Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle(Heejin) Cho.
Hi Michelle(Heejin), thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up, I used to watch my mother bake and often joined her in the kitchen. That early experience naturally sparked my love for baking, which turned into a hobby after getting married. When I first started baking on my own, information wasn’t as accessible online as it is today, so I relied heavily on cookbooks. I still fondly remember making my very first cake sheet. I followed a recipe that said to “whip the batter until your arm feels like it’s going to fall off.” I did exactly that and put all my strength into mixing, popped it into the oven, and eagerly waited for it to rise. Even though that first cake turned out completely hard, the whole process was so exciting and fun for me. Over time, I began baking birthday cakes for friends and their children. Seeing the joy on their faces when they received my cakes brought me happiness beyond words. Those bright, joyful smiles are still some of my most cherished memories. That deep sense of fulfillment inspired me to pursue baking as more than just a hobby. I began learning and refining my craft by earning my professional pastry and bakery certifications in South Korea and taking advanced cake decorating courses. I am deeply grateful to be able to continue doing what I truly love even after moving to the United States. Every time customers share reviews about how much they enjoyed the cake and how special it made their celebration, I feel an incredible sense of pride and joy. It is without a doubt my customers’ continuous love and support that made about cake what it is today. I am profoundly thankful to each and every one of them.
What touches my heart the most are the lasting connections I’ve built with my customers over the years. I’ve had the privilege of making cakes for couples from when they were dating to creating their wedding cake to baking for their babies’ first birthdays and to annual family celebrations. I am also deeply moved by the customers who drove all the way between Dallas and Austin just to pick up my cakes when I moved. People even find me online from other states and in Korea who want to send a sweet gift to a loved one here in Texas. Hearing customers say it’s the best cake they’ve ever had in their lives makes every single moment of hard work so rewarding.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It certainly wasn’t a smooth road from the start. One of my biggest initial challenges was adapting to the differences between Korean and American baking ingredients. To achieve the light, perfectly balanced taste of Korean cakes, I spent countless hours testing different brands and types of ingredients to find the ideal texture and flavor profile. When I had perfected my recipies, I posted on the UT (University of Texas) Korean Student Association message board to get the word out. Friends also started bringing my cakes to their gatherings, and gradually, word of my cakes began to spread. As demand grew, my schedule quickly became packed, and physically and mentally, I was running on empty. Then came a pivotal moment. One day, during a frantic rush in the kitchen, an oven mitt slipped as I was pulling out a scalding hot baking pan. Instinctively, I caught the pan with my bare forearms, suffering severe burns. That painful injury, combined with the physical exhaustion, led to a complete burnout, forcing me to stop working for several months to recover. Those months spent healing turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It gave me the space to step back and reflect deeply on my journey. I realized, “I started this because I truly love it. I shouldn’t let stress rob me of that joy. I need to work at a pace where I can genuinely enjoy the process.” Sometimes you have to fall down to rest, and that rest was exactly what I needed. Since then, I’ve let go of stress and pressure. I focus on staying true to my original passion, pouring my heart and utmost care into every single cake I create for each customer.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
about cake specializes in custom and specialty cakes designed to bring warmth and joy to every celebration. From signature designs to 100% personalized custom cakes, every creation is handcrafted with the finest ingredients and utmost care to turn your special moments—birthdays, weddings, and milestone events—into unforgettable memories.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Currently, all cake orders are handled through Instagram DM(@aboutcake_atx). I offer everything from my signature standard designs to 100% custom cakes tailored to each client’s unique taste and story. Whether it’s a birthday, 100th-day celebration, first birthday (Dol), wedding, or corporate event, I am always honored to be a part of your most cherished and special moments. Looking ahead, I am also preparing to expand my menu beyond cakes to include daily fresh-baked treats, such as savory salt bread (shio pan), so I can bring more sweet joy to my customers’ everyday lives. To reflect this growth, I plan to transition our brand name to About Cake & Bakery (ACNB).
As K-culture continues to inspire people around the world, I hope to play a meaningful role in sharing the beauty, precision, and unique charm of K-desserts and K-bakery right here in Texas. I am also deeply passionate about collaborating with our local community and am always open to exciting partnership opportunities, whether that’s teaming up with local cafes, wedding and party planners, or event coordinators.
Baking is my lifelong passion. Even when I grow old and my hair turns white, as long as there is one person who loves and looks for my cakes and bread, I want to keep baking with all my heart. Please feel free to reach out to me via Instagram DM anytime!
Contact Info:
