Meet Austin Win | Registered Dietitian & Physical Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Austin Win and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Austin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business was a blend of ambition, family values, and a desire for personal fulfillment. In 2012, while still completing my last year of undergrad, I embarked on two entrepreneurial journeys: opening a sushi and Thai restaurant with my family and launching my own personal training business.

The restaurant, Jasmine Sushi and Thai Cuisine, was born out of my experience working as a sushi chef. I wanted my family to have a place where we could deliver quality food and service on our own terms. Our dream was to have the restaurant sustain itself rather than having it dictate our lives, which often happens in the restaurant industry. The location in Miami, right across from my college Florida International University, was strategic but also challenging, as it was tucked in a corner of a shopping plaza. We needed to create a buzz quickly since my entire family had invested and quit their jobs for this venture. I took to grassroots marketing, engaging the community and leveraging my role as a personal trainer at the college rec center to spread the word.

On the personal training front, my motivation was deeply rooted in the joy I found in helping others. Seeing my clients reach their fitness goals was incredibly satisfying. I wanted to support people in living healthier lives, especially as I noticed how busy lifestyles often led to neglecting personal health.

Of course, starting from scratch posed numerous challenges. Building a customer base and establishing a reputation required perseverance and creativity. I remember being filled with a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, motivation, eagerness, and a bit of fear. But at 24, I felt unstoppable, embracing the philosophy of “What do you have to lose?”

Growing up, I saw my family work tirelessly without much to show for it. This instilled in me a determination to work not just for the sake of working, but with the goal of achieving true freedom. Today, as a Registered Dietitian and Physical Therapist, I continue to help clients lose weight and get in shape, aiming for sustainable health without the need for extreme measures. This journey started with a dream to transform not just my own life, but the lives of those around me, by creating something meaningful and lasting.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has been an exciting and multifaceted journey, blending my passions for food, fitness, and health. Starting as a sushi chef and then venturing into entrepreneurship with Jasmine Sushi and Thai Cuisine while still in college, I learned early on the importance of perseverance, hard work, and adaptability.

What sets me apart from others is my holistic approach to health and wellness. I’m not just focused on one aspect of well-being but rather the integration of nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle changes. Today, as a Registered Dietitian and Physical Therapist, I help clients lose weight and get back in shape without resorting to diets, surgery, injections, or medications. My approach is all about sustainable, long-term health improvements that fit seamlessly into people’s lives.

I’m incredibly proud of the transformations I’ve witnessed in my clients. Seeing someone regain their confidence, health, and happiness is profoundly rewarding. It’s these moments that make all the hard work worth it. One particular story that stands out is a client who, after years of struggling with weight and health issues, finally achieved her fitness goals and discovered a newfound love for healthy living. Being part of her journey was a privilege.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. Starting a restaurant from the ground up, especially in a competitive market, was a monumental task. The initial challenge was to build a customer base and establish our restaurant’s reputation. Grassroots marketing and community engagement were key strategies we employed. Overcoming these challenges required relentless effort, creative problem-solving, and an unwavering belief in our vision.

Transitioning from running a restaurant to becoming a health professional also came with its own set of challenges. Balancing my time between business responsibilities and furthering my education in dietetics and physical therapy demanded discipline and resilience. There were moments of doubt and exhaustion, but my passion for helping others kept me going.

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned several valuable lessons. First, the importance of perseverance—success rarely comes overnight, and it’s the sustained effort that leads to meaningful achievements. Second, the power of community and support—surrounding yourself with people who believe in you and your vision can make all the difference. Lastly, the necessity of continuous learning and adaptation—the world is always changing, and staying curious and open to new knowledge is crucial for growth.

I want the world to know that my brand and story are rooted in a genuine desire to make a positive impact. Whether through serving delicious, high-quality food at our restaurant or helping clients achieve their health goals, my mission is to improve lives. My journey has been about more than just professional success; it’s been about creating a legacy of health, happiness, and well-being for my community.

My story is one of passion, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I believe in the potential of every individual to live a healthier, happier life, and I’m here to help them achieve that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m all about relaxation, exploration, and culinary delights, so here’s a little itinerary showcasing the best that San Diego has to offer. This is the itinerary I would give if my best friend was visiting so they can soak in all the good vibes!

Day 1: Arrival and Beach Day
Morning: Start your trip with a leisurely breakfast at The Cottage La Jolla. Enjoy their delicious French toast and soak in the charming beach town vibes.
Afternoon: Head to Mission Beach for some sunbathing and a stroll along the boardwalk. Rent bikes or rollerblades for extra fun!
Evening: Enjoy a nice dinner at Cannonball in Pacific Beach, then grab a drink and watch the sunset!

Day 2: Exploring Clairemont and Asian Cuisine
Morning: Kick off with a visit to 85°C Bakery Café in Clairemont for some amazing pastries and coffee.
Afternoon: Explore the Asian food scene in Clairemont. Have lunch at Rakiraki Ramen & Tsukemen for some of the best ramen in town.
Evening: Try out some Asian desserts and boba. You can go to Somi Somi or Happy lemon.

Day 3: Downtown and Balboa Park
Morning: Start with breakfast at Snooze in Hillcrest, as I often would have breakfast there with family.
Afternoon: Spend the day wandering through Balboa Park. Visit the museums, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo. Also, you can head over to Extraordinary Desserts for a sweet treat. Their beautiful and decadent desserts are a must-try.
Evening: Have dinner at Cesarina in Point Loma for an authentic Italian experience. The pasta made in a cheese wheel is unforgettable!

Day 4: Point Loma and Sunset Cliffs
Morning: Enjoy brunch at Point Loma Public Market. With a variety of food options, there’s something for everyone.
Afternoon: Explore Cabrillo National Monument and enjoy the breathtaking views of San Diego’s coastline.
Evening: Head to Sunset Cliffs for a stunning sunset view. Bring a picnic and enjoy the serene environment.

Day 5: Coronado and Coastal Delights
Morning: Take the ferry to Coronado Island and have breakfast at Clayton’s Coffee Shop, a charming diner.
Afternoon: Relax on Coronado Beach and you can also visit the historic Hotel del Coronado. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the hotel’s beachside restaurant.
Evening: Dine at Peohe’s with its beautiful waterfront views and delicious seafood. Don’t forget to order their chocolate lava cake!

Day 6: Nature and Shopping
Morning: Hike at Torrey Pines State Reserve. The trails offer stunning ocean views and a good morning workout.
Afternoon: Head to UTC Mall for some shopping and lunch at Din Tai Fung. Don’t miss their famous soup dumplings.
Evening: Have dinner at my friend’s restaurant, Cherrywine Modern Asian Cuisine in La Jolla, renowned for its authentic Burmese dishes! You can sit outdoors to see views of the cove.

Day 7: North County Adventure
Morning: Take a scenic drive to Carlsbad and have breakfast at Cafe Topes. Their cinnamon rolls are legendary.
Afternoon: Spend the day exploring Carlsbad Village, with its boutique shops and beachy charm. Have lunch at 20 Twenty Grill.
Evening: Drive back down the coast and enjoy a final dinner at Jake’s Del Mar, right on the beach.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely, my journey has been shaped by the incredible support and encouragement of many wonderful people. First and foremost, I want to give a huge shoutout to my family. Their belief in our collective dream gave us the strength to dive into the deep end together. We took the leap of faith, leaving our jobs in 2012 to start Jasmine Sushi and Thai Cuisine, and their dedication has been the backbone of our success.

Additionally, I want to recognize the book “The E-Myth” by Michael E. Gerber. This book profoundly changed my approach to business, emphasizing the importance of working on your business rather than just in it. It taught me the value of systems and processes, which became essential as we strived to have our restaurant run smoothly without it consuming our lives.

Lastly, my clients, both in personal training and now as a Registered Dietitian and Physical Therapist, deserve a heartfelt thank you. Their trust and commitment to their own health and fitness goals have been a continuous source of inspiration for me. Seeing their progress and knowing I’ve played a part in their journey is immensely rewarding and keeps me driven to help more people achieve their best selves.

All these people and influences have been integral to my story. Their support, wisdom, and encouragement have not only helped me reach where I am today but also continue to inspire me to aim higher and dream bigger.

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