Sue Lee: Building Purpose, Community, and Opportunity on PEI

A New Chapter Begins

When Sue Lee arrived in Prince Edward Island in 2023 through the Provincial Nominee Program, the Island already felt somewhat familiar. Her sons had spent several years studying here and, through her family’s business in Taiwan, she had long sourced organic soybeans from Island producers. Still, leaving behind her life in Taiwan to settle permanently in Canada marked the beginning of an entirely new chapter.

Originally from Taipei, Lee built her career in Taiwan’s marketing industry before later joining the food-processing company founded by her husband, Ray, in Hsinchu County. Through their work, the family became connected to environmental sustainability, organic farming, and community-focused initiatives. “Life in Taipei metropolitan is vibrant andbusy,” Lee says. The pace and atmosphere of Prince Edward Island could not have been more different. Taipei’s crowded streets, climate, and constant activity, however,gave way to a quieter lifestyle. “Beautiful landscape and fresh air (were) my first impressions of P.E.I.” Adjusting to Island life took time, but Lee gradually found a connection. Outside of managing her businesses, she joined alocal choir and began volunteering with non-profit organizations, experiences she says that helped her feel rooted in her new home. “Those experiences make me happy and healthy, and most importantly, to learn gratefulness and giving.”

Entrepreneurship with Heart

Lee’s entrepreneurial journey on Prince Edward Island began through an unexpected opportunity. While exploring locations for a future business, she learned through a mutual connection that the owner of Goji’s Frozen Yogurt in Charlottetown was preparing to retire and sell the business.“It was a beautiful coincidence.” Today, Lee operates Soyaway and Goji’s out of the same location in Charlottetown. Reopening Goji’s showed her how deeply connected many Islanders were to the business and the memories associated with it. “I always remember and feel grateful (for) how the old customers loved this store and to see it re-open again,” she recalls. That response reinforced her belief that successful businesses are built on more than products alone. “So, I would rather say that I’m selling happiness than selling product itself.”

Finding Strength in Community

Like many entrepreneurs, Lee has also faced the realities of rising operational and purchasing costs, inflation, and market uncertainty. Increasing business-related expenses have required careful planning as she works to keep the operation sustainable. To help adapt to changing customer habits and expand her reach, she recently introduced a delivery service. Lee adds that support networks have played an important role in helping her navigate business ownership in a new country. She first discovered PEI Connectors through Island Investment Development Inc. (IIDI) and credits the programs with helping her meet new people and generate fresh ideas. “By joining some sessions, I obtain business ideas, strive to try again, and get to know people in different fields who may be my friends or future business partners.” A few years into her family’s new journey, Lee says moving to Prince Edward Island has given her the sense of purpose and the lifestyle she was searching for. “I know what I pursued is found here.”

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