Family’s bankruptcy drives US-graduated Chinese student to become acclaimed chef

A former wealthy Chinese student in the US transformed her life into that of a private chef after her family faced bankruptcy, establishing a business that now earns her up to US$118,600 annually.The 31-year-old woman, known by the pseudonym Chengzi, attended the New York Film Academy before completing a master’s degree in Britain.She once lived in downtown Manhattan, aspiring to break into Hollywood as a film director, as reported by Sanlian Lifeweek.Her parents, who owned a business, financed her education and living expenses. However, upon her graduation, her father revealed that the family had gone bankrupt and urged her to return to China.After learning about her parents’ financial struggles, Chengzi reinvented herself, transitioning into a private chef for affluent middle-class clients. Photo: RedNoteChengzi refused, expressing her desire to test her limits independently. Her father warned her that if she stayed in the US, she would need to be self-sufficient.She sold her car, vacated her luxury flat, stayed with friends, and managed to get by by reselling trainers.After facing multiple setbacks in her quest for a career in the film industry, she accepted a position as a live-in domestic helper, performing household chores.With minimal experience, she reportedly earned about half the standard market rate and frequently encountered unreasonable demands from her employers.Seizing an opportunity, Chengzi returned to China for culinary training, mastering 10 exquisite Sichuan and Cantonese dishes before heading back to the US. Photo: RedNoteThis experience prompted her to explore a new career direction. Having learned to cook for herself while growing up with frequently absent parents, Chengzi decided to transform this skill into a profession.She quickly identified a strong demand for private home-cooking services in Los Angeles, particularly among busy middle-class families who could not afford full-time domestic help and affluent Chinese families seeking authentic cuisine without compromising their privacy.Recognising an opportunity, Chengzi returned to China for culinary training, mastering 10 Sichuan and Cantonese dishes before returning to the US.She initially found her clients through social media, and positive word of mouth helped expand her business.At the end of a long workday, Chengzi enjoys the delicious leftovers from a satisfied client, a well-deserved reward for her efforts. Photo: RedNoteCurrently, Chengzi serves 50 to 60 regular households, charging US$40 per hour for everyday cooking and US$68 to US$80 for private banquets, according to reports. Her annual income reportedly reaches US$118,600.Further ReadingIn one social media update, she described spending nine hours preparing nearly 10 dishes for a client in a Beverly Hills mansion.This job has connected her with successful individuals, providing opportunities to learn how they accumulated their wealth.For Chengzi, it has also redefined her priorities. Financial independence, she stated in an interview, now holds greater significance than luxury homes or designer clothes.Chengzi takes pride in her independence, stating that while some former classmates still rely on their parents, she values her journey to self-sufficiency. Photo: RedNoteWhile some former classmates still rely on their parents, she takes pride in being self-sufficient.“That sense of achievement can sustain you through life’s challenges and fatigue because it endures,” she remarked.One online observer commented: “Many individuals can cook, but few meld culinary skills with a robust educational background, video-making, and emotional resonance. The more unique your strengths, the more you stand out.”Another commenter noted: “A chef can never be completely replaced by AI, unlike many roles in the film industry.”