We were lucky to catch up with Cherie Lui recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cherie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

I got into this business when I was in Shanghai, helping my cousin pick out her wedding dress. Going to wedding expos got me hooked on the events scene. Even though I didn’t know much about baking at first, I got really into making perfect macarons at home. Once I nailed that, I started learning how to bake and decorate cakes, and I loved every bit of it.

Things got serious when I got a spot at the 626 Nightmarket, where my pop-up shop took off. The positive response gave me the push to open a permanent store. But, man, the whole process of setting up a shop was way trickier than I thought.

Dealing with permits, regulations, and the whole construction thing took way longer than I expected. The costs for building and equipment just kept piling up. It felt like there was a never-ending stream of permits and inspections, making the whole thing feel like it would never end.

Despite all the challenges, I stuck with it, and eventually, the shop became a reality. Now, as we’re about to hit our 10-year mark, I can say it’s been a wild ride. Every day brings new lessons, and I’m still figuring things out as I go.

Cherie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a self-taught baker who stumbled into the world of sweet creations during my personal quest for perfect macarons. From that kitchen experiment, my love for baking and crafting edible art grew, leading me to venture into the world of custom cakes and dessert tables.

What sets my work apart is the joy I find in the details. Each cake or dessert table is a unique piece of edible art, and I love knowing that it holds special meaning for everyone who steps through the bakery doors. Connecting with clients and learning their love stories has become a cherished part of my journey. Witnessing kids grow up and creating memorable birthday cakes for them each year brings an extra layer of fulfillment.

Having a storefront is more than just a business to me. It’s a place where I get to build relationships with our regulars, becoming a part of their daily routines. Whether it’s a quick stop or a leisurely visit, being a part of their day is something I truly value.

Specializing in custom cakes and dessert tables, I take pride in being a part of my customers’ special memories. It’s the trust they place in me to contribute to their celebrations that keeps me passionate about what I do. I’m incredibly grateful for the community that has grown around my bakery, and I look forward to creating more sweet memories with each and every client.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

You know, one lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that I had to have everything figured out from the get-go. When I started this journey, I had this notion that success meant having a flawless plan and all the answers upfront. But, reality check – that’s just not how it works.

I learned to embrace the uncertainty and be okay with not having every detail mapped out. It’s a process of continuous learning and adaptation. Sometimes, the best ideas and solutions come when you allow a bit of room for spontaneity and flexibility. So, unlearning the pressure to have it all perfect from the start has been a freeing lesson that’s allowed me to grow and evolve in this creative and ever-changing industry.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

Absolutely, let me share a challenging yet transformative moment with you. When the pandemic hit, it felt like the ground shifted beneath us. We had to close down our indoor seating, and all our events were canceled overnight, leaving us in a state of uncertainty. I vividly remember sitting there, grappling with the fear that I might lose the bakery if I didn’t act fast.

In that moment, the enormity of the situation was hard to comprehend. However, I decided to take a different approach. Instead of dwelling on the challenges, I chose to open up my doors to the community. We started by assisting those who had limited access to groceries, turning the bakery into a hub of support.

The unexpected twist came when we realized we could pivot our focus and extend a helping hand to the seniors in our community. We began providing them with groceries on a weekly basis. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, not only sustaining the business but also allowing us to forge deeper connections within our community.

This experience taught me that sometimes, in the face of adversity, the most powerful response is to find ways to contribute and support others. It’s in these challenging moments that resilience and adaptability become essential, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how our pivot positively impacted both the bakery and the lives of those we were able to assist.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.puffectbakerycafe.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/puffectbakerycafe

Image Credits
twofourteenphotography franksalasphotography flashpointgrafix