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

Hi Christine, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business, Salted Cow Bake, was deeply rooted in my love for creating desserts that aren’t overly sweet. I’ve always been drawn to flavors that balance sweetness with other notes—something that feels indulgent but not overwhelming.

Growing up, my experiences at the dinner table and my travels over the years heavily influenced my approach to flavors. My upbringing exposed me to a blend of different cultures and cuisines, which naturally shaped my palate and my creativity in the kitchen. This fusion is what Salted Cow Bake is all about—combining familiar comfort with bold and unexpected twists.

One of the key reasons I started this business was to create something authentic to me while offering others a chance to experience unique flavors they might not find elsewhere. It’s exciting to think that someone can bite into a piece of butter mochi or snack on one of our mixes and taste a story—a reflection of how I see food as a connection between people, places, and memories.

Ultimately, Salted Cow Bake is about sharing my passion for desserts that don’t conform to the overly sugary norm and instead highlight balanced, thoughtful flavors. It’s a creative outlet and a way for me to share a little piece of my story with every bite.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Salted Cow is a labor of love, born out of my passion for creating desserts that are balanced, unique, and reflective of the flavors I grew up with. Our business focuses on butter mochi and snack mixes—both of which represent a fusion of cultural influences and my personal experiences. What sets us apart is our dedication to creating ‘not-too-sweet’ treats that let the natural ingredients shine, offering something different from traditional sugary desserts.

What I’m most proud of is the connection we’ve built with our customers and community. Seeing people incorporate our butter mochi into their lives, whether for special events or simply as a treat, is an incredibly fulfilling experience. It’s not just about the food—it’s about being a part of people’s lives and celebrations.

Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. Starting and running a business comes with countless challenges—figuring out recipes, managing production, and navigating the logistics of packaging and delivery were just the beginning. One of the biggest hurdles was learning how to wear multiple hats: baker, marketer, salesperson, and everything in between. But every challenge has been an opportunity to grow. I’ve learned to lean on my community, embrace feedback, and stay adaptable when things don’t go as planned.

One lesson I’ve learned is the importance of perseverance and staying true to your vision. There were moments of self-doubt and times when things felt overwhelming, but I’ve found that focusing on why I started this journey—and the joy our products bring to others—has kept me going.

What I want the world to know about Salted Cow Bake is that we’re more than just a pop-up bakery. We’re here to celebrate bold, balanced flavors and the stories they tell. Each bite of our butter mochi or snack mix is a reflection of my journey—a fusion of the flavors I love and the experiences that have shaped me. Our goal is to bring a little joy to people’s lives with food that feels both familiar and exciting, something you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Banh Cuon Tay Ho in OC, where we indulge in Banh Cuon Dac Biet—a mix of rice rolls, sausages, sweet potatoes, shrimp fritter, and fresh veggies & herbs. Afterward, head over to Da Vien Coffee to try their signature egg or salt Vietnamese-style coffee, a perfect pick-me-up to fuel your day. Take a stroll around the Fullerton Arboretum, immersing in nature and enjoying the peaceful surroundings as we explore the various plant collections. End the day with a satisfying Hawaiian dinner at Da Hawaiian Kitchen in Huntington Beach. Their fried chicken and Kalua pig plate are exceptionally good and highly recommended.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Starting Salted Cow Bake wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support and encouragement of my family, friends, and community. First and foremost, my husband, Efren, has been my biggest cheerleader—whether it’s taste-testing new recipes or helping with logistics, he’s been there every step of the way.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to my parents, who taught me the value of hard work and creativity. Growing up, they encouraged me to experiment in the kitchen and embrace the diverse flavors that shaped my upbringing. Their love for food and culture is something I carry into every recipe I create.

To the community—thank you. To those who have purchased from us, whether it’s for a catering event, office parties, or simply for yourselves, thank you. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your celebrations and for including our butter mochi into your life. Your support has meant the world to us and has truly been the backbone of this journey.

Lastly, I want to recognize the books, blogs, and chefs who have inspired me along the way. Learning about other people’s journeys in food and business has given me the confidence to take risks and embrace the process of building something meaningful.

This journey has been a collective effort, and I’m grateful for everyone who has been a part of it.

Website: https://saltedcowbake.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltedcowbake

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.