DREAM FULFILLED: Pui Nanthaphan Petwiwat has worked her way up in the hospitality industry. Gen Kennedy
NO-ONE can accuse Pui Nanthaphan Petwiwat of taking any short cuts on her pathway to business ownership.
Ms Nanthaphan is now the chef and owner at Margaret St coffee shop GPO Bar and Cafe, but the dream of having her own cafe seemed a long way off when she was working as a kitchen hand 10 years ago.
After arriving in Toowoomba from her native Thailand, Ms Nanthaphan worked as a kitchen hand in various city Thai restaurants, while harbouring a dream to be in charge of a kitchen.
She later moved on to the Engine Room Cafe, and picked up skills from watching the chefs work and completing a TAFE certificate.
Still working in the kitchen, she continued her studies at the University of Southern Queensland, eventually completing a Bachelor of Hospitality Management and a Masters degree in Business Administration.
A few months ago, after plenty of research, her dream was fulfilled when she took over GPO.
"I did work hard, I was always thinking that I should work to be a success," Ms Nanthaphan said.
"Finally, I have my dream."
Ms Nanthaphan has revamped the menu, including a few Thai favourites, as well as expanding opening hours.
She said putting her own stamp on the cafe's previously Mediterranean-influenced menu had proved a positive move so far.
"I've changed it to being Aussie and Asian," Ms Nanthaphan said.
"The Thai fish cakes, Thai beef salad are popular, and nachos and burgers - I make everything here, all the cakes and desserts are fresh.
"We have an Asian tapas menu as well.
"I really love this building, because people here are so supportive. Some people have three coffees every day.
"There are also a lot of couples, and a lot of people coming before or after the movies."
Despite having achieved her dream of owning a cafe, the hard work has only just begun for Ms Nanthaphan.
"I'm probably working more than 60, 70 hours a week. I'm in at 6.30am to test the coffee, and close at 10pm.
"There's no break at the moment - it's my first business, I want everything to be consistent.
"In my culture, it's thought that if you stay three months and you survive, you'll stay for a long time.
"When I first came here, I was shocked by the cold and I didn't know English.
"As I've stayed longer and longer, Toowoomba has become home - it's a second home."
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