Helen Yung, Co-Owner of Sweet Republic and Ice Cream Chef

Instagram and Twitter: @icecreamchef; @sweetrepublic

I chose this as my career because I wanted to make food that makes people happy.

I hope my greatest contribution to the Valley culinary scene is opening people’s minds to what ice cream flavors can be. My motto has always been “flavors have no boundaries but balance is key.”

Addicting customers to our ice cream is what I love most about what I do. Staffing is the biggest challenge.

I separate myself and my brand from others in this field by creating unexpected ice cream flavors.

I draw inspiration from the seasons, local produce and my travels.

My New Year’s resolution is to reduce screen time and increase in-person face time.

My greatest advice to share with young girls is to have confidence and focus in pursuit of your dreams.

Jan Wichayanuparp, Co-Owner of Sweet Republic and Ice Cream Hustler

Instagram and Twitter: @mondocrispy; @sweetrepublic

I chose this as my career because ice cream can make any day a little sweeter.

I hope my greatest contribution to the Valley culinary scene is inspiring other career changers to pursue their culinary passions so that the food scene in the Valley continues its upward momentum of greater diversity, talents and deliciousness.

Sharing in customers’ milestones as they celebrate with our ice cream is what I love most about what I do. Providing skill developments and growth opportunities for our highly talented staff is the biggest challenge.

I separate myself and my brand from others in this field by making each trip to Sweet Republic a unique experience and taking our customers on a taste adventure from regional American flavors such as Southern sweet potato pie to the far-flung region of Southern China with Sichuan chocolate ice cream.

I draw inspiration from Arizona-grown products, my readings and traveling.

My New Year’s resolution is to prioritize moments of daily joys.

My greatest advice to share with young girls is to raise your own bars, to not be afraid to fail and, most importantly, to recognize how strong you are as you stand up after falling.