Indulging myself in the baking industry has been one of the greatest turning points in my life. 16 years of baking experiences; an infinite number of crests and troughs; endless joy and contentment – sum up my career life. Grateful enough that I managed to convert my hobby into a business, and keep my passion burning till date.
"Using good ingredients is the key to bake appetizing desserts, I will never compromise on the quality of my pastries. "
How did you get into BAKING?
I first encountered baking back in 2003 through my friend’s recommendation. Out of interest, I joined baking classes together with my friends to pass time as I was a housewife. I needed to make ends meet to raise my two kids – this is how it led to my entrepreneurial journey of baking.
WHERE DID YOU TRAIN TO BAKE?
I believe that learning is a life-long journey and there are no limitations to it. I usually sign up for courses that I find interesting or are conducted by renowned chefs all around the world. All these are great platforms to network with other experienced chefs and baking enthusiasts as it is always insightful to engage with them through conversations. Through all these short courses, I have built long-lasting relationships with friends from Japan, Korea and Europe.
OF ALL PASTRIES AND CAKES, WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE TO MAKE?
Well, both pastries and cakes are quite different in terms of ingredients and the processes, but they all share one common thing – they require patience and meticulousness. I still prefer cakes in general.
WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN PASTRY TODAY, AND WHICH ARE YOU MOST EXCITED BY?
The rising trend of Korean Buttercream Flower is what excites me the most. I was truly amazed and astonished by the beauty of flowering art when I first came across it.
WhAT NEW INGREDIENT OR INGREDIENTS ARE INSPIRING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Dark chocolate and butter. Using good ingredients is the key to bake appetizing desserts, I will never compromise on the quality of my pastries. I will even explore different high-quality ingredients for trial and error and see which suits the most.
WHO'S BEEN THE GREATEST INSPIRATION IN YOUR BAKING?
My customers! I wouldn’t have come this far without my customers’ unwavering support. Their feedback and suggestions are all drivers for me to keep baking pastries that are of quality. I am always open to feedback that can improve my baking, in hopes to accommodate the varieties of preferences. Here, I would like to express my utmost gratitude to everyone who has supported me in my baking business, not only that, all the customer-turned-friend relationships are what I cherished the most in life.
KITCHEN TOOL YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT?
KitchenAid mixer.
Your favorite food in ipoh?
Ipoh Curry Mee.
What is your idea of happiness?
Happiness is very simple to me. I am happy if my customers enjoy my pastries! This satisfaction stems from the fact that people are able to acknowledge and taste every single effort you put in to produce a masterpiece. It can be as mere as baking muffins, but the small thoughts behind to make it more mouth-watering are what I have been persisted throughout this whole time.
what do you appreciate the most in your friends?
I have been blessed with supportive and kind friends despite all the hardships I have been through. They were there for me when I needed listeners or even lent me their hands. I appreciate sincerities the most as it is my number one principle in making new friends. Be sincere, be genuine and kind, do not take things for granted and that good things will eventually come to you.