Starting on a new runway was quite uncomfortable at first; all my networking efforts had to begin from scratch. I struggled to find a job, and when I approached potential employers, they’d ask, “How many followers do you have on Instagram? I’m not interested if it’s less than 30k.” Thankfully, with the blessings of helpful individuals along the way, I’ve managed to reach where I am today.
When I started teaching flower piping, I enrolled in various related courses, covering lesson planning, public speaking, and even learning about illnesses in both children and the elderly. I discovered many skills from my time in the semiconductor factory that were applicable, such as using production processes to address customer complaints. For instance, when a cake customer questions its freshness or flavor, I apply factory procedures by collecting scraps, labeling them with ingredients, production methods, raw material sources, and expiration dates. If customers have doubts, we can present samples to address their concerns.
My diverse career experiences have enabled me to draw parallels in various aspects, such as safety stock, marketing, lead time, planning, process, and quality assurance. Growing up in a middle-class family, as the eldest sister, I opted for a technical school after graduating from high school, where I received a monthly allowance. I faced challenges in male-dominated classes, where my hands were constantly covered in metal shavings. After a five-year contract, I transitioned from a mechanic to a customer service role in an office, marking my entry into the semiconductor industry. From there, I progressed to become a sales manager, overseeing departments like procurement and strategic planning, and achieved a tenfold increase in sales within a year. Even during financial crises, my sales figures remained stable.
During my free time, I enjoy cooking and specialize in traditional pastries, particularly those made without additives. Serendipitously, I stumbled upon bean paste piping, and it captivated me instantly. After taking basic courses in Malaysia, I sought out a Korean teacher and obtained teaching qualifications through encouragement from classmates. The journey was both expensive and arduous for someone unfamiliar with piping, but I was fortunate to have a patient mentor. Initially, I had no intention of teaching; I simply fell in love with the beauty of bean paste flowers until the opportunity to teach arose.
The benefits of piping extend beyond decorating cakes; it can be applied to any moldable ingredient, from fish and potatoes to chocolate. It can be sweet or savory, used in desserts or as part of a meal. In my classes, I teach students how to impress others with their piping skills. Life isn’t perfect, and I often emphasize to my students that piping isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about embracing imperfection and finding ways to compensate for it. I recall a student who tearfully thanked me, saying that this lesson had a profound impact on her life.
Life isn’t without its challenges, but by creating beauty in our lives through activities like piping, we enhance our character and artistic sensibilities. Imagine stealing a moment to enjoy a slice of exquisite cake, arranging fresh flowers, and sipping coffee; suddenly, life becomes more anticipated and confident. That’s why we need ‘me time’. Piping isn’t limited to cakes; it can be applied to any cohesive food ingredient, whether sweet or savory, as a dessert or a main dish. In my classes, I teach students how to dazzle others with their skills.
Join us today and have fun in life.
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