Notable Alumni

PHS Alums Kim, class of 2010, and Vanessa Pham, class of 2012, created a startup online business called Omsom, a company specializing in Asian sauces and noodles, featuring "Proud and Loud Asian Flavors."
Their business has been featured in major magazines and newspapers across the U.S., and the sisters were listed in the Forbes 30 under 30, which is a published list of 600 entrepreneurs under the age of 30 that Forbes magazine believes deserve recognition for making an impact in their field. 

The Vietnamese-American daughters were raised by their parents, who were refugees.  They attended NYU and Harvard, respectively, and had been working in the business world until they created their start up. Kim and Vanessa quit their 9-5 jobs to be able to pursue their dreams. The sisters started this business because they wanted to spark the interests of people about Asian culture, especially food.

 According to the Omsom website, om sóm is a Vietnamese phrase meaning "noisy, rambunctious and riotous."

Omsom is quite successful, as it was valued at $11.7 million after just four years. Also, they sold out in just 72 hours after launching their inventory for the first time. But the climb to this success wasn’t exactly easy.
Kim says, “not only is the work itself deeply challenging, but it also forces you to look within at your conviction, resolve, and identity.” 

Omsom allowed these girls to truly show who they are. Kim says,  “Omsom was one of the hardest things I've ever done - AND I'm so grateful that I got to learn more about myself and get closer to my sister in the process.” 

The two sisters are no longer proprietors of the brand, as it was acquired in June 2024. Kim is now a content creator and startup creator who travels full-time as she writes her very own book. Vanessa is a leadership coach who lives in Brooklyn.

Kim said, "Many people want to be entrepreneurs because they think it sounds easy, but it's really not." For those looking to start their own business, Kim says, “If you're going to do it, know what your north star is and spend time with yourself building the skills and confidence you need to run after something 100%.”

Kim was an editor for the Pembroke High School newspaper when she attended PHS. Kim says, “I wouldn't be here without Mr. Turley, a former English teacher at PHS and the adviser during my time as the school newspaper's Editor-in-Chief!”