Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Zhang
Hi Catherine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Catherine Zhang a content creator, business owner and pastry chef. My story began in 2019 when I appeared on NETFLIX reality show “Zumbos’ Just Desserts” Season 2, and emerged as the winner. At the age of just 19 that is when my drive to follow a career in desserts manifested.
From there i finished my degree in Science majoring in nutrition and dietetics and worked in a restaurant as a party chef, all the while posting videos of my desserts on social media. Over time my social media following grew and I quit my full time job.
With all my focus in building my social media I was opened to a world of opportunity, from launching my very first cookbook “Mochi, Cakes and Bakes”, to my first food truck and physical crepe store “Kurepu”. Now I’m working on my next new venture in a different country, the United States, with my very first dessert and boba store opening in March located in Koreatown, Los Angeles.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has been a series of ups and downs, I struggled with understanding my love for desserts. From wanting to spend my entire life as a pastry chef, working in a kitchen every day, to losing that spark and realizing my love for desserts differently. I love the creativity I can bring when making desserts, and the different techniques and flavors, and I realized I can show that best through social media than working as a pastry chef. This led me to open my own ventures rather than working for others where I can let my creativity shine.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Tu Cha?
My latest venture Tu Cha opening on 7th St in Koreatown is the new go-to spot for speciality brewed boba and delicious unique desserts.
The desserts here are different because of a number of factors, our line of “Fruity desserts” are unique because of their stunning realistic fruit resemblance, as well as their light and fruity flavour.
On the other hand our “Dream cakes” take the trendy interactive feature of eating desserts, allowing the customers to crack through a super thin shell and into the dreamy mousse cake inside.
We will be opening in March 2025 so stay tuned and keep updated @tucha.la
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to appreciate the journey itself. Growing up, I was always told that when you follow your passion, work becomes effortless because you truly love what you do. Yet, as I progressed in my career, my feelings toward desserts—and the art of making them—began to shift. The long, arduous hours in the bakery, once a source of joy and fulfillment, gradually turned into a routine I dreaded.
It wasn’t until I slowed down and took a hard look at my work that I realized my dissatisfaction wasn’t with desserts per se, but with the relentless, physically demanding routine. I missed the freedom to create my own unique flavors and dessert styles, rather than being confined to the repetitive tasks of a production line.
By stepping away from that rigid structure and focusing on what truly excited me—such as crafting innovative videos and researching new dessert trends—I was able to cultivate a lifestyle that not only allowed me to thrive on a daily basis but also opened doors to opportunities I never imagined. Today, I find myself collaborating with my favorite brands and even launching my own dessert stores, all because I decided to fall in love with the journey once again.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zhangcatherine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherine.desserts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catherine.desserts/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@catherine.desserts
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@catherine.desserts
