Khmer Voices
Growing up in Canada, there was a lack of representation of stories that truly resonated with my experiences when it came to professionals. In this podcast, I aim to close this gap. We're celebrating and amplifying Khmer voices through conversations with Cambodian people dispersed around the world. We discuss their journey, successes, failures and their upbringing.
Khmer Voices
It's Never Too Late with Sopheaktra Heang
Sopheaktra Heang (aka Peter) is a Khmer Canadian who was born in a Thai refugee camp. He moved around a lot in his childhood and didn’t establish roots until he was an adult.
Like many of us koun Khmer, his parents are survivors of the Khmer Rouge genocide; this along with other emotionally and psychologically traumatic events in his childhood greatly affected him. He was in with the wrong crowd, dropped out of high school, and encountered problems with the law.
Returning to high school at 19 and obtaining a diploma in Financial Management at 24, Sopheaktra eventually found his path through education and entrepreneurship, starting a now thriving floral business with his wife called The Heart Company. When they started the business 11 years ago, they had no floral knowledge! Now, The Heart Company caters to large scale special events such as weddings and corporate functions.
Sopheaktra also serves as the Cultural Consultant for the play Cambodian Rock Band, in Vancouver highlighting the importance of cultural representation and storytelling.
Cambodian Rock Band will be in Vancouver until April 6, 2025, so although tickets are limited, there are some left at the time of publishing this episode and there’s still time to attend. Buy tickets here.
Follow The Heart Company on Instagram @heartcompany604
Sopheaktra's Favourite Books:
Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestl
Atomic Habits - James Clear
Art of Learning - Josh Waitzkin
His Favourite Youtubers:
Myron Golden - Peter writes, "This channel exists for the purpose of empowering entrepreneurs and encouraging them to the great heights that can not come from anywhere else."
Little Bit Better - Personal development & business books to help small business owners improve their lives and businesses.
JL Jupiter - Khmer American Food Vlogger
Peter's Notable Instagram Influencers
Randall Pich - Khmer American Entrepreneur. Owner of LVFT brand apparel
A business podcaster Sopheaktra finds valuable:
The Game with Alex Hormozi - Hosted by entrepreneur, founder, investor, author, public speaker, and content creator Alex Hormozi. On this podcast you'll hear how to get more customers.