Song Jian and his daughter, Jianya, work together on a Lamborghini cake. (Photo/Wccdaily.com.cn)

Cakes made by Song Jian. (Photo/Wccdaily.com.cn)

He used to be a worker at a factory. He had probably never imagined himself as a pastry chef until eight years ago when his first daughter, Xiaoya, was born. He took Xiaoya to a pastry shop when she was one year old. After he saw how his daughter lit up upon seeing all the different types of cakes, he got the idea of making a cake for her himself. Though he started out as an amateur, he now has become the owner of a pastry shop with dozens of employees.

His name is Song Jian. With his story having recently gone viral in Chengdu, Song’s pastry business has also become quite successful. Now, many people even recognize him in the street.

Started as a small pastry workshop, Song Jian’s business has been progressing steadily thanks to his hard work and determination to make good pastries for children like his own daughter. In October 2015, Song turned his workshop into a standard pastry shop and hired 10 employees. Many citizens heard Song’s story and came to his shop to learn pastry skills from him. Song even provided an internship opportunity for a college student during winter vacation.

When Song has time, he brings Xiaoya to the shop so they can make something together. Xiaoya is a big fan of the cakes her father makes; she says she hopes to inherit her father’s pastry business and carry it forward when she grows up.

“From an unknown pastry chef to a local ‘star,’ I could never have made it without the support from my daughters and family. I will keep working hard on this career, bringing more happiness to children and adults through my pastry business,” Song said. Song is planning to open a second shop in 2016.