Meet Christine, the driving force behind The Pure Joie. If you haven’t know yet, The Pure Joie has been serving homemade brownies since 2016 and has pleased many customers, near and far alike. For Christine, this entrepreneurial journey has changed her views towards her dreams and life goals. Read on to learn more about Christine and The Pure Joie!
1. Hi Christine! Tell us more about yourself!
Hello everyone, this is Christine Choo. I am 18 this year. Most people know me as the “brownie girl”. Yes, I sell brownies! I am the founder of The Pure Joie. I can summarize myself in three words. Passionate, bubbly and hardworking.
2. How does The Pure Joie gets its name?
First thing that came into my mind was happiness when I needed to create a brand name. I wanted my customers to not just taste delicious brownies but able to feel the happiness and joy it brings! The word “joie” is joy in French language, I just wanted to come up with something more creative. The whole concept about my brownies is to simply find pure joy and happiness in it.
3. What inspired you to start The Pure Joie on Instagram?
Everything was unplanned. When I was 13, I found my interest in baking. Back in 2016, I baked some brownies for my neighbours and they loved it so I toyed with the idea of selling brownies on my own Instagram account. I gave it a try and the responses turned out really good among my Instagram followers and friends! Thumbs up to all my customers that gave me the courage to open an Instagram account to sell my brownies. In 2018, my teacher, Mr Sai Mun told me to dream big so I did. All his advices and guidance are much appreciated. Honestly speaking, ever since I opened The Pure Joie, my business started growing bigger and greater. The Pure Joie taught me how to have faith and to no matter what believe in yourself. It made me thought more goals and dreams in life. Besides that, a big thank you to my beloved mother for being extremely supportive in what I love doing.
4. How did you get the idea to transform normal brownies to cake brownies?
Being creative is very important in bakery line. I got bored of selling a tray of brownies so I wanted to come up with something more interesting for my customers, not just to enjoy my brownies with their family and friends but to celebrate with it on any occasions! Brownie Tower are like brownie stack cake. I design the brownie tower base on customers liking or vis special requests.
5. What keep you going when the going gets tough?
The positive feedbacks and courage from customers. Nevertheless, things did not get really tough for me because I am still able to handle my business pretty well and also I am doing what I truly enjoy.
6. What are the typical comments which you receive about your business when you first started?
“My friends and family love your brownies, we will definitely buy again!”
“It’s so good!!!!”
7. In less than 10 words, what makes a perfect brownie.
Patience, rich chocolate, high quality ingredients, hard work and dedication.
8. What are the few challenges you’ve encountered when you first started as a business owner?
Firstly, I would say the struggle to keep the quality and taste of brownies equally same. Besides that, the overwhelming orders got me a little confused and messed up at first. Thank god that everything went pretty well throughout this journey!
9. What are the most encouraging words which you’ve received from your customers?
Every feedback from my customers gave me lots of encouragement. The most encouraging words was that they told me to keep going and to never give up in making awesome brownies as they see the potential in me in making my business flourish into bigger things!
10. What are the plans that you have for The Pure Joie in the nearest future?
My plan is to reach out to more audiences and places with The Pure Joie. Spreading joy is something that I cherish most and I will not stop til everyone around me is happy and satisfied! There are still more things to learn and experiences to encounter but that is not going to stop me from coming up with more ideas and recipes in the near future.
11. Do you have any advice for young entrepreneurs (like yourself) who want to start their own business but is afraid to do so?
We are still young, grab every opportunity that comes up. Do what you love and make the best out of it.You will never know until you try.