Conversations with Diem Koole

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diem Koole.

Diem, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Where do I even begin? It has been quite a journey. My family moved from Vietnam to Phoenix on January 19, 2013, when I was 22 years old. I started at community college for my associate’s degree, then transferred to Arizona State University, where I earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Computer Information Systems and Business Data Analytics.

During my years at ASU, I worked part-time at nail salons on weekends to pay for school. Life was a mix of goal-setting, determination, and being a go-getter. In 2017, I met the love of my life, who later became my husband. Before graduation, I landed my first job as a Business Analyst at a financial firm in Scottsdale. By 2019, I was married to my “college sweetheart,” and soon after, we welcomed our first son.

In 2020, I enrolled in a Master’s program in Information Systems Management at ASU. That season of life felt like a superpower—starting a new family, working full-time as a BA, caring for a one-year-old, discovering I was pregnant again, and beginning my graduate program. But none of it was accidental. My husband and I wanted it all, and with his support, I managed to do it. I even attended classes up to the day our daughter came into this world, and proudly earned my Master’s in 2021.

After graduation, I accepted a role as a Product Owner at a larger firm. Life with two kids under two was chaotic but also filled with love and laughter, thanks in large part to my husband’s support. In 2024, my team was unexpectedly impacted by layoffs. It was a devastating blow that shook my confidence. For the first time, I felt lost. The rejections from job interviews and the feeling of not being “American enough” for corporate America chipped away at my self-esteem.

But that season of struggle gave me space to rediscover something I had always dreamed of: creating my own website. That’s when thekoolemom.com was born. I designed, developed, and wrote every part of it myself. At first, it was an outlet for my emotions—writing about my layoff under categories like Coffee, Career, and Kids. Over time, it became much more: a place to share recipes, document my thoughts, and create something my kids could see and be proud of. They love asking me, “Did you really make that?” and seeing their pictures on my site.

Alongside writing, I began exploring my passion for cooking. I cooked for moms’ retreats hosted by Chelsie Bruggeman, the CEO of MOMentum for Working Moms, as well as for local events. The compliments and encouragement I received inspired me to embrace cooking as more than just a hobby. People started recognizing me through my food and asking me to cook for their events. My culinary journey is intentionally slow and based on word-of-mouth recommendations, allowing me to learn and grow.

Today, I’ve also taken on a position as a substitute teacher. I want to ease into education and see if it’s the right fit before fully committing. I enjoy reading, writing, digital designing, and cooking—but I also love sharing knowledge with children. Whether through food, creativity, or literacy, I’m committed to making an impact, one person at a time.

People often ask if I plan to return to tech. My answer is: “Maybe one day. But right now, I’m exploring paths that bring me joy.” My goal is to teach children about cooking, computers, and the power of words – life skills that can truly shape their futures. That’s where my heart is, and I’m determined to make it happen.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part, my journey felt smooth—until—my layoff. Before 2024, I was determined and proactive. I’ve always been the “if you don’t like it, change it” type of person. Growing up, my parents gave me a lot of independence. Unlike my siblings, I wasn’t told what school to attend or what path to take. They trusted me to make my own choices, and I learned to take responsibility early. That mindset carried me through life—I wanted to learn English, so I surrounded myself with American friends. I wanted an education, so I pursued it. I wanted a career, so I applied and earned it.

But the layoff was something I couldn’t control. It shook my confidence and pride. Suddenly, every decision felt heavier because I wasn’t just thinking about myself anymore—I had a family depending on me. Questions like “Will this path give me enough time with my kids? Will it replace the income I lost? Will it be the right choice for us?” weighed on me constantly. Financial insecurity and self-doubt crept in, and 2024 became one of the hardest years of my life.

Looking back, one of my biggest struggles was learning to accept help. I’ve always been proud of doing things on my own, even pushing away offers of support, including from my husband. But through that season, I realized that being strong doesn’t mean doing it all alone. It means being open, adaptable, and willing to receive help when it’s there. That shift in mindset has been difficult but transformative, and it continues to shape how I move forward in 2025.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Today, my work is a blend of creativity, community, and storytelling. Through my website, thekoolemom.com, I share family-friendly recipes, parenting insights, and personal reflections. What started as an outlet during a difficult time has grown into a platform where I can inspire other busy parents and create a space that feels both personal and relatable.

In addition to writing, I’ve discovered a real passion for cooking. I’ve cooked for moms’ retreats, family gatherings, and community events, and I’m known for bringing authentic flavors and warmth to the table. Food is more than a recipe to me—it’s a way to connect, celebrate culture, and bring people together.

I’ve also recently stepped into education as a substitute teacher. I’m proud to share knowledge with children, whether it’s through literacy, technology, or even cooking. My goal is to make a meaningful impact in small but lasting ways.

What sets me apart is my willingness to merge all these paths—technology, food, writing, and teaching—into something unique. I’m proud of embracing change, even when it was uncomfortable, and of creating opportunities instead of waiting for them. Whether it’s through a blog post, a meal, or a classroom, I want people to feel seen, inspired, and encouraged to pursue their own paths.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I’ll be honest—when I think about the next 5–10 years, I don’t have a perfectly clear picture of where I’ll be. But what I do know is that food, creativity, and storytelling will always be a part of my journey. I see a growing shift toward authenticity—people don’t just want recipes, they want connection, culture, and meaning behind the food they make and the content they consume. That’s where I see my blog and cooking evolving: not just sharing meals, but sharing experiences that bring families together.

I also think technology and education will continue to merge with creativity. Kids today are growing up with so many tools at their fingertips, and I want to be part of showing them how to use those tools in practical, empowering ways—whether that’s cooking a meal, learning computer skills, or expressing themselves through writing.

So while I may not know exactly what my “title” will be in 10 years, I know I’ll still be building something that blends food, family, and learning. My focus is on creating impact one step at a time and being adaptable as opportunities and trends unfold.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thekoolemom.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_koolemom/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563243027620
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diemkoole/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekoolemom
• Other: diem@thekoolemom.com

Image Credits
Courtesy of Diem Koole