Sueyon Yu

When Suyeon Yu, known to many as Mama Sue, set out to launch her Korean food business, she knew great food would only be part of the recipe for success.

To help bring her vision to life, she enrolled in free Adult Community Education (ACE) courses at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, gaining practical photography and videography skills to market her new venture, Mama Sue's K-Wellness Kitchen.

The business brings authentic Korean flavours to Tauranga, offering workers fresh, thoughtfully prepared and affordable ready-made meals as an alternative to everyday convenience food.

Wanting to strengthen her marketing skills and grow her customer base, Suyeon completed the Photography Essentials and Introduction to Smartphone Videography Basics courses at Toi Ohomai's Tauranga campus.

Through the photography course, she learned the fundamentals of composition, lighting and camera techniques, skills she now uses to create content promoting her business.

"I've put many of the skills I've learned into practice through social media and other marketing materials. Digital marketing is one of the biggest opportunities to promote what I'm doing, so learning how to create better photographs and videos was very important to me," she says.

The smartphone videography course further developed her confidence in creating and editing videos, supporting her ambition to launch her own YouTube channel.

Originally from Korea, Suyeon moved to New Zealand more than 30 years ago and continues to embrace new learning opportunities. Alongside running her business, she is now studying towards a New Zealand Certificate in Baking (Level 4), building her skills in food safety, commercial kitchen operations and professional baking.

"My longer-term goal is to create my own content and share what I've learned through food, culture and my business journey," she says. "Everything I've studied at Toi Ohomai connects together."

For Suyeon, one of the most rewarding aspects of study has been the opportunity to apply new skills directly to her business.

"Everything I've learned has helped me, from food safety and menu development through to marketing, customer service and business management. My business has become my biggest learning project," she says.

Suyeon credits the supportive learning environment at Toi Ohomai and the encouragement of her tutors for helping her build confidence and continue progressing towards her goals.

"All of the tutors I've had have been extremely patient and supportive," she says. "As a student, it's okay to make mistakes and try again. The kaiako (teachers) encourage us and help us learn. That's what gives you confidence."

A self-described lifelong learner, Suyeon says returning to study in her 60s has been both challenging and rewarding. She is determined to keep learning, embrace new technology and continue growing both personally and professionally.

"I want people to know you're never too old to learn a new skill. I don't want to be left behind by technology. I want to keep learning, stay connected and continue growing."

She encourages anyone considering further study, starting a small business or exploring a new career direction to take advantage of the opportunities available through Toi Ohomai.

"The ACE courses are free, open to people of all ages, and the learning environment is very welcoming. I've learned so much and gained skills I can use every day."

Follow Mama Sue’s K-Wellness Kitchen 
Instagram: @lightofsue.official
Facebook: Mama Sue’s K-Wellness Kitchen