Online cake shop
Miss Kong
In recent years, with the development of the information media, online shops have become a platform for many young people to start their dream. The cost of opening an online shop is lower than that of running a physical shop because of the high rent. Whether you have any ideas, online platforms can also let you feel free to play and create your own brand.
Miss Kong founded an online cake shop, from the entire concept to the establishment of the shop all done by herself. Miss Kong, who used to work in accounting for about six to seven years, admits she doesn’t really like office jobs from 9 to 5. Miss Kong said, “Personally, working as clerical staff does not suit me well. Even though I had a strong passion to do a good job at the beginning, the passion of doing such a job slowly faded.” Half a year ago, she decided to pursue her dream and set up an online cake shop.
The motivation to start a business
When she first had the idea of a start-up, Miss Kong worried that she would not get the support of her family and friends as this might sound unrealistic. But when she took the first step in starting her own business, she soon realised that the idea gave her a long-term plan and purpose in life. “Starting a business has enriched my life and I no longer feel like doing a job aimlessly. Although the operation of an online shop is a new thing for the older generation, the most unexpected is the support of my family and friends, and their appreciation for my passion.” Miss Kong also believes that the motivation for starting a business is mainly from the encouragement of her family and friends, rather than any financial support.
Miss Kong’s working hours is not much different from those of the 9-to-5 office workers. After the orders are taken, then her cake will be delivered to the customer in person. She believes that this kind of working style makes her life easier and more comfortable. Normally, besides making cakes, she is also responsible for the promotion of food products, ordering ingredients, doing research on and designing her cakes and so on.
The sweetness and bitterness of online cake shop
Cake shops are very competitive in the market. In the process, Miss Kong believes that the most important thing is to create innovative ideas and design special styles of cakes to attract customers, such as the glowing moon cake and the delicate cake with flowers mounted on it. “It takes more than one or two times to make a cake. I have to go through a lot of failures, and then I have to adjust and improve, and finally make a finished product. It feels like overcoming different obstacles to achieve success,” she said. She also added that the finished cake products can be supported and recognised by the customers, and this satisfaction emanates from the inside out.
Miss Kong admits that in the process of starting a business, the pressure mainly is from the financial issues. “Most of the cost in the catering industry is spent on ingredients. When we don’t have enough orders, there will be an accumulation of ingredients. Moreover, the ingredients used in cake production generally expire quickly, so I have to throw them away,” She said. She hopes to stabilise the number of orders as soon as possible to avoid this situation so as not to waste food. For future business plans, Miss Kong hopes to use online media to promote its brand, such as shooting some simple cooking short films and putting their own food on the market for sale in restaurants in the future.
The spirit of young people daring to pursue their dreams
In Hong Kong, a place full of competitions, it is never easy to pursue a dream and start a business. Miss Kong believes that the most important thing is not to be afraid of failure because when you fail once and choose to give up, you will miss the opportunity to discover your own talents during the process. Therefore keep in mind that even if you have a talent, it does not mean you will succeed at one time. Finally she said with a smile, “The more difficult it is, the more we can’t give up. The only loss is money, not our lives. If the money has gone, we can still start again!”
