From Student to Franchise Owner: How Mira Built Her Dream Career on a CBU Foundation

When Mira Yang arrived in Canada in 2010, she was looking for more than just an education; she was looking for an opportunity to build a future. She began her journey at the Cape Breton Language Centre (then called ICEAP) and within a year, started in the Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management program at Cape Breton University. That decision, she says, was life-changing.

“I chose CBU because of its strong hospitality program and the chance to study in a supportive environment,” Mira explains. “And being in Sydney, I had no choice but to speak English, which turned out to be a great thing. It really helped me improve and become more comfortable talking to people.”

Mira graduated in 2014 and headed to the Greater Toronto Area in search of opportunity. It was there that a visit to a franchise show sparked an unexpected idea. She discovered Mary Brown’s Chicken, a proudly Canadian quick-service restaurant chain, and saw a future for herself in it. In 2019, Mira opened her first Mary Brown’s location. Two years later, she opened her second.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with people and making them feel welcome,” she says. “I like the energy, the teamwork and the idea of creating great experiences for others. That’s what first drew me to hospitality, and it’s what I try to bring into my stores every day.”

Her success, she’s quick to point out, didn’t happen by accident. “CBU gave me a strong foundation both in terms of knowledge and experience. I also worked during my Co-op, and that really helped me understand how the industry works in real life,” Mira says. “The program didn’t just teach theory, it prepared us for the actual workplace.”

She credits her time at CBU with sharpening her communication, time management and problem-solving skills, and with teaching her how to work effectively with people from different backgrounds, skills she now uses to lead a diverse and growing team.

“At CBU I learned how important it is to be a good communicator and a positive role model,” she says. “Those things are the key to success in any business. I always try to lead by example and create a workplace that’s inclusive, fair and supportive, just like what I got from my time at CBU.”

As a business owner, Mira enjoys mentoring others. “The most rewarding part of running your own business is seeing my team grow, creating jobs for others and building strong relationships with customers,” she says. “Also, proving to myself that I can build something from the ground up has been incredibly fulfilling.”

Looking back on her journey from Cape Breton to becoming a two-time franchise owner in Canada, Mira is proud of what she’s achieved and optimistic about what’s next.

“I’m proud that I had the courage to start something on my own in a new country,” she says. “Opening and running two locations wasn’t easy, but it showed me how far I’ve come and how much more I can still grow.”

Her advice to current and future CBU students is to take risks, be open to learning from everyone and start building your network early.

To learn more about CBU’s Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management program, visit our Program Page.