We had the good fortune of connecting with Catherine Zhang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Catherine, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Over the years I’ve started up many different kinds of businesses, each one stemming from a different line of passion with my main focus being baking and desserts. In my opinion it is important to start a business from a place of love because that becomes the driving factor behind your work. On top of that you will always know the most and be most up to date on subject you are enthusiastic about, which will put you ahead of the game.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think the biggest difference that sets me apart from other people in the industry is diversification. One of the biggest issues with social media industry is the instability, because jobs and income are not always consistent. Building income in multiple different streams such as passive income from my blog, brand deals, restaurants, and pop-ups all contribute to overall stability and ultimately to my success today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve only moved to LA for just over a month but there are a couple of memorable spots I’ve been to. As someone with a big sweet tooth I loved locations like Bottega Louis, Magnola Bakery and Randy’s Donuts, and I can’t wait to try many more sweet destinations.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The most important person is my story is my mother. My mother has always been very supportive in my pursuing the things I love. My love for baking started at a very young age and my mother never hesitated to buy the equipment I needed, or try the recipes I wasn’t sure about. When I was 19 my mother encouraged me to join a reality baking show “Zumbo’s Just Dessert’s'”, which I ended up winning. This was the show that took me from unsure about my future to knowing that I wanted to pursue a career in the world of baking and pastry, and then eventually into social media. Without her I would have never headed down this path.

Website: https://zhangcatherine.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherine.desserts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catherine.desserts

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@catherine.desserts

Other: tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@catherine.desserts

Image Credits
Catherine Zhang

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