Family’s bankruptcy drives US-graduated Chinese student to become acclaimed chef

A former student from a wealthy family in China, now living in the United States, has turned her life around after her family faced bankruptcy. The 31-year-old woman, who goes by the pseudonym Chengzi, attended the New York Film Academy and later pursued a master's degree in Britain. Once living in Manhattan with aspirations of becoming a film director, she refused to return to China with her father's warning that she would have to be self-sufficient if she stayed in the US.

Chengzi sold her car, moved into a smaller flat, and resorted to reselling trainers to make ends meet. After facing numerous challenges in her pursuit of a career in film, she took a role as a live-in domestic helper, earning a fraction of the market rate and often facing unreasonable demands. This experience led her to discover her passion for cooking, stemming from her upbringing with absent parents.

Leveraging her culinary skills, she started offering private home-cooking services in Los Angeles, catering to busy middle-class families and affluent Chinese clients. Chengzi honed her skills in Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine through culinary training in China and built her client base through social media, experiencing steady growth.

She currently serves 50 to 60 households, charging between $40 per hour for regular cooking and $68 to $80 for private banquets, earning an annual income of up to $118,600. Chengzi's success has redefined her priorities, emphasizing financial independence over luxury items. She finds fulfillment in her work, noting that the sense of achievement is enduring and valuable for personal resilience.

Her unique combination of culinary expertise, business acumen, and communication skills sets her apart from others in the industry.