"Taiwan Stationed in the UK" (Episode 5)

"Taiwan Stationed in the UK" (Episode 5)

When "Cambridge Bakery" first started selling its products, it had no distribution channels and no brand recognition. The only opportunity to promote Taiwanese pastries was through participation in the British Snack Festival. This festival was often held in London, and besides having my husband drive me (I can't drive), the round trip from Cambridge to London took at least four hours. Add to that the large quantity of pastries we had to prepare each time, requiring a week of back-to-back all-nighters to get everything ready. When the sales event coincided with winter, we had to stand outdoors all day selling in sub-zero temperatures. I was lucky enough to sell out in three hours, but I also faced the hardship of having a huge pile left over. It was truly tough at the time! More than once, I asked myself, "Do you really want to continue pursuing your dream? Should I give up if it doesn't work out?" In the end, I cried and told myself, "Never, never, never give up!"

Whenever I travel all the way to London for the "Taiwanese Food Festival," making and selling the cakes myself is physically exhausting. My eldest son, Youkang, has been helping me sell cakes, come up with marketing ideas, and create posters on the computer every time I attend the festival since he was 11. When I feel frustrated and want to give up, he comforts me, saying, "Mom, making pineapple cakes is your hobby. It's okay if there's no profit. Otherwise, you'd just be cleaning and cooking at home every day, which would be very boring. Just make as much as you can! Don't give up!"

I replied to him, "I feel like my goals are always very high, my dreams are very big, but they are very difficult to achieve 😅."

Son: "No way! Having a dream gives you motivation and the opportunity to achieve your goals."

Mom: "But I didn't study baking. I only became interested in baking because I wanted to make food for you. I don't feel confident in myself."

Son: "Mom, look at Steve Jobs of Apple, he wasn't an engineer, but he was able to succeed because he had an interest. Having an interest is very important; whether you're a professional or not isn't the point."

Mom: "That seems to be true! But I'm so stupid! Not smart enough, I'm so muddle-headed."

Son: "You see, the owner of the Cambridge Satchel shop is a bit muddle-headed, but she still succeeded. She started her business with only 400 pounds in the kitchen."

Mom: "How did you know?"

Son: "Because her daughter goes to the same school as me."

Mom: "So even if I'm not smart enough, I still have a chance to succeed! Don't lack confidence."

Son: "Yes, you should keep doing it. After the exams, I'll help you design your brand image, find packaging boxes, and set up your online shopping website during the summer vacation."

Mom: "Thank you, son. Because you love Taiwanese pastries, I started Kang Chiao Bakery. Now you're even helping me with the designs. I'm so touched!"

Mom: "What more could I ask for? This is happiness!"

Son: "Yes, Mom, you can do it!"

Hearing my sons' support and encouragement, I was so moved I couldn't speak. Thank you to my two lovely sons and my husband who will always support me. They always encourage me and help me surpass myself. Without the support of my loving family, I really wouldn't have been able to have the confidence to start a business and realize my dream of promoting Taiwanese pastries in the UK at nearly 50 years old.

Please look forward to episode 6