APR 6, 2020
And just like that— It’s April! This month we’ll be focusing on refugee employment and economic advancement.
We can’t wait to share all the amazing things refugees and other immigrants do for the community and their families!
This week, we are honored to share Peter Khamtheng Ninkham’s story.
Peter fled Laos after the Vietnam War during what is now known as the Indochina refugee crisis. Refugees began arriving in the U.S. after a communist government came to power in Laos in 1975. He now owns three small businesses in NWA— P&N Oriental Food Market, E-San, and Thai E-San!
Peter’s experience fleeing conflict and becoming a business-owner motivated his daughter Lyna to work in refugee employment— she’s Canopy NWA’s own Employment Specialist! Lyna works with Canopy clients to prepare for, secure, and retain jobs in the American workplace after resettlement.
Lyna asked her dad a few questions about his experience as a refugee and business owner.
From Laos to NWA: Peter’s Story
Where are you from, and how did you come to live in Springdale, Arkansas?
I originally resettled in Wichita, KS in 1983 through USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) and stayed there for a year before relocating to Fort Smith, AR. I moved to Fort Smith for job opportunities to work at Tyson– a poultry processing plant. I eventually moved to Springdale, AR in 1989 for more opportunities to work.
Were you familiar with the language, customs, etc.?
I was fortunate to have an education when I was living in Laos before I became a refugee. I learned French in the school system as it was a secondary language in Laos and learned a little bit of English.
How did you find your new community once you arrived?
When our family first resettled to the United States, we resettled with other families as well. We had a sponsor family that cared for us when we arrived and helped teach English. There were other families that were affected by the Vietnam War living in Wichita and Fort Smith that we befriended and found community with.
Peter’s Journey as an Entrepreneur
How did you get started as an entrepreneur?
After working at many different jobs in the U.S., I wanted to become my own boss. When our family moved to Fort Smith, I pursued a two-year education as an electrician, and then when we moved to Springdale I went to school for two years for machinery and mechanics. I worked in that field until 2002. I also obtained my GED at Northwest Technical Institute during this time.
In 2006, we decided to open our first restaurant, E-San, in Springdale, and in 2014, we opened another location in Fayetteville called Thai E-San. My wife runs the grocery store, and I run the restaurant. Our dream of becoming our own bosses became true.
How did you gain enough confidence to start your own businesses?
There are many different laws when it comes to starting a business in the United States. You must take the time and patience to learn. I learned on my own and from others that I worked with. I also used the internet and went to the library to read books. With greater knowledge comes greater confidence.
Do you believe that refugees and/or immigrants bring special strengths or skills to business ownership?
YES! I am happy to see all the different stores and restaurants that are being opened by other refugees and immigrants in the community. I feel like my experience as a refugee has helped me go through the hard times of being a business-owner.
Restaurant ownership during the Covid-19 Pandemic is especially difficult.
Support the Ninkham family and others by (safely) patronizing Immigrant and refugee-owned small businesses.
“We have seen a 50% decrease in our restaurant business because we can no longer have dine-in, but I can not spend my days worrying. I have experienced so many difficult things as a refugee and immigrant in the United States. In my culture, we care for our family and others in our community.”
E-San Restaurant in Springdale and Thai E-San in Fayetteville are open for carry-out, drive-thru pick-up, and on most food delivery service apps. Help support our diverse NWA community by eating local (and adventurously!).
These are intense times for everyone in our community as we all do our best to protect ourselves and our neighbors from the current outbreak of Covid-19. Many of our families are expecting to see tough times ahead as businesses close and cut hours, school meals and resources are reduced, and single-parent households are stressed by the change in routine. Are you looking for ways to help?
Support Canopy’s Crisis Relief Fund! This will provide short-term financial support to families who experience a loss of income due to the outbreak. It will be accompanied by case management and employment services designed to help the family regain self-sufficiency as quickly as possible and will be combined with other forms of assistance available in the community.
Learn more about Canopy’s Entrepreneurship Program here.
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