In this unforgettable episode, we sit down with Chef Yia Vang, the James Beard Award nominee and force behind Vinai, Minneapolis’s groundbreaking Hmong restaurant that has captured the culinary world's attention. Named after the Thai refugee camp where his family lived before moving to the U.S. Vinai has earned international acclaim — making Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Hot List of the best new restaurants in the world, as well as prestigious nods from Time Magazine, the New York Times, and Esquire.

Yia shares how his early life, shaped by family, resilience, and storytelling, inspired his journey from a kid who didn’t like cooking to a national ambassador for Hmong cuisine. We talk about the power of food to build inclusive communities, the significance behind dishes like Vinai’s Hill Tribe chicken and fried catfish, and how every plate he serves is a living tribute to the Hmong spirit of survival and celebration.

This episode is a testament to perseverance, heritage, and the transformative power of sharing a meal. If you love stories of identity, grit, and cultural redefinition, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

In this inspiring episode of Is That Cashmere?, Becca and Anna chat with Jen Nash, the "Connector in Chief" and author of The Big Power of Tiny Connections. Jen shares how small gestures, like reconnecting with old friends or sharing an orange on a plane, can transform your life and career.

This episode will have you rethinking connections—and maybe packing an extra snack for your next flight.