Living in the UK for an extended period of time, due to its latitude and climate, coupled with the cold and gloomy winters, has led me to develop depression.
I started making pineapple cakes simply to fulfill my eldest son's dream and add some fun to life. Initially, there was no pressure, but the research and development costs were staggering. My hardworking husband always covered the material costs. Later, I discovered that baking was the only time I could truly focus my mind, and I'd also heard that baking could help with depression. A friend suggested, "It's healthier and cheaper than medication, and it might even lead you to your dream." Deep down, I really hope to rediscover joy in life and not become a burden to my loving family.
At that time, I really hoped to earn money with my own hands to support my father in Taiwan. I hoped that when I was able to do so in the future, I could use the proceeds from the sale of pineapple cakes to do charity, establish a studio, and create Kangqiao Bakery using the last characters of my two sons' names, "Kang" and "Qiao". I put a lot of love and deep longing for my hometown into these cakes, hoping to convey the sentiments contained in the cakes to more people.
Handmade food brings happiness to children and the whole family, warms the hearts of those far from home, and serves as a form of international diplomacy. Food is full of gentle healing energy, has a soothing magic, and conveys heartfelt sentiments.
Therefore, no matter how many setbacks I encounter, I will never give up and I look forward to one day fulfilling my aspirations through my career.
Setting a goal is easy, but taking the first step is like landing on the moon—it's truly not easy. To prove my determination and my willingness to work hard for my dream, I humbled myself and worked as a dishwasher at my son's elementary school for six months, taking on the challenge of doing the thing I disliked most — washing dishes.
This job was tough, poorly paid, and boring, but I asked myself if I couldn't even overcome this, the road to entrepreneurship would only be harder. At the time, I was a complete novice in baking, barely even knowing how to use an oven, and my English wasn't fluent. I also had to take care of my family, so it seemed like a pipe dream. Making a decision was easy, but sticking to "never give up" seemed incredibly difficult. I even doubted myself at times.
A friend encouraged me, saying, "Thinking won't get you anywhere, but doing will surprise you." I made up my mind that no matter what difficulties I encountered, I would persevere and "never give up." I strived towards my dream, working hard to improve myself along the way, but I still felt it wasn't good enough. In times of pain and setbacks, I encouraged myself to get back up and keep moving forward. Although I often felt discouraged, whenever I felt like I was about to give up, my family would cheer me on, telling me not to give up easily, not to cry, and just to believe in myself and bravely move forward.
Looking back now, everything in life has its meaning! "Every footprint I've left behind is interconnected, leading me step by step to where I am today and making me who I am today." If I hadn't endured the physical hardships of washing dishes back then, how could I have survived the grueling workdays until 2 or 3 a.m. during the Mid-Autumn Festival? If I hadn't studied art during my student years, how could I have taken such wonderful and diverse food photos? If I hadn't honed my business skills as a child to help my family and ease my parents' burden, everything I have is a blessing from heaven, complementing each other to make me who I am today.
These experiences taught me that no matter what happens, don't be afraid, be brave and build your dreams. Everyone needs to go through trials and tribulations before they have a chance to succeed!
In any case, we must take action to have the opportunity to take a big step towards a successful future. I am very happy that I challenged myself in a foreign country and was able to work hard to realize my dreams.
Stay tuned Episode 4 
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