I'm a licensed chemical engineer and graduated in one of the top schools in my country. But I followed my heart and is now enjoying agriculture and cooking in the province. 😊
@@hawky7644 Hiya, I worked as a consultant for 2 and a half years, and during the last 8 months of that time, I was running Fankery alongside my consulting job. I initially believed I could manage both, but as time went on, I found myself increasingly overwhelmed and drowning. It became clear that while I was in the office, my mind was constantly preoccupied with how I could grow Fankery. Leaving corporate was a difficult decision, especially with financial concerns, but I truly believe that money follows where you put in hard work. Money has never been the primary reason why I run Fankery. I also had an open conversation with my manager at the time, who was aware of my side business. He told me, "Think about it this way: if you left Fankery right now, would it still grow?" Obviously not. "But if you left engineering, this position will always be here. If you ever want to return to corporate, you're more than welcome to come back." I am forever grateful to my manager for his support and words of wisdom. I hope this provides some insight!
I love that instead of splitting with her family due to ideological differences, she took them along on her journey. That shows both love and maturity. ♥
Thank you for your comment, it speaks a lot to me. Even when things were at their worst, there was nothing more that I wanted than to have them back me up. I am so glad they are now!
yes who doesn’t love parents who love to display their 5 year old child’s supposedly failed attempt to win a children’s competition….. she had more patience than that.
It really takes an understanding family plus guts and courage on the kid to do this, especially in an Asian family. I tried to do this twice so far in my life, and twice I had to compromise heavily towards what my parents wanted, i.e., I failed.
@@tsurie6634 I think it means that you can't always control the outside world or the outcome of your hard work, by knowing this, you can try to be positive if something doesn't happen or happen to you, you can always try again or try something else.
Good on you Cathy. You are an inspiration to many of us. You have described a typical asian family where we are very pressured by our parents to achieve what they see is a successful and monetary career.
Kia ora! Thank you so much for your thoughtful words. You're absolutely right, it can difficult to navigate generational differences but my goodness when you see it work its such a blessing.
Yes, what an inspiration. I am not from an Asian family, but I had the same experience. I was told I could choose from three “acceptable careers” in my parents’ eyes. I was told the things I want to do, I could do them on my weekends as a hobby. After 23 years, I have left the profession I hadn’t been interested in. I am now trying to figure out what else to do. Starting one’s own business sounds amazing, and risky. I very much admire your bravery. Congratulations!
Thank you for your lovely comment. It has been a journey with my parents but now they are very supportive and proud to see me growing Fankery and I could not be more happy to have them by my side!
Small world, this randomly popped up in my feed, clicked on the video, didn't even realise it was about someone I did engineering with in UOA all those years ago. Always nice to see a fellow engineer succeed.
"Not everything has to be achieved fast in life and you don't have to be harsh on yourself" I couldn't agree more and coming from an Asian family background, Cathy's story is so relatable and inspirational! Our choices while growing up often reflect wanting to survive first and fit in with society's expectations instead of trying to live and be present in the moment.
this story really hits home... i just started a full time engineering job this year and have come to the conclusion that it is not what I really want to do. I've started applying to grad schools just because I feel like I need to do something else other than this job since its just that, a job. I have talked with friends and family about wanted to just open a cafe, or bakery, or something where I can appreciate my work better than just hitting some metrics set by my project manager. My parents raised me in a nail salon, and engrained in me that I must pursue a STEM degree or else I will be miserable and overworked the rest of my life, so I went and got my degree but I can't help but feel like working in that nail salon felt better than sitting in an office and gaining weight all day. maybe one day i'll have the courage to make a change in my life like you did!
I get what you’re saying-I feel that way too. It sounds like you’re a very creative person who might like working with their hands. I was also shamed for working odd service jobs at cafes, bakeries, and kitchens-but I always enjoyed making art and crafting, writing, cooking, and gardening-all those things that require your heart, passion, and curiosity and creativity, rather than the skills hard sciences or math require. Thanks for sharing your experience bc it helps me to clarify mine too ❤
I finished my MD, I was lost in my 20s, went into medicine to push through what I started. I got sick this past year, got terrible flu 3 times, and covid twice all in the span of 4 months. I was basically In bed for 4 months, it truly resonates with me when she said maybe its a sign to recalibrate things!
This describes my Asian-American experience to a T. Being taught feelings don’t matter by the people I love. Later realizing feelings do matter. Even later realizing that even though they were wrong, they still love me.
It takes time to start rediscovering who you are doesn’t it? :) I always see it as we have a place of origin, but eventually as we enter into a sense of self, we honour the past but take on a place of creation in who we are shaping ourselves to be :)
I am speaking on behalf of my parents but I think in their time growing up, they didn't have the opportunity to let feelings get in their way because it was survival or not. Times have changed drastically but its hard to change their thinking from what they have believed in their whole life. But hey, parents are parents, they will love you no matter what. I've had my fair share of ups and downs with them but to be very honest, I am grateful for the arguments I've gone through with them when I took Fankery off the ground because it brought us much closer. We were able to open up and finally communicate about the generational barriers we had between us. I hope you have a loving relationship with your parents ! Thank you for watching my story.
What a great vid!! I did engineering and thought I would eventually like it, I got better at my job, at interviews, made good money but it was a waste of my life. I echo your story so hard but I didn't have the courage to do what you did!! Your path is not easy but neither is pretending, losing yourself and living a fake life trying to please everyone else.
It’s a right of passage we can all experience (albeit in different levels of commitment and intensity) :) I encourage you to take a bold step even just from time to time and ask yourself “what would I do today if I knew I couldn’t fail?” :)
Life is an interesting thing. Quite often, you don't know what you want till you do it and realise its not right for you. But you are so very right in trying to fake living your life well when you aren't. I hope you are in a good place in life! x
As an Asian-American, her saying "I didn't know what feeling was" hits home. You're doing things just to get through life and not because you're allowed to learn what gives you enjoyment because you're trying to please your parents who put you on that path. You don't know interests, you don't learn personal preferences, you don't get spontaneity
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in life so far: u have to be FLEXIBLE! If ur plan A doesnt work, then be ready with plan B, plan C, plan D, and so on! Just NEVER STOP and DONT GIVE UP! Sometimes u might need to REST and TAKE A STEP BACK, but NEVER STOP!
Well said! Being adaptable and flexible are very important skills in life, and to not be afraid to fail! If its a thought thats lingering in your mind continuously, don't be afraid to act on it! You never know till you try :) Wish you all the best in life!
I watched this video almost in tears. Just the fact that you found what you love is a blessing. You are actually DOING it. i know you will never know me but i am very happy for you. I sit here in a life i do not want, running a business which i "thought" was me dream but that is slowly killing me. Watching people like you succeed and happy fills me with hope that maybe i can escape where i am now. Great job and hope things keep getting better for you and your team.
You brought me in tears with your comment omg... THANK YOU! I hope you are doing well in life and I wish you all the blessings, happiness and success !
I just came across this while pondering on my life choices after I graduate from my Masters in Medicine, hopefully, after a year --- which I just took because, you guessed it right, I am an Asian programmed into thinking STEM is the only way to success. I love cooking, dancing, and madly attracted to the thought of startups and being able to mentor and teach people. I hope that after I graduate, I get to secure a well-paying job which will help me explore more of my hobbies and passions after the work hours. Soon, just like Cathy, I hope to quit STEM too when I get the right footing and just live my life the way I want it to be --- happily doing things I love most. Thank you for being such an inspiration. Thank you. Thank you for this. More power to you Cathy.
Id love for Cathy to respond to you directly.. but coming from my background in Audiology (before we went all in on StoryBites), the economic security that comes with a profession like medicine is epic. It gave me the freedom to create simply because I wanted to. Keep at it for now and it will nurture a deeper longing and sense of appreciation for being able to create. I really wish you all the best! Stay well :) Justin
Firstly, congratulations on completing your Masters in Medicine! That is incredible. Good luck with all your future ventures, whether that be in medicine or other things you have an interest in, I am sure you will figure it out. Sending you lots of positive energies !!!
I love how you talk about transitioning into the job of your dreams. It’s an approach that takes things one step at a time-like it’s not “all or nothing” which is something I tend to struggle with. Thanks for your comment ❤
@@fankery Hello Cathy, thank you for your reply! I appreciate it a lot. I have barely a semester and a half left to figure things out and finish my Masters in Medicine on time, but with some side gigs, my startup funds are getting there. I hope I can meet you someday, but for now, please know that your story has inspired me to work on myself --- that even if the economy and my upbringing forced me to do something that brings food to my table but not my soul, I still have a chance to break out of it. Still hopeful that after all this, I get to explore more of my cooking and art. I could only hope for now, but seeing success stories like yours give me hope that better things can and will come. Love and light!
@@StoryBites. Hello Justin, quite busy lately and I haven't had the chance to respond, but thank you for taking the time to reply! I hope too that it secures me well, even if it's not in medicine, a related field would suffice (apparently, my TMI today is that the South Korea healthcare system is on the verge of collapse due to a severe medical strike). And you're definitely right. The way I crave to create and appreciate the time I shave off studying or researching to just cook or make art is reason enough for me to move forward. Please stay well, too! Love and support always to you and the entire Soundbites team! - Aya
I love how she has now got her mum working for her... full circle moment... that basque cheesecake looks bl**dy phenomenal... yummy... Im going to try find some tomorrow...
Whoa what an inspirational and insightful story!! 🙏 Cathy is very lucky she managed to have those deep and transformative insights despite her upbringing, for many people the millstone of a difficult childhood remains with them for the duration of their life, never managing to let go😢
I believe that forgiveness and the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes are incredibly important. It wasn’t until I understood the reasons behind my parents' actions that I began to truly let go. Open communication is key to this process and I appreciate my parents for beginning to listen to my side of the story :)
Woaaaa Cathy Fan!!! I’m sooo thrilled that RUclips randomly recommended me this video! I’ve bumped into you several times. We never met personally but “I know” you from Uni. You graduated one year ahead of me. Then you went to WSP and lastly to AECOM. I’m still in the energy business line but wonder for how long 😌😌 watching your video is a breath of fresh air as I can see that we have several things in common: for starters I’m also a perfectionist and grew up excelling in everything I do because it was expected of me. I also like and do bodybuilding (not at competitive level though), but I’ve got several health issues because I overdo it. The. I LOVE baking and in fact, I love cooking in general. This was something I discovered during Uni. It was something that kept me sane apart from the gym. Anyways, it’s good to know that you have found your way. God bless and keep it up 🎉❤🎉
As an engineer, I've heard this type of story on multiple occasions. I've seen (3) types of engineers who move on from this field. 1) The type that did it because their parents dreamt they would have a lawyer, doctor, or engineer in the family, but the student themselves doesn't love the field. 2) The one that understands the material while in school, thought it would be a good stable job, but realizes they are not cut out for the field and actually struggle at work. 3) The person that gets it, is good at it, but realizes the stresses of the job are not worth the effort and finds a more fulfilling role in life and the beauty of just having a blue collar job and are much happier that way. The beauty of the engineer that quits is that, no matter what happened in their life, they are smart enough to succeed in multiple avenues. These types of stories make me happy for my fellow engineers.
Thanks so much for your comment! I think we all move away from work for different reasons. So to your point 3 - it’s unique for all of us isn’t it? :) There’s a safety net to fall back on, but many who end up pursuing their calling just keep pushing through
Cathy, no one can live your life and find you your happiness. Thank you for sharing your story so that other young people can learn from your journey. And I would love to try your baked goods one day. 🤤 oh thank you StoryBites for such an inspirational story. 👍🏼
Watched this on Monday morning when I needed some lofi music to focus my engineering work! So inspiring and great content! And for Fankery, good job! Love the combination of mochi+cheese cake! I had it when she took over a bakery shop in dominion rd for a week and they quickly sold out just about noon!
@@fankery Of course, it's amazing to see your journey from engineering to baking and all the challenges you've overcome! Having grown up in an Asian American household, I can definitely relate to the pressures of following a conventional career path.
@@eatsbyrachel Your channel is so cool! I can imagine the hard work you've done building everything to what it is today. Congratulations! Would love to meet you in person if I ever visit the Bay area one day!
I was a structural engineer, and years after I became a project manager in one of the largest and busiest shipyard in my country. But, on 2021 my father passed away.. and because of so many complicated family matter I have to leave my carrier.. And finally in 2023, I opened micro bakery shop. I made breads, pastrys, and some cookies alone. It's not easy guys.. from steelwork to flour work.. Believe me, there is so many trials and errors😅. I hope this micro bakery shop can grow bigger and be more famous..
@@StoryBites. My bakery shop name is "Haki Bake Studio", located somewhere in South East Asia. I chose to use the word "Studio", since it has a small live kitchen 😀
If we look back on the entirety of a human life, so much effort is spent trying to recover from what someone else wanted your life to be like or for you to be like. By the time we're confident and know enough to take over as pilot of our own life we're so far behind what we actually could have achieved. If only our support network could have fostered us to be the best that we wanted to be and not trying to guide us to be what they think. Kudos to all of the people like this valiant lady who righted the course of their lives by choosing themselves and their happiness first. When we are happy, we can bring so much unlimited joy to the world.
Sometimes we need to have hard conversations with ourselves. It moves the dial in our lives and decisions in a significant way than just moving through the motions :)
I am a middle-aged guy who always wanted to own and run a small business but I never had the guts to step out from the safety of the corporate world. I still dream of doing this one day and stories like this give me hope.
You've got one life to live here on this little blue planet :) We implore you to bring that passion to life no matter your work-situation. I think we could learn alot from the corporate world too. Huge potential to bridge these two styles of work together.
Thank you for sharing this, it was so eerie how similar our stories were. I agree with you, love transcends ❤ thanks for this video and your story,I really enjoyed listening to it.
New fan Cathy, I have randomly come here only to discover someone introduced me to you a couple months back. Will definitely be placing a special order for xmas, in support of your company!! Wish you continued success!
Oooh! That assortment box of treats near the end of this video looks so dreamy! Switching gears, though for a moment ...When I was earning my degree in microcomputer and electronics engineering, I envied the people working in the college cafeteria. It was because they looked so happy. Their smiles were genuine. And they were caring. Their impact on my life was a treasure. I was so miserable. I was not interested in the subjects I studied. I felt like I had to get that degree to measure up and to survive financially. I did very well and appreciate being able to be educated. But when I graduated, I was finally free of it. I learned that happiness and caring for others is more important. It is everything! This video reminds me to spend time doing what I love.
@@StoryBites. I haven't really chosen a single vocation, but a few have chosen me. So many accomplishments. There is so much to feel passionate about. But just cooking a special meal , reading a good book, knitting a scarf to give away, or spending time with family or friends are all fulfilling, because there never seems to be enough time for these things.
I understand you perfectly. I like to earn a lot as an engineer, but I would like to work in my own kitchen. BTW your cakes looks amazing, hope to try all of it one day! Thanks for sharing this story 🍰
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m sure Cathy appreciates your patronage. Economic security is so important, it helps us look beyond the day to day :)
Omg Cathy just found you by accident...inspiring story! Wishing you good luck! Happiness is underrated these days....you also have a charming personality...you make me want to learn some asian languages now cause I can only count to ten in japanese lol...NZ is stunning please fix that country it s so amazing..
Thank you for your comment and for watching my story! Different cultures and languages are so interesting, I'd love to learn french if possible haha. NZ is truly beautiful, hope you get to visit it someday!
@@StoryBites. glad I found this channel...inspiring stories is what this world desperately needs...so many are stuck in this pattern of doing what s expected of you...she s a great example how happiness is more important than anything!
Hey thanks so much for commenting. I hope you enjoyed their delicious Asian inspired treats. It's such a joy seeing people try their food. Trust you're well! Justin
We need to be realistic here. We don’t have to enjoy life but we should know that we can and we should, not everyone can be enjoying life right now. Everything has its transition. Cheers to everyone who is still struggling if life right now. I hope I wish one day you can enjoy life like Cathy here.🎉
Saraya, we absolutely hear you on that. It’s a privilege but often requires a level of determination that not many are willing to work for. So yes, it’s a case by case basis isn’t it! :)
Life is too short to be miserable. Do the things you want to when you want to! Now my life isn't perfect right now and I still goes through mountains load of troubles every day but hey its all about the journey to get to where you want. I wish you live a happy and fulfilling life. !
The foundation her parents helped her lay in her academic and other achievements as a kid helped her to get where she is. I don’t believe she would have been this successful without it. These skills and the work ethic is transferable. I see nothing wrong with what her parents did. They gave her a solid foundation and now she can build on that in any direction she pleases.
This is true. These principles of discipline and hard work make a difference and can be applied in many ways in many industries :) thanks so much for pointing that out
What an inspiring story! I love ube and cheesecake! I first had ube Basque cheesecake 8 years ago from a filipino friend who was studying to be a pastry chef in France. Her parents wanted her to be a nurse but she followed her heart. Now she has a bakery in nyc and sells ube everything! lol Anyway, glad to see that Filipino ube is being used more in desserts outside the Philippines.
Women!!! You need something to help you wheel all of your artistic delicious treats!!! Congrats on your success and thank you for sharing your wisdom! God bless! ❤❤❤
Wow definitely ordering one tomorrow. I told my daughter about this, she said “oh yeah the girl from Auckland. I watched her.” I told her Fankery delivers national wide, she goes “can we order?!”
Hey Jun! We will be couriering the cakes out to you tomorrow for Friday arrival. Thank you for watching my story and hope you and your family will enjoy the goods !
I'm a licensed chemical engineer and graduated in one of the top schools in my country. But I followed my heart and is now enjoying agriculture and cooking in the province. 😊
Thank you so much for your kind words
good for you.
Both fields have some sort of chemical process in having two or more items come together for a end result of happiness.
wow! hats off to you dear
I was her project teammate durng uni🤓 I definitely need to try those mochi cakes when I got the chance to visit NZ again!!
Small world! Great to hear from you. Yes give them cookies a crack!
@@bartont6205 did she wear nice panties ?
Hey Barton!!! Its been a while since uni days eh? Hope you are doing well and lets catchup when you're back in NZ again!
@@fankery Hi, how long did you work as a consultant, and what allowed to take the step to leave the job? Im in the same boat loool
@@hawky7644 Hiya,
I worked as a consultant for 2 and a half years, and during the last 8 months of that time, I was running Fankery alongside my consulting job. I initially believed I could manage both, but as time went on, I found myself increasingly overwhelmed and drowning. It became clear that while I was in the office, my mind was constantly preoccupied with how I could grow Fankery.
Leaving corporate was a difficult decision, especially with financial concerns, but I truly believe that money follows where you put in hard work. Money has never been the primary reason why I run Fankery.
I also had an open conversation with my manager at the time, who was aware of my side business. He told me, "Think about it this way: if you left Fankery right now, would it still grow?" Obviously not. "But if you left engineering, this position will always be here. If you ever want to return to corporate, you're more than welcome to come back."
I am forever grateful to my manager for his support and words of wisdom. I hope this provides some insight!
I love that instead of splitting with her family due to ideological differences, she took them along on her journey. That shows both love and maturity. ♥
@@kjh23gk thank you for recognising this! It’s so special isn’t it?
Thank you for your comment, it speaks a lot to me. Even when things were at their worst, there was nothing more that I wanted than to have them back me up. I am so glad they are now!
yes who doesn’t love parents who love to display their 5 year old child’s supposedly failed attempt to win a children’s competition….. she had more patience than that.
It really takes an understanding family plus guts and courage on the kid to do this, especially in an Asian family. I tried to do this twice so far in my life, and twice I had to compromise heavily towards what my parents wanted, i.e., I failed.
@@StoryBites.
“Not everything in life goes the way you want it to. No matter how hard you work.” ❤
Absolutely!! 🥹🥹
Very well said
That's what losers say.
@@tsurie6634 I think it means that you can't always control the outside world or the outcome of your hard work, by knowing this, you can try to be positive if something doesn't happen or happen to you, you can always try again or try something else.
@@tsurie6634 there's nothing wrong with being a loser.
Good on you Cathy. You are an inspiration to many of us. You have described a typical asian family where we are very pressured by our parents to achieve what they see is a successful and monetary career.
Kia ora! Thank you so much for your thoughtful words. You're absolutely right, it can difficult to navigate generational differences but my goodness when you see it work its such a blessing.
Yes, what an inspiration. I am not from an Asian family, but I had the same experience. I was told I could choose from three “acceptable careers” in my parents’ eyes. I was told the things I want to do, I could do them on my weekends as a hobby. After 23 years, I have left the profession I hadn’t been interested in. I am now trying to figure out what else to do. Starting one’s own business sounds amazing, and risky. I very much admire your bravery. Congratulations!
Thank you for your lovely comment. It has been a journey with my parents but now they are very supportive and proud to see me growing Fankery and I could not be more happy to have them by my side!
@@fankeryit’s hardest for the parents to allow kids to choose,but slowly they realize on their own.
Hell, I'm crying now.
I got my PhD but now all I want to do is make cookies
Make them with all your heart!
I also have a PhD and now I'm in culinary school (pastry) full time.
Go and make those Phd cookies. 🎉🎉🎉
Please suffer, don't give up, keep pushing and get those diplomas that make you unhappy, be strong woman!
Sure. One is essential to put food on the table. The passion you can do after hours. Let both go hand in hand.
Small world, this randomly popped up in my feed, clicked on the video, didn't even realise it was about someone I did engineering with in UOA all those years ago. Always nice to see a fellow engineer succeed.
@@TrynaBeCray awesome to hear the circles are small around the city :) don’t be a stranger, keep following us for more great foodie content
"Not everything has to be achieved fast in life and you don't have to be harsh on yourself" I couldn't agree more and coming from an Asian family background, Cathy's story is so relatable and inspirational! Our choices while growing up often reflect wanting to survive first and fit in with society's expectations instead of trying to live and be present in the moment.
Absolutely. Good things take time, and are worth being patient for.
this story really hits home... i just started a full time engineering job this year and have come to the conclusion that it is not what I really want to do. I've started applying to grad schools just because I feel like I need to do something else other than this job since its just that, a job. I have talked with friends and family about wanted to just open a cafe, or bakery, or something where I can appreciate my work better than just hitting some metrics set by my project manager. My parents raised me in a nail salon, and engrained in me that I must pursue a STEM degree or else I will be miserable and overworked the rest of my life, so I went and got my degree but I can't help but feel like working in that nail salon felt better than sitting in an office and gaining weight all day. maybe one day i'll have the courage to make a change in my life like you did!
What an incredible response to this doco, thank you so much Kim! :) We really recognise your courage to take that step.
I get what you’re saying-I feel that way too. It sounds like you’re a very creative person who might like working with their hands. I was also shamed for working odd service jobs at cafes, bakeries, and kitchens-but I always enjoyed making art and crafting, writing, cooking, and gardening-all those things that require your heart, passion, and curiosity and creativity, rather than the skills hard sciences or math require. Thanks for sharing your experience bc it helps me to clarify mine too ❤
Guess how many truckers have a degree. I've met some really amazing people. Living life more on their terms.
Be brave take a risk. This documentary came into your sphere for a reason. 😊 we only get one life - follow your heart
You're young so you can afford to take risks
she got me at, 'Life is life, U have to learn to love it!'❤
Indeed :) I hope you are loving your life right now !
🔥🔥 life is life.
"You dont have to do everything under the Sky" - Glad this story came up on my feed
Very right ! Be grateful for what you HAVE, always.
Appreciation > Accumulation for sure.
Really enjoyed this. Thank you SB team!
Our pleasure, such a privilege being able to tell these stories.
I finished my MD, I was lost in my 20s, went into medicine to push through what I started. I got sick this past year, got terrible flu 3 times, and covid twice all in the span of 4 months. I was basically In bed for 4 months, it truly resonates with me when she said maybe its a sign to recalibrate things!
Indeed!
Thank you so much for sharing
This describes my Asian-American experience to a T. Being taught feelings don’t matter by the people I love. Later realizing feelings do matter. Even later realizing that even though they were wrong, they still love me.
It takes time to start rediscovering who you are doesn’t it? :) I always see it as we have a place of origin, but eventually as we enter into a sense of self, we honour the past but take on a place of creation in who we are shaping ourselves to be :)
I am speaking on behalf of my parents but I think in their time growing up, they didn't have the opportunity to let feelings get in their way because it was survival or not. Times have changed drastically but its hard to change their thinking from what they have believed in their whole life. But hey, parents are parents, they will love you no matter what. I've had my fair share of ups and downs with them but to be very honest, I am grateful for the arguments I've gone through with them when I took Fankery off the ground because it brought us much closer. We were able to open up and finally communicate about the generational barriers we had between us. I hope you have a loving relationship with your parents ! Thank you for watching my story.
Absolutely ❤ well said
What a great vid!! I did engineering and thought I would eventually like it, I got better at my job, at interviews, made good money but it was a waste of my life. I echo your story so hard but I didn't have the courage to do what you did!! Your path is not easy but neither is pretending, losing yourself and living a fake life trying to please everyone else.
It’s a right of passage we can all experience (albeit in different levels of commitment and intensity) :) I encourage you to take a bold step even just from time to time and ask yourself “what would I do today if I knew I couldn’t fail?” :)
Life is an interesting thing. Quite often, you don't know what you want till you do it and realise its not right for you. But you are so very right in trying to fake living your life well when you aren't. I hope you are in a good place in life! x
the COOKIESSS WITH MOCHII I WANT THAT
These cookies are mind blowingly good. You must try!
"you dont have to go so fast / do everything under the stars" - needed this
So you’re thank you for recognising this quote!
How many engineers can bake this well. Multitalented. More to the measure.😊
Definitely over achiever! We're stoked to have tasted Cathy's cheesecakes!
@@StoryBites.give me
As an Asian-American, her saying "I didn't know what feeling was" hits home. You're doing things just to get through life and not because you're allowed to learn what gives you enjoyment because you're trying to please your parents who put you on that path. You don't know interests, you don't learn personal preferences, you don't get spontaneity
Spontaneity is such a gift. We are so excited to be able to capture this essence every single day. Thanks so much for commenting
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in life so far: u have to be FLEXIBLE! If ur plan A doesnt work, then be ready with plan B, plan C, plan D, and so on! Just NEVER STOP and DONT GIVE UP! Sometimes u might need to REST and TAKE A STEP BACK, but NEVER STOP!
Well said! Being adaptable and flexible are very important skills in life, and to not be afraid to fail! If its a thought thats lingering in your mind continuously, don't be afraid to act on it! You never know till you try :) Wish you all the best in life!
@@fankery thanks and u too!
Love the conversations that come out of the comments section
She's so real. She sure makes you like her. ♥️
Thanks for your kind words Derek
I watched this video almost in tears. Just the fact that you found what you love is a blessing. You are actually DOING it. i know you will never know me but i am very happy for you. I sit here in a life i do not want, running a business which i "thought" was me dream but that is slowly killing me. Watching people like you succeed and happy fills me with hope that maybe i can escape where i am now. Great job and hope things keep getting better for you and your team.
Wow, this is such a kind comment. Viewers like you are the reason we do what we do!
You brought me in tears with your comment omg... THANK YOU! I hope you are doing well in life and I wish you all the blessings, happiness and success !
Maybe time to allow yourself that happiness ☺️just imagine you are those people you wish happiness for. You’ll get the hang of it in time 🙏🏼
I just came across this while pondering on my life choices after I graduate from my Masters in Medicine, hopefully, after a year --- which I just took because, you guessed it right, I am an Asian programmed into thinking STEM is the only way to success. I love cooking, dancing, and madly attracted to the thought of startups and being able to mentor and teach people.
I hope that after I graduate, I get to secure a well-paying job which will help me explore more of my hobbies and passions after the work hours. Soon, just like Cathy, I hope to quit STEM too when I get the right footing and just live my life the way I want it to be --- happily doing things I love most.
Thank you for being such an inspiration. Thank you. Thank you for this. More power to you Cathy.
Id love for Cathy to respond to you directly.. but coming from my background in Audiology (before we went all in on StoryBites), the economic security that comes with a profession like medicine is epic. It gave me the freedom to create simply because I wanted to.
Keep at it for now and it will nurture a deeper longing and sense of appreciation for being able to create. I really wish you all the best!
Stay well :)
Justin
Firstly, congratulations on completing your Masters in Medicine! That is incredible. Good luck with all your future ventures, whether that be in medicine or other things you have an interest in, I am sure you will figure it out. Sending you lots of positive energies !!!
I love how you talk about transitioning into the job of your dreams. It’s an approach that takes things one step at a time-like it’s not “all or nothing” which is something I tend to struggle with. Thanks for your comment ❤
@@fankery Hello Cathy, thank you for your reply! I appreciate it a lot. I have barely a semester and a half left to figure things out and finish my Masters in Medicine on time, but with some side gigs, my startup funds are getting there. I hope I can meet you someday, but for now, please know that your story has inspired me to work on myself --- that even if the economy and my upbringing forced me to do something that brings food to my table but not my soul, I still have a chance to break out of it.
Still hopeful that after all this, I get to explore more of my cooking and art. I could only hope for now, but seeing success stories like yours give me hope that better things can and will come. Love and light!
@@StoryBites. Hello Justin, quite busy lately and I haven't had the chance to respond, but thank you for taking the time to reply! I hope too that it secures me well, even if it's not in medicine, a related field would suffice (apparently, my TMI today is that the South Korea healthcare system is on the verge of collapse due to a severe medical strike).
And you're definitely right. The way I crave to create and appreciate the time I shave off studying or researching to just cook or make art is reason enough for me to move forward.
Please stay well, too!
Love and support always to you and the entire Soundbites team!
- Aya
I love how she has now got her mum working for her... full circle moment... that basque cheesecake looks bl**dy phenomenal... yummy... Im going to try find some tomorrow...
Yes it's an awesome outcome isn't it? :)
She's beautiful and she's doing so well with her life now, I'm always happy to see people enjoying life ❤
Yes she is such a wonderful person. We love her
This is a terrific story and the childhood photos make it extra relatable.
Thank you so much Josh.
What an inspiring, heartwarming story. Thank you for sharing.
@@experince_AKL absolutely!! :)
Thank you for watching! Hope you enjoy Storybites other stories!
Whoa what an inspirational and insightful story!! 🙏
Cathy is very lucky she managed to have those deep and transformative insights despite her upbringing, for many people the millstone of a difficult childhood remains with them for the duration of their life, never managing to let go😢
I believe that forgiveness and the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes are incredibly important. It wasn’t until I understood the reasons behind my parents' actions that I began to truly let go. Open communication is key to this process and I appreciate my parents for beginning to listen to my side of the story :)
What a beautiful story! wishing you and your family all of luck and love. Those cheesecakes look gorgeous
Thank you so much Herica!!
I saw the love and effort that goes into your business - Keep up the awesome work and God bless!
Thank you so so much
Woaaaa Cathy Fan!!! I’m sooo thrilled that RUclips randomly recommended me this video! I’ve bumped into you several times. We never met personally but “I know” you from Uni. You graduated one year ahead of me. Then you went to WSP and lastly to AECOM. I’m still in the energy business line but wonder for how long 😌😌 watching your video is a breath of fresh air as I can see that we have several things in common: for starters I’m also a perfectionist and grew up excelling in everything I do because it was expected of me. I also like and do bodybuilding (not at competitive level though), but I’ve got several health issues because I overdo it. The. I LOVE baking and in fact, I love cooking in general. This was something I discovered during Uni. It was something that kept me sane apart from the gym.
Anyways, it’s good to know that you have found your way. God bless and keep it up 🎉❤🎉
What an epic full circle moment Fernanda. Thank you for commenting :) I’m sure Cathy remembers you well!
Always feels inspire by storytelling, but this baker story? It's fenomenal. Thank you for sharing Cathy
Thank you so much for your kind words:)
Every minute of this is touching my heart. I thought it was going to be about food, but it’s so much deeper than that. Thank you!
Awh thank you so much. This is exactly what we are trying to do. It begins with food, but ends with a deeper understanding of who the person is.
As an engineer, I've heard this type of story on multiple occasions. I've seen (3) types of engineers who move on from this field. 1) The type that did it because their parents dreamt they would have a lawyer, doctor, or engineer in the family, but the student themselves doesn't love the field. 2) The one that understands the material while in school, thought it would be a good stable job, but realizes they are not cut out for the field and actually struggle at work. 3) The person that gets it, is good at it, but realizes the stresses of the job are not worth the effort and finds a more fulfilling role in life and the beauty of just having a blue collar job and are much happier that way. The beauty of the engineer that quits is that, no matter what happened in their life, they are smart enough to succeed in multiple avenues. These types of stories make me happy for my fellow engineers.
Thanks so much for your comment! I think we all move away from work for different reasons. So to your point 3 - it’s unique for all of us isn’t it? :)
There’s a safety net to fall back on, but many who end up pursuing their calling just keep pushing through
What a great story about an impressive young lady. Her cheesecakes are amazing. I might visit NZ now
Please do! There’s so much more awaiting you
The sign I needed!!!❤
Thank you!
Beautiful! "Life is life. You have to enjoy it!"
Always!
such a powerful story! Thanks for sharing and filming the story!
Thank you so much for watching . Means the world
Cathy, no one can live your life and find you your happiness. Thank you for sharing your story so that other young people can learn from your journey. And I would love to try your baked goods one day. 🤤 oh thank you StoryBites for such an inspirational story. 👍🏼
Thank you for your lovely comment!
Thanks so much for your kind words. Indeed! Welcome to the StoryBites community!
Watched this on Monday morning when I needed some lofi music to focus my engineering work! So inspiring and great content! And for Fankery, good job! Love the combination of mochi+cheese cake! I had it when she took over a bakery shop in dominion rd for a week and they quickly sold out just about noon!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Huihui. It's so exciting to hear that you have had Fankery
Ka Pai Cathy!! You're an inspiration for a lot of Kiwi's who aim & aspire to follow their passion, no matter what.
Absolutely! Us kiwis are inspired to take braver bolder steps
Go you, Cathy! Having a cake in your bakery is on my to do list when I going to Auckland in November!
Yes yes please do go and enjoy!
My god, eating cheesecake is my guilty pleasure. Cathy's story is inspirational and is exemplary.
We love Cathy! Thank you so much for your kind words.
Loved watching this glimpse into Cathy's journey!
Thank you for watching Rachel! We so appreciate it
Thank you for watching! It means the world
@@fankery Of course, it's amazing to see your journey from engineering to baking and all the challenges you've overcome! Having grown up in an Asian American household, I can definitely relate to the pressures of following a conventional career path.
@@eatsbyrachel Your channel is so cool! I can imagine the hard work you've done building everything to what it is today. Congratulations! Would love to meet you in person if I ever visit the Bay area one day!
@@fankery Aw thank you! And yes, most definitely let me know :)
Everything in this video looks delicious. And it‘s such an inspirational story 😌
@@mauded5962 thanks so much for watching!! :)
I was a structural engineer, and years after I became a project manager in one of the largest and busiest shipyard in my country.
But, on 2021 my father passed away.. and because of so many complicated family matter I have to leave my carrier..
And finally in 2023, I opened micro bakery shop. I made breads, pastrys, and some cookies alone.
It's not easy guys.. from steelwork to flour work.. Believe me, there is so many trials and errors😅. I hope this micro bakery shop can grow bigger and be more famous..
Wow, that's such an incredible journey you've been on. What's the name of your bakery?
@@StoryBites. My bakery shop name is "Haki Bake Studio", located somewhere in South East Asia. I chose to use the word "Studio", since it has a small live kitchen 😀
Durian! Ube! Masterpiece of flavors , hopefully they go international soon !
Yes yes that’s our hope!
If we look back on the entirety of a human life, so much effort is spent trying to recover from what someone else wanted your life to be like or for you to be like. By the time we're confident and know enough to take over as pilot of our own life we're so far behind what we actually could have achieved. If only our support network could have fostered us to be the best that we wanted to be and not trying to guide us to be what they think. Kudos to all of the people like this valiant lady who righted the course of their lives by choosing themselves and their happiness first. When we are happy, we can bring so much unlimited joy to the world.
We hear what you’re saying :) we’re so glad you can see the future being so bright and joyful. It’s never too late to pivot towards your calling
Inspirational! Congratulations - such wonderful sharing. your creations are amazing and i hope one day to experience them. Thank you.
Thank you so much Beverley for your kind words. I’m sure Cathy will appreciate this comment
Loving your life. What a questioning reasoning person you are. Great variety. Ube Taro durian Cakes…keep on creating.
Sometimes we need to have hard conversations with ourselves. It moves the dial in our lives and decisions in a significant way than just moving through the motions :)
I am a middle-aged guy who always wanted to own and run a small business but I never had the guts to step out from the safety of the corporate world. I still dream of doing this one day and stories like this give me hope.
You've got one life to live here on this little blue planet :) We implore you to bring that passion to life no matter your work-situation.
I think we could learn alot from the corporate world too. Huge potential to bridge these two styles of work together.
Thank you for sharing this, it was so eerie how similar our stories were. I agree with you, love transcends ❤ thanks for this video and your story,I really enjoyed listening to it.
Thanks for your kind words :) glad you enjoyed watching
So many good stories! Ive been binging your show. Its so good!
Thank you thank you, we really want to celebrate the chefs who work behind the scenes.
Thank you for being vulnerable with us and i have been wanting to try those cakes for years now since lockdown
Yes please do come visit! :)
So inspiring! Well done, Cathy
Very much so!!
Gorgeous story! Thank you so much for sharing this. 🙌🙌🙌
Thank you so so much for your kind words
I'm in the same situation now where I would love to quit engineering and start my own business. Inspiring to hear this dream come true!
Totally worth exploring while you’re working.
Fankery is such a cute name! This baker is amazing. Much love and respect ❤❤❤
I want Cathy to have her own show!
We want that for her too! :) let’s bring her back. What kind of content would you like to see from her?
Thank you ! I'd love to film a part 2 with Storybites :))
If I ever get to visit NZ I would love to try some food from this bakery... ❤
Yes please do come visit if you have a chance
New fan Cathy, I have randomly come here only to discover someone introduced me to you a couple months back. Will definitely be placing a special order for xmas, in support of your company!! Wish you continued success!
Awesome to hear you're a fan :) Thanks so much for watching.
@momojett Cathy here, lovely to meet you !
Oooh! That assortment box of treats near the end of this video looks so dreamy! Switching gears, though for a moment ...When I was earning my degree in microcomputer and electronics engineering, I envied the people working in the college cafeteria. It was because they looked so happy. Their smiles were genuine. And they were caring. Their impact on my life was a treasure. I was so miserable. I was not interested in the subjects I studied. I felt like I had to get that degree to measure up and to survive financially. I did very well and appreciate being able to be educated. But when I graduated, I was finally free of it. I learned that happiness and caring for others is more important. It is everything! This video reminds me to spend time doing what I love.
That’s awesome to hear! How are you balancing your life between vocation and passion now? :) we’ve all been of this journey. It’s quite exciting .
@@StoryBites. I haven't really chosen a single vocation, but a few have chosen me. So many accomplishments. There is so much to feel passionate about. But just cooking a special meal , reading a good book, knitting a scarf to give away, or spending time with family or friends are all fulfilling, because there never seems to be enough time for these things.
"life is life, you have to enjoy life"
i like that
so do we :)
I love our expats here in NZ that just give their all to anything they do xx
We do our best!
Beautiful story. I’m glad she found her own way of doing life differently. This isn’t just about food - although it looks delicious too
Thank you for your lovely comment!
Food is just the beginning:)
Fantastic and congratulations thank you for sharing this story ❤
So awesome! Absolutely love your story and share - Thank you :D
Thank you so much for watching. :)
I understand you perfectly. I like to earn a lot as an engineer, but I would like to work in my own kitchen. BTW your cakes looks amazing, hope to try all of it one day! Thanks for sharing this story 🍰
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m sure Cathy appreciates your patronage. Economic security is so important, it helps us look beyond the day to day :)
Omg Cathy just found you by accident...inspiring story! Wishing you good luck! Happiness is underrated these days....you also have a charming personality...you make me want to learn some asian languages now cause I can only count to ten in japanese lol...NZ is stunning please fix that country it s so amazing..
Thank you for your comment and for watching my story! Different cultures and languages are so interesting, I'd love to learn french if possible haha. NZ is truly beautiful, hope you get to visit it someday!
Super kind words! Thank you so much for watching.
@@StoryBites. glad I found this channel...inspiring stories is what this world desperately needs...so many are stuck in this pattern of doing what s expected of you...she s a great example how happiness is more important than anything!
Baking seems like Engineering of sorts of the Heart and Soul 💖
This is true, its a science as much as an art :)
Congratulations Cathy! The challenges and obstacles you faced in the end transcended to a better future and life you desired. I’m happy for you!
Thank you very much for your kind kind words
I had the absolute pleasure of trying some of her amazing food yesterday and OMG its amazing!!!!
Hey thanks so much for commenting. I hope you enjoyed their delicious Asian inspired treats. It's such a joy seeing people try their food.
Trust you're well!
Justin
We need to be realistic here. We don’t have to enjoy life but we should know that we can and we should, not everyone can be enjoying life right now. Everything has its transition. Cheers to everyone who is still struggling if life right now. I hope I wish one day you can enjoy life like Cathy here.🎉
Saraya, we absolutely hear you on that. It’s a privilege but often requires a level of determination that not many are willing to work for. So yes, it’s a case by case basis isn’t it! :)
Life is too short to be miserable. Do the things you want to when you want to! Now my life isn't perfect right now and I still goes through mountains load of troubles every day but hey its all about the journey to get to where you want. I wish you live a happy and fulfilling life. !
@@StoryBites. 💯💯💯
The foundation her parents helped her lay in her academic and other achievements as a kid helped her to get where she is. I don’t believe she would have been this successful without it. These skills and the work ethic is transferable. I see nothing wrong with what her parents did. They gave her a solid foundation and now she can build on that in any direction she pleases.
This is true. These principles of discipline and hard work make a difference and can be applied in many ways in many industries :) thanks so much for pointing that out
You can do all those things as a parent without denying your children’s feelings.
Thank you for the inspiration! ❤🎉
We are stoked you enjoyed it :)
What an inspiring story! I love ube and cheesecake! I first had ube Basque cheesecake 8 years ago from a filipino friend who was studying to be a pastry chef in France. Her parents wanted her to be a nurse but she followed her heart. Now she has a bakery in nyc and sells ube everything! lol Anyway, glad to see that Filipino ube is being used more in desserts outside the Philippines.
Cathy, have your cake and eat it too🎉😊. Congrats!🍾🎊🎈🎉
Absolutely! She has really made this phenomenal business
Cathy, you are amazing and so frigging creative ❤❤❤ So much love n hugs🥰 Hope i can someday soooon😁 try your yummilicious creations❤
So creative right? We love Cathy
@@StoryBites. Fact n facT 🤗
The fact you got fifth was amazing. It is shameful the amount of pressure we place on our children.
It's a journey of reconciliation for sure.
So good, especially realising ultimately you don't need to rush everything! God is good all the time!
All the time!
Pleased you're in NZ Cathy . . . Go well . . . ❤💖❤ . . .
Thanks your kind thoughts! :)
sharing this story with my love ones...so beautiful❤
Thank you so much for sharing with your family and friends :)
Lovely story. Blessings.
Thank you!
Main key she talked about...God that was thr base of her blessing!! ❤
God bless you, Erica.
So Love This From The Caribbean.
Love from NZ!!
Looking forward to trying it soon
yes please do :)
Women!!! You need something to help you wheel all of your artistic delicious treats!!! Congrats on your success and thank you for sharing your wisdom! God bless! ❤❤❤
Thank you so much Ellie, your words mean so much to us.
This is so inspiring. On my own journey of changing careers at 29
Amazing, go you!! :)
Beautiful story ❤
@@bobird6099 thank you so much h
Durian cheesecake is inspired!
Along with Mochi cookie.
Well done Fankery!
Thank you so much for commenting
Wonderful inspiring story!
Thank you so much! We are so so grateful for your kind words
Great story! Well done!👍👍👍
Thank you so much!! :)
@@StoryBites. 👍
I super love your story. I can relate to what happened. stay strong and god bless!
Thank you so much for commenting
I used to live in Shanghai. I do miss some of life there. Congratulations on finding your dream.
Thank you for your kind encouragement
Wow awesome…I loved this presentation
Thank you so much taters!!
Well done! Keep it up Cathy
Thank you for your kind words
such a beautiful video !!
Thank you so much :) we are lucky to have Cathy share her journey with us
Wow definitely ordering one tomorrow. I told my daughter about this, she said “oh yeah the girl from Auckland. I watched her.” I told her Fankery delivers national wide, she goes “can we order?!”
What a phenomenal comment. Thank you so much. We love it when our documentaries lead to tangible opportunities to enjoy food
Hey Jun! We will be couriering the cakes out to you tomorrow for Friday arrival. Thank you for watching my story and hope you and your family will enjoy the goods !
I really resonate to her story x
Awesome to hear! :) thanks for watching.
whoa that cake looks so good. I can see why it's so popular.
Bless you. I am glad you made the right decision in your life. Best wishes ahead...
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much!