Westlake International School's Alumni Success Story: From Cookies to a Café

What began as a childhood hobby in the family kitchen has flourished into a thriving bakery business for one passionate student. This is the inspiring journey of a Westlake International School alumnus whose love for food and community has transformed into a dream come true.

Growing up in a home filled with rich Peranakan and Chinese culinary traditions, the kitchen was more than just a place to cook—it was the heart of the home. It was here, beside her mum, that she discovered the joy of creating food that brought people together.

“Our meals weren’t just about eating. They were about connecting, sharing stories, and preserving traditions. That’s where my love for food was born.”

By age seven, baking had become a creative outlet, but it wasn’t until Year 10 that it began to take shape as something more. Quietly, she started selling cookies at school and accepting custom birthday cake orders—small but significant steps that signaled her growing talent and entrepreneurial spirit.

Interestingly, her first career aspiration was dentistry, but the pull of the kitchen never went away. The turning point came during a school baking sale, where she planned a menu, calculated food costs, and raised an impressive RM800 in a single day.

“That moment really opened my eyes. I realized I could actually turn this passion into something bigger.”

In 2023, she launched a home-based baking business. The early days were full of trial and error, but also rich in learning. Then in 2024, an opportunity arose—her father suggested taking over a shop lot previously owned by Roti Boy. With courage and vision, she said yes.

By March 2025, after months of renovation and planning, her very own bakery opened its doors.

“From the first cookie I sold in school to owning my own shop, it’s been an incredible journey. Every moment in that kitchen with my mum helped shape this dream.”

Her time at Westlake International School played an important role, not just academically but in personal development. Each year brought new classmates and cultures, helping her strengthen her communication skills, adaptability, and confidence.

“Being in school taught me how to connect with different people and express myself clearly—skills that are essential when running a business.”

Surprisingly, her Chemistry classes also made an impact.

“Baking is a lot like chemistry. It’s about understanding how ingredients interact—acids, bases, heat reactions, timing. The precision I learned in chemistry directly translates into my baking process.”

She gives special thanks to Ms. Livien, her Chemistry teacher, for never giving up on her students and instilling in her the value of consistency and critical thinking.

Today, her bakery is more than just a business—it’s a space that brings people together over good food, echoing the family meals that first inspired her. Her journey from school bake sales to owning a shop stands as a shining example of how passion, perseverance, and purpose can lead to something truly fulfilling.

“It’s not just about cakes or cookies. It’s about creating joy, sharing culture, and building a community—one bite at a time.”

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