At the heart of SOKU is Alana, co-founder, creative mind, and the driving force behind the brand’s storytelling and guest experience. What began as a passion project born on a beach in Southeast Asia has grown into a dining concept rooted in culture, connection and curiosity. Here, Alana shares the journey behind SOKU, the lessons she’s learned stepping into hospitality, and the vision guiding what comes next.
You co-founded SOKU, what inspired this venture, and how did your personal connection to food and culture shape its identity?
SOKU really started as a passion project. My partner Lawrence and I launched it mostly for fun, driven by his cheffing skills, my background in marketing, and our shared love of good food. The idea first came to life while we were travelling through Vietnam, Thailand and Japan. We were sitting on a beach, talking about our future and what freedom and creativity could look like for us, and that’s where the spark for SOKU began.
I’ve always loved travelling, and Asian cuisine in particular has so much depth and flavour. It constantly surprises and inspires me. That love, combined with our desire to create something of our own, really shaped SOKU’s identity. It’s a blend of our experiences, our skills, and the joy of discovering food that makes you pause and live in the moment.
What’s been your proudest moment since opening SOKU — something that really affirmed what you’re building?
Honestly, it sounds cliché, but some of my proudest moments have been when guests pull me aside to say how much they loved their experience, whether it’s the food, the service, or the memories they’ve made while dining with us. That’s everything to me. It always reminds me why we do this in the first place.
And on a personal note, I always get a little buzz when people comment on the branding or ask about the marketing, as that’s my side of the creative work. I love that I get to bring both sides of myself into SOKU: the strategic, design-focused brain and the person who wants people to have a good time.
What’s been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in this space, and how have you navigated it?
To be honest, it’s all been a huge (but rewarding) challenge to navigate. Before SOKU, I’d never even worked a single shift in hospitality. My first one was at our very first pop-up back in December. I remember being so nervous. Fast forward to now, and I’m essentially running front of house. I’m still learning every day and figuring things out as I go.
What’s made it harder is that I’m the only woman on our team. I love the men that I work with, but there are moments where I’ve had to figure things out on my own, without that shared experience or mentorship that some other women might get from having females in the same space. I know I’ve still got a lot of challenges ahead, but I’ve already met some incredible women in the industry who’ve been so generous with their support. That’s made a huge difference.
Who inspires you in the world of food, culture or hospitality? Is there anyone whose work or values resonate with you personally or professionally?
Typical one here, but Bourdain has always been a huge inspiration for me. His Parts Unknown series is what first sparked my love of travel, and that - in turn - is what led to this whole journey with SOKU. The way he explored food through culture, people and location really shaped how I see hospitality today.
While I work in hospitality, it’s the creative side of what I do that really fuels me. I get excited about branding, storytelling, and how different businesses bring their personality to life. I geek out over clever marketing and the unique ways brands connect with people. That blend of food, culture and creativity is what resonates with me most.
What changes would you love to see in the hospitality industry to better support women in leadership, particularly those juggling creative and operational roles?
Respect. That’s the word that comes to mind first. I’m fortunate to have a supportive team of men around me (although they can be annoying sometimes). But I know that’s not every woman’s experience. I’ve heard many stories from friends and peers in the industry who’ve been dismissed, talked over, or underestimated simply because they’re women. Even in my own day-to-day life, I see how easily women are disrespected or doubted, and it’s frustrating.
What I’d love to see is a shift in mindset, where women in leadership (especially those juggling creative and operational roles) aren’t expected to prove themselves twice as hard to be taken seriously. Where self-confidence isn’t mistaken for being ‘difficult’, and where collaboration doesn’t mean doing emotional labour behind the scenes with absolutely no credit. Respect is about listening, valuing input, and trusting capability, regardless of someone’s gender.
From building a brand that blends travel, culture and cuisine, to carving out space for herself in a demanding industry, Alana’s journey with SOKU is as much about personal growth as it is about food. With a clear creative vision and a commitment to meaningful guest experiences, she continues to shape SOKU into more than a restaurant — a place where stories, flavours and people come together.
