Chen Min's vibrant and cheerful personality leaves a strong impression on those who meet her. At 24, she engages effortlessly in conversations on almost any topic. Her confidence and ease come from years of pushing boundaries and following an unconventional path.

Instead of focusing on further studies like most of her peers, she took a bold step and started her own business. In 2017, at just 17, she launched Pastriets Bakery, a home-based business specializing in a variety of desserts, from mini cupcakes to elaborate dessert tables. With a long break before her polytechnic lessons began, she saw an opportunity and eagerly started baking.

Flexibility and independence drew her to entrepreneurship. Passionate about the idea of running her own business, she embraced the challenge. A viral TikTok post about her journey highlighted the resilience that defined her early years. Her first purchase of baking ingredients, totaling $60, felt like a major risk. Coming from an average financial background, every dollar mattered. With a daily allowance of just $2, or $4 on days with co-curricular activities, she had to be mindful of every expense.

A home-based bakery became the most practical option. The cost of baking ingredients was low, and even if the business didn’t work out, the ingredients wouldn’t go to waste. With a clear goal in mind, she had to break the news to her family.

Her mother initially reacted with concern, telling her she wasn’t mature or responsible enough. Min understood that this response came from a place of care, but her determination never wavered. Her parents, despite their initial doubts, eventually provided unwavering support. Her mother would stay up with her on long baking nights, checking in on her well-being or helping with the dishes. Their encouragement made the journey feel less lonely.

Balancing school and business required sacrifices. While fulfilling a dream, she found herself losing friendships. Long hours in the kitchen left little time for socializing. Invitations to hang out after class were often declined, and over time, her friend circle shrank. The loneliness weighed on her, but she never regretted her decision. Baking remained a source of happiness, making the workload feel less like a burden.

Failures were frequent in the beginning. Burnt cupcakes, watery icing, and ruined batches were common. Instead of feeling discouraged, she saw baking as both an escape and a learning experience. Challenges continued even after launching her business, particularly in attracting customers. Many hesitated to order from a home-based baker. To build trust, she started delivering her baked goods herself. Weekdays were for school and hired delivery drivers, while weekends were spent traveling across the city by public transport, sometimes offering free delivery just to get people to try her desserts.

Not every experience was smooth. A painful lesson came when a customer placed a last-minute cash-on-delivery order. Staying up until 4 AM to complete it, she arrived at the meeting spot only for the customer to never show up. Frustrated and defeated, she threw the cupcakes away. Though upsetting, the experience taught her to handle customers with more caution.

Over time, the reputation of Pastriets Bakery grew. What started as a small home-based business gained traction through word of mouth and social media. Today, the business remains a one-woman operation, but with a broader menu and a loyal customer base. With over 20,000 Instagram followers and nearly 500 five-star reviews on Carousell, she takes immense pride in what she has built.

The future remains open. While a physical store isn’t in the immediate plans, she hasn’t ruled it out. For now, she takes things step by step, allowing the business to evolve naturally. Discipline and consistency remain at the core of her approach. Success has not come easily or quickly, but every challenge has been a stepping stone toward something greater.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Chen Min