Today we’d like to introduce you to Lilly Ruan.
Hi Lilly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in a small town as the child of hardworking immigrant parents who poured their hearts into building a better life. I spent most of my childhood in my parents’ restaurant not just helping, but taking on real responsibility at a young age. Whether it was serving customers, managing small tasks, or simply making sure things ran smoothly, I learned early on that hard work, reliability, and pride in what you do makes all the difference. When I went to college, my curiosity for food blossomed into a true passion. Surrounded by so many different styles of Japanese cuisine, I fell in love with sushi the creativity, the balance, and the artistry behind every roll. I loved how fun and expressive it could be, turning simple ingredients into something both beautiful and flavorful. That passion led me to open Miyako, a Japanese fusion restaurant in Laurinburg, North Carolina, featuring sushi and a variety of Asian-inspired dishes. Through Miyako, I get to share my creativity with my community crafting food that surprises, delights, and brings people together.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting a new business is never easy, especially when introducing a new concept like sushi in a small town. There were moments of uncertainty — not knowing how people would respond, finding the right team, and learning how to balance creativity with the realities of running a business.
But every obstacle became an opportunity to grow. The challenges taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of believing in my vision even when things got tough.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a restaurant owner and sushi chef who takes pride in creating memorable dining experiences through food. At Miyako, we specialize in Japanese cuisine especially sushi along with a variety of other Asian-inspired dishes that celebrate both flavor and tradition. What makes Miyako special is the creativity behind every plate. I love expressing myself through sushi. Experimenting with color, texture, and taste to create dishes that are not only delicious but also visually inspiring.
Beyond the food itself, I focus on the full experience from presentation to atmosphere. I’m most proud of how far we’ve come, turning an idea into a thriving restaurant that not only offers great food but also brings people together. I’m incredibly proud of my team for their dedication and heart. Seeing guests return again and again reminds me why I started this journey: to share culture through food and create something meaningful for my community.
How do you think about happiness?
That’s a great question. At this point in my life, what makes me happiest is my family. Working in the restaurant industry takes a lot of time, dedication, and sacrifice, so the moments I get to spend with my family are truly precious to me. No matter how busy life gets, being with them reminds me why I work so hard and fills me with the greatest sense of happiness and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Miyakonc.com
- Instagram: Miyakojapanesecuisine
- Facebook: Miyakojapanesecuisine
