I am sharing with you two posts by my dear friend, Tricia Evangelista Benitez, whose mom, Baby Antonio, is a bosom friend of mine. Tricia and I have been in touch because I am very interested in her success as a fashion retail entrepreneur in San Francisco, a feat that has been noticed by no less than her townsman US Vice President Kamala Harris, who invited her to a number of events, which Tricia has written about on her Facebook page.

I am sharing her notes with our readers that they may be aware that somewhere out there is a young Filipina who’s doing us proud in her special way as a “small business owner.”

Here’s Tricia for you:

A holiday reception at the Vice President’s residence

“Last month, I was honored to receive an invitation from VP
@kamalaharris and Second Gentleman @douglasemhoff to attend a holiday reception at the Vice President’s residence in Washington DC. I seem to be on a ‘List’ after meeting the Vice President back in March, and how I continue to remain on this List, I’m not too sure! My invite had a plus 1, and of course, I wanted to share this experience with Ron Benitez, who I — ahem — continue to remind of being my +1 at the VP’s event, the most honorable of honorable events I’ll likely ever attend in my lifetime.

“The cocktail party was pretty amazing and it was surreal walking through the VP estate. We learned that this event was specifically for Madam VP’s friends in Cali, about 200 of us from out west — her close friends growing up, CSU Chancellor and Presidents, CA political leaders and business leaders and close supporters who have all shared a space with Madam VP around the way and continue to follow her along on her journey.

“Vice President Harris took the time to have a photo-op with all of us, where I shared with her that we had met at an AAPI roundtable for our business in SF’s Chinatown. To my surprise, Madam VP looked at me and replied, “I remember you!” I was speechless. Did the Vice President of the United States say she remembered me?? I will choose to believe that there is an ever so slight chance that Madam VP actually remembers me… after all I have made my way onto ‘The List.’

Being on the Veep’s List has carried me into spaces I never imagined I’d be in, and hands down this holiday reception tops the list! I’m so honored to have met Vice President Harris time and time again, President Biden at the White House and for these surreal opportunities that would not be possible if not for our Small Business — and what started as an ambitious goal of wanting to open up a cool shop in what I’ll always believe is the greatest city in the world.

“Thank you, friends, for following along on our journey and continuing to support ASMBLY HALL! Cheers to the new year and more amazing experiences in 2024.”

A meet-up with President Joe Biden at the White House

“On Monday 27th March 2023 I was invited to The White House. I received an invitation from President Joe Biden that he sent to a select number of successful and resilient female small business owners and influential business leaders across the country, in celebration of Women’s History Month.

“I was still on a high after our AAPI roundtable with Vice President Kamala Harris a few weeks prior! Just as it was meeting the Vice President, meeting POTUS at The White House was an even crazier surreal experience. I walked around the East Wing of The WH and felt the history of our country. I stood outside POTUS office and the Oval Office thinking of all the big issues that have been discussed right there. I took a step up the residence quarters imagining young Sasha and Malia running up and down the stairs. Captivated by original paintings of Presidents and First Ladies, wandering through the library with books that have likely been there for centuries and the elegance of the Jackie O bathroom — what an experience.

“My favorite souvenir was from Jackie’s bathroom — thick, crisp white napkins with the official White House seal stamped in gold. Of course, I snagged extras!

“After wandering through the East Wing, we had the privilege of listening to President Biden speak and thank all of us — FEMALE small business owners, for what we do for the economy, the job market and the country, the US. He spoke to us for 30 minutes, expressing that small business owners are the engine of our economy, the glue to the heart and soul of our communities
— something that Ron and I have been preaching about nonstop for years now (shop small, support local!). President Biden also stated that there are 12 million female small business owners in the country which account for 40 percent of the nation’s GDP. I am so proud to be a part of this number!

“In the end, I had the opportunity to shake President Biden’s hand. Sadly, no footage as I respectfully put my phone away as we shook hands. I also had the pleasure of meeting SPANX founder Sara Blakely. We even shared a moment in the Jackie O bathroom where she said: ‘You look great!’

“I’m so honored to have had this opportunity! These are moments that make our hustle over the last 12 years as small biz owners all worth it in the end!”