Chinese student builds Los Angeles private cooking business after family goes bankrupt

A Chinese student, known as Chengzi, has launched a private cooking business in Los Angeles after her family's bankruptcy, according to a first-person account published in Sanlian Lifeweek. The 31-year-old woman, who charges $68 to $80 an hour for banquets, works seven days a week and caters to a 99% Chinese or Chinese-American clientele across greater Los Angeles County, often facing long commutes of up to two hours.

Chengzi's decision to pursue her own business came after her father informed her of the family business's failure, his inability to support her financially, and his offer to buy her a ticket home, which she declined. She sold her car, moved into a friend's living room, and started reselling limited-edition sneakers to make ends meet.

Chengzi had been cooking since primary school and later trained in culinary arts, focusing on Sichuan and Cantonese dishes popular in the Chinese community. She capitalizes on her youth, education, and easygoing nature when taking on new clients. Despite the long hours and demanding nature of the work, Chengzi is determined to support herself and finds a sense of accomplishment in her success.