.
In 2023, feeling equipped to bring my vision to life, I took the leap into entrepreneurship. MVP Coffee Company was born, a culmination of my passions and experiences, symbolizing the support of my family and friends, my MVPs.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My life in the United States has been far from smooth sailing. I was young and naive when I started college, and still only 23 when I completed my first master’s degree. I was certain that I would have a job lined up by graduation, but once again, I was mistaken. I firmly believe in pursuing what you love, and unfortunately, programming and IT-related jobs are not my passion. This made my journey in the U.S. as an international student particularly challenging. Job searching was especially tough; lacking hard skills for employers to sponsor my H-1B visa made it even more so. Nevertheless, I was determined to find a job that didn’t require knowledge of programming languages, and eventually, I succeeded.
Over the years, I have gained an incredible group of friends who have helped me get through all kinds of challenges. For us, foreign people, our friends become our second family away from home. People always ask me why I am still in Dallas. I always tell them that it is the community and people around me that make me want to stay and grow my business here. I have lived in three countries, and I don’t think I am ready to drop everything just yet and move elsewhere, especially when I have just started my own business.
There will always be struggles and obstacles, but I have learned to focus on what I can control. For me, a smooth ride would have been too boring. One of the essential parts of being an entrepreneur is having both problem-solving skills and a flexible mindset. Of course, I get frustrated when things don’t go according to plan, but I always remind myself that I have been through worse, and this is just a tiny bump along the way.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I was in college, I always went to coffee shops to study and read. I honestly couldn’t drink regular drip coffee; I was only interested in rich and strong espresso drinks. I also went there to meet people, chat with baristas, and ask them a billion questions about coffee. Over the years, I met so many interesting people at coffee shops with all kinds of backgrounds. That’s why, when it came to a business idea, I knew it would have to be coffee-related. That’s how I came up with a mobile coffee cart business, which allows me to serve coffee pretty much everywhere. No matter what people do, most of them will drink coffee. This concept is not limited to certain industries and locations, which is amazing. I’ve also been able to incorporate three important aspects for me – coffee, art, and culture.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
We live in a fast-paced world where you must quickly pick up on trends and adapt to your target audience’s needs and wants. However, it is just as important not to lose your brand identity while chasing trends and big crowds.
For small businesses like mine, success hinges on customer satisfaction, the delivery of high-quality services, and a commitment to professionalism. Many customers prefer the personalized approach and quick turnaround times offered by small local businesses. It’s important to remember these key points. While new technologies undoubtedly enhance our lives, there’s still value in the simple pleasure of a freshly pulled shot of espresso at your desk, and that’s precisely what we aim to deliver.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mvpcoffeedallas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mvpcoffee
