We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kat Lieu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kat, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Yes, I have been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work as a cookbook author and food writer. In 2023, I took a huge step: I didn’t renew my physical therapy license. I’d been in that field for over 13 years, a career my parents picked for me when I was still in high school. But it never really felt like it was my own choice.

These days, I’m living a completely different life. I’m a food writer for Tasting Table and The Spruce Eats, and I’m actually working on my third cookbook. It’s a world away from physical therapy! This change was scary – it felt like jumping off a cliff. I left behind a stable, well-paying job for something uncertain. Right now, I’m making way less as a food writer – about half of what I used to earn per hour in healthcare,

But here’s the thing: I’m happy. It’s like I’ve finally started a career that’s truly mine. I’ve always dreamed of writing, and now I’m doing it. Sure, it’s like starting from scratch, but it’s exciting, fulfilling, and what I’ve always wanted.

Kat, 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?

Hey everyone, I’m Kat Lieu, and if you haven’t heard my story yet, I’m excited to share it with you! I used to be a doctor of physical therapy, a career I followed for over 13 years. But deep down, I always had this burning passion for writing, baking, and cooking, especially dishes inspired by my Cantonese and Vietnamese heritage. So, I made a bold move: I traded my stable career in physical therapy to chase my dream of becoming a food writer and cookbook author.

Getting into this industry wasn’t easy, especially after being told that “Asian culture doesn’t sell.” But I was determined to change that narrative. My first cookbook, “Modern Asian Baking at Home,” to my delight and surprise, struck a chord with people across the country and even landed on the Publishers Weekly’s bestsellers list.
My upcoming cookbook, “Modern Asian Kitchen,” is a collection of my favorite Asian recipes, including everything from dim sum to ramen. It’s a book that I turn to all the time, and I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen too. You can preorder it at modernasianbaking.com/preorder

What sets me apart, I believe, is my dedication to preserving and celebrating Asian flavors while making them accessible and fun for home bakers, without having to water them down or whitewash them. I provide recipes and baking tips, but more than that, I offer a window into the rich tapestry of Asian culinary traditions. My work is about bridging cultures and creating a space where people can explore, learn, and fall in love with Asian-inspired baking.

I’m incredibly proud of the online community I’ve built, “Subtle Asian Baking,” which started as a small group on Facebook and has grown into a vibrant community of over 158,000 members on Facebook alone. We share recipes, stories, and support each other in our baking adventures. It’s become a safe place where we not only share the love for baking but also rally together for important causes, like raising funds for Maui wildfire relief. Together, we’ve raised over $100,000 for AANHPI charities and causes, include The Very Asian Foundation, Welcome to Chinatown, Hate is a Virus, ACRS, The Wing Luke Museum, and Heart of Dinner.

What I really want my readers and followers to know is that my work is more than just about recipes. It’s about taking pride in our culinary heritage and sharing the joy of Asian flavors with the world, without diluting or altering them for broader appeal. It’s been a challenging journey, but seeing our stories and flavors being embraced and celebrated makes it all worthwhile.

When I’m not writing or baking, I’m probably hanging out with my adorable Shih-poo, Panda, or gaming with my family. I love Fortnite, Heroes of the Storm, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Overwatch. You can catch up with my latest baking adventures and more on Instagram at @subtleasian.baking and @katlieu.

So, if you’re into Asian baking, or just love Asian flavors, come join our community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/subtleasianbaking.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I first dived into the world of social media, I knew I wanted to create more than just eye-catching content. My focus has always been engaging my audience through education, humor, and practical food hacks, like my rice paper dim sum hacks. It’s about striking that perfect balance where viewers enjoy the content and find real value in it.

For me, the key has been building a community. It’s not just about chasing viral hits – those might bring a surge of viewers, but they don’t necessarily stick around. I focus on creating content that resonates more personally, being real and accessible. That’s how you gain fans for life.

My advice for those just starting is to observe and learn from other influencers and creators. See what makes them engaging, and what kind of content they provide. It’s essential to find your own niche, your unique voice in the vast conversation happening on social media.

One thing I always tell new creators is to be authentic. Authenticity is magnetic – people are drawn to those who are genuine and share their true selves. This authenticity is what helps form a real connection with your audience. Remember, it’s not just about the number of followers but the quality of interactions you have with them.

Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with your content. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay. Social media is constantly evolving, and so should your approach. Keep an eye on trends, but also stay true to what you’re passionate about. Your enthusiasm for your subject matter will shine through and attract like-minded individuals.

For those just starting out, it’s crucial to identify what you can uniquely bring to the table. What are your strengths? What are you passionate about? How can you offer something that’s both interesting and useful to your potential audience? Once you’ve identified your niche, dive deep into it. Be consistent with your posting but also prioritize quality over quantity.

Lastly, don’t get discouraged if growth seems slow at first. Building a social media presence takes time and persistence. Celebrate the small victories, like engaging in conversations with followers or a well-received post.

Check out my content at https://www.instagram.com/katlieu/ to see what resonates with my audiences.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being a creative, I get to set my schedules and choose who I collaborate with or don’t collaborate with. Also, everyday, I am learning and improving my writing and content creation craft, so it’s been amazing and rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.modernasianbaking.com/preorder
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katlieu/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/subtleasianbaking

Image Credits
Radii China
Gabriella Niccole Photography
Jake Young