Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Lim
Hi Christine, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey with Butter Mochi began during a memorable visit to Hawaii with my husband, Efren Renon. As we explored the islands and visited family, Efren introduced me to butter mochi, a treat that quickly captured my heart. I still remember that first bite—the perfect balance of buttery richness and subtle sweetness, with a chewy texture that felt unique. I was hooked! Throughout the trip, I found myself constantly on the lookout for more butter mochi, savoring each variation we discovered.
When we returned home, I couldn’t get the flavors of Hawaii out of my mind. My background in the culinary arts gave me the confidence to experiment with recipes. I started by recreating the classic butter mochi, but I soon found myself playing with new flavors, combining my training with inspiration from that trip. It was exciting to add unique twists—like matcha, ube, and tropical fruits— and share the results with friends and family. Their encouragement made me realize that there was something special about this treat.
Efren and I decided to take the plunge and launch a pop-up bake shop, focusing on butter mochi as our signature product. The early days were filled with trial and error—finding the best ingredients, scaling up production, and developing packaging that reflected the product’s quality. Efren was a huge support and also gave me the confidence to pursue my passion fully.
Our pop-up started small, but word began to spread. Butter mochi was something many people hadn’t tried before, and customers loved the fusion of familiar flavors with a unique twist. Building connections with local markets and collaborating with other small businesses helped us grow, turning our little passion project into something much bigger.
Every batch I bake brings back memories of that Hawaii trip and the excitement of discovering butter mochi for the first time. It’s been an incredible journey, filled with ups and downs, but seeing the joy on people’s faces when they take a bite makes it all worthwhile. This business isn’t just about baking—it’s about sharing a piece of what we love with others and building something meaningful together with Efren by my side.
Today, our pop-up continues to grow, and I’m always exploring new flavors and ideas to keep things fresh. I’m grateful for how far we’ve come, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us next.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—like any business, our journey with butter mochi has come with its fair share of challenges. When we first started, there was a lot of trial and error. Developing the perfect recipe took time, especially as I experimented with different ingredients to create unique flavors. Finding the right balance between creativity and consistency was tricky. Some batches turned out great, while others didn’t meet my expectations, which could be frustrating.
Scaling up from small kitchen experiments to producing larger quantities was another hurdle. I had to figure out the logistics of sourcing quality ingredients in bulk without compromising on taste. There were also challenges in finding eco-friendly, attractive packaging that fit the product while staying within budget. It took time to nail down packaging sizes that worked for our customers and business needs.
Managing the pop-up was a learning experience, too. We had to navigate local regulations, market schedules, and sometimes unpredictable customer demand. There were moments when we invested time and effort into a market event only to face low turnout. On the flip side, sudden surges in demand could stretch our production capacity, creating the pressure to keep up without compromising quality.
Personally, balancing the business with other life responsibilities has been challenging. There were times when it felt overwhelming to juggle everything—testing new recipes, running events, and managing day-to-day tasks. But through it all, Efren’s support has been a huge help. Whether it was handling logistics or just cheering me on when things got tough, having him by my side made a world of difference.
Looking back, those struggles were important lessons in patience and resilience. They taught us to be flexible, plan better, and always look for creative solutions. Every obstacle we’ve faced has shaped us and made our pop-up stronger. Even though it hasn’t been easy, the journey has been rewarding, and we’ve come to appreciate every step—both the smooth and the bumpy ones.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Salted Cow?
Our business is all about spreading joy through a unique and delicious treat: butter mochi and snack mixes. We specialize in crafting small-batch, high-quality butter mochi that blend the flavors of Hawaii with a creative twist. At its core, butter mochi is a chewy, buttery dessert made with rice flour, and what makes ours special is the care we take to balance tradition with innovation. While we honor the classic recipe that inspired us, we also experiment with exciting new flavors like ube, matcha, pandan, and tropical fruits, giving customers a fresh take on a nostalgic favorite. In addition to butter mochi, we also offer unique snack mixes that reflect our love for bold, creative flavors. These mixes are inspired by South East Asia and Hawaiian influences, adding a savory twist to the typical snack experience. Some of our customer favorites include:
Furikake Mix: A flavorful blend of crunchy snacks coated with furikake, a popular Japanese seasoning made with seaweed, sesame, and savory umami flavors. This mix offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Sinigang Mix: Inspired by the classic Filipino sour soup, this mix features a tangy tamarind flavor with a savory kick. It’s a deliciously unexpected twist that always surprises people in the best way.
Spicy Sinigang Mix: For those who love heat, this version kicks up the tamarind tang with an extra dose of spice. It’s bold, zesty, and addictive for anyone who enjoys something with a little more punch.
Our pop-up concept allows us to engage directly with the community. We love meeting customers in person, introducing them to butter mochi, and sharing the story behind our journey. Whether it’s at food festivals or special events, we strive to create a welcoming experience where people can enjoy good food and good vibes. What sets these snack mixes apart is our dedication to layering flavors—they’re not just salty or spicy but have a depth that reflects the essence of the dishes they’re inspired by. Whether it’s the umami goodness of furikake or the sour-spicy notes of sinigang, these mixes are meant to satisfy cravings while offering something new and exciting.
These snacks have been a hit at our pop-up events, providing something unique for people looking to explore new flavors. They also pair beautifully with our butter mochi, creating a sweet-and-savory combination that customers love.
We are passionate about both butter mochi and snack mixes because they showcase the kind of innovation and cultural inspiration that defines our brand. With every bite, we aim to share not only our culinary creativity but also a little piece of the flavors that have shaped us. Seeing customers return again and again, excited to try new flavors, is incredibly rewarding. But beyond the product, we’re proud of the community we’ve built. Whether it’s collaborating with other small businesses, participating in local events, or hearing that we’ve brightened someone’s day with a simple treat, these moments are what make this journey meaningful.
At the heart of everything we do is a passion for sharing joy through food. Butter mochi isn’t just a dessert for us—it’s a way to connect with people and bring a little bit of Hawaii to everyone who tries it. If you’ve never had butter mochi before, we can’t wait to introduce you to this chewy, buttery delight. And if you already love it, we’re excited to show you how much more this dessert can be with our creative twists and flavors.
No matter what, we want our customers to feel the same sense of discovery and delight that we felt during that first bite in Hawaii. For us, it’s not just about baking—it’s about creating moments of happiness, one bite at a time.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Collaborate with Us
Pop-Up Partnerships:
We’re always open to teaming up with local businesses, coffee shops, breweries, or events to host pop-ups. If you think butter mochi or our snack mixes would be a good fit for your event or space, we’d love to explore how we can collaborate.
Product Collaborations:
We enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients, so if you have a creative idea for a limited-edition product or flavor collaboration, let’s talk! Whether you’re another food brand, a small business, or a creator, we love brainstorming new offerings that combine our strengths.
Corporate or Private Events:
If you’re planning a corporate event, wedding, or special gathering, we offer customizable options for our butter mochi and snack mixes. Whether it’s party favors or dessert platters, we’ll work with you to make your event memorable with unique treats.
Work with Us
Wholesale and Retail Opportunities:
If you own a retail space, café, or store and are interested in carrying our butter mochi or snack mixes, we’d love to connect! We offer wholesale options and enjoy building partnerships with businesses that align with our values.
Seasonal Markets and Festivals:
We’re always on the lookout for local events, festivals, and seasonal markets where we can introduce our offerings to new audiences. If you’re an event organizer, we’d be happy to join and bring our flavors to your crowd.
Support Us
Follow and Engage with Us on Social Media:
Stay connected with us on Instagram and other social platforms to keep up with new flavors, pop-up schedules, and special events. Engaging with our posts, sharing them, or tagging friends helps us grow our reach and build a stronger community.
Spread the Word:
Word of mouth is powerful! If you’ve enjoyed our products, we’d love for you to recommend us to your friends, family, or favorite local businesses.
Order from Us Directly:
Support us by ordering our butter mochi or snack mixes! Keep an eye on our pop-up schedules, or reach out to see how we can accommodate your cravings or special requests.
We are always excited to meet new people, explore fresh ideas, and grow alongside our community. Whether you want to work with us, collaborate on something creative, or simply enjoy our treats, we appreciate every bit of support—it means the world to us.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltedcowbake
