Patricia Huang, a distinguished figure in the world of night markets, was the driving force behind the remarkable growth of the 626 Night Market, transforming it from a modest 60-vendor gathering into a spectacular event featuring 350 vendors and drawing millions of attendees across multiple cities over 11 years. Her accomplishments have garnered widespread recognition, with appearances on major news platforms such as The Today Show, Fox News and more.

That’s a big question. A good one! The biggest theme would be about intentional self improvement through a challenging environment, and giving oneself to a cause bigger than myself. When I first started the journey I was painfully shy and low self esteem. I put myself into the most challenging positions in the night market to gain strength, such as Sales (regularly facing rejection, cold calling, angry vendors, etc) and Marketplace Management and Logistics (volatile climates, long hours, conflict resolution, emergency problem solving, while managing hundreds of onsite people and teams, etc). I would see each problem and challenge as a chance to improve myself. If a vendor was ranting and out of control, I would practice patience, calm and active listening. If a TV news channel would call to have me speak in front of cameras, I would practice grounding and opening my heart so I can speak with authenticity and warmth without messing up from nerves. If I have to make a correction to a partner, customer or vendor, I would practice empathy, respectful yet firm communication. The last 4 years as General Manager has taught me even more and both humbled and rocked/strengthened me as we went through the very tumultuous COVID times and the rise of Asian American hate as well. Sitting with the Arcadia PD saying we are a high risk target for a bomb attack and having to make preparations for all the risks, as well as handling an actual shooter threat during one event has been quite the challenge. I am grateful to have gone through tremendous challenges managing the night markets over the 11 years, it’s given me just as much as I have given to the night markets. What kept me going as well, through all the challenges, is that it’s a service to the community. The community needs a gathering place for friends and family to bond and create meaningful memories, the vendors are small business owners that support themselves and their families with this platform, and the team’s love for this platform as well. Many food entrepreneurs rely on this platform to launch their dreams into restaurants and food trucks. This is bigger than myself. Even when it gets very dark sometimes, my commitment to them is what pulls me through.

Personal growth, service to others or for a greater good, and adventure.

The same as the earlier question: Personal growth, service to others or for a greater good, and adventure.