Today we’d like to introduce you to Yanni Albana.
Yanni, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
At 18, I was offered 50% of one of Tom’s Franchise locations, but due to family pressure to continue my education, I missed the opportunity. I attended a local community college completed my AA, transferred to a CSU for my BS, and later completed my MBA at Ashford University.
After college, I was asked to work as a government contractor to train the military on insurgent activity and the Arabic language prior to their deployment where I was able to save some capital due to the fact that room and board were provided for me on military bases in California. It was after this opportunity that I was able to have my first taste of entrepreneurship.
I took the capital I had saved up to start up my first business, a Hookah Lounge. Step by step I opened my second location near CSUSM which boomed as the only hookah lounge in North County that fueled the opportunity to get to where I am today at Nara Ultra Lounge.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course not. My first business didn’t necessarily fail, I had a falling out with my partner. I opened again because it was and still is my passion to entertain people in this industry. There were many struggles with the city, licensing, capital allocation, all the NO’s and negative talking from people near and far.
Some lessons learned: business is business, don’t get me wrong, you want to be generous to your clients and friends and family, but at the end of the day, there are bills to pay. Secondly, even though its a mom and pop level business, you have to operate it as formally as possible.
Please tell us about Nara Ultra Lounge.
Nara is a hookah lounge complimented with various spirits and soft drinks. We have a variety of exotic flavors, fruit heads, and traditional Egyptian hookahs. Nara was designed by the popular interior designer Davis Kruminis who has designed projects in San Diego like Sidebar, Parq and several other local hot spots.
The biggest aspect that sets me apart is that I am hands on with the lounge operation as well as all my guests whether it’s greeting, seating, chatting with my patrons to making hookahs and serving drinks making everyone feel at home and not just a number.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory was riding my bike to school. It was one of my childhood experiences that lead me to have bigger goals and dreams for growth and success.
Contact Info:
- Address: 8055 Clairemont Mesa Blvd #108A
San Diego CA, 92111 - Website: www.naraultralounge.com
- Phone: 8585604444
- Email: nuloungesd@hotmail.com
- Instagram: naraultralounge
- Facebook: Nara Ultra Lounge
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