Today we’d like to introduce you to Annabelle Li. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Hailing from the vibrant city of Beijing, China, Annabelle embarked on her American journey as an engineering student at Purdue University. It was here, amidst the rigors of academia, that she crossed paths with Peixin, a biology enthusiast and now husband. United by their mutual love for culinary explorations and wanderlust, the pair found joy in concocting delectable dishes and reveling in the company of friends over shared meals. Their academic aspirations led them to the prestigious halls of Cornell University in 2009, with Annabelle delving into the financial intricacies of a Master’s in Financial Engineering, while Peixin pursued the enigmatic realms of genetics and cancer research through his Ph.D. The allure of New York City beckoned in 2012, and together, they plunged into the bustling metropolis life. Annabelle carved a niche in the corporate world, first with a prominent consulting firm, followed by a tenure at a leading asset management company. Yet, beneath the surface, an entrepreneurial spirit simmered, yearning to bring her visions to fruition. Despite the whirlwind of their fast-paced environment, the duo’s passion for gastronomy never waned. They indulged in exploring diverse cuisines across the globe, and this zest for culinary arts kindled a particular affection for baking.
In 2019, Annabelle took a leap of faith, transitioning from finance to founding AnnTremet Cake, a venture birthed from their kitchen where she crafted unique recipes, captured their essence through photography, and showcased them to the world via an online platform. As the unforeseen pandemic emerged in 2020, AnnTremet Cake embraced the challenge, greeting their inaugural online clientele. Later that year, Annabelle expanded into a ghost kitchen in New Jersey, where her low-sugar delights and distinctive flavors captured the hearts of many. This success paved the way for their first physical presence, a charming storefront in Manhattan’s West Village, warmly received by the community. The grand opening of their bakery in May 2022 marked a milestone, not just in their entrepreneurial journey but also as a testament to their shared dreams.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
The journey of an entrepreneur is invariably filled with challenges, yet it remains profoundly fulfilling. Like all small business proprietors, we, too, faced our share of adversity during the COVID pandemic. This time-honed our resilience and deepened our appreciation for life, family, and community. Embracing these lessons, we committed to building a team that is not only supportive and synergistic but also rich in cultural diversity, with members spanning across ten different countries. Launching a new brand and platform presents its own set of initial obstacles. In our early days, there was a noticeable reluctance from potential customers to try our offerings, as our bakery’s concept looked very different from the rest. We experimented with various approaches in the initial months following our launch. As time passed, customer trials turned into repeat visits, and gradually, our business witnessed a positive transformation.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
“Entremet” is a nod to the French pastry art, embodying the pinnacle of dessert craftsmanship. Fusing “Entremet” with Annabelle’s moniker, AnnTremet emerges, symbolizing the union of French artistry with her and her team’s unique flair committed to uncompromising quality; AnnTremet’s creations boast meticulously curated seasonal ingredients and novel pairings such as purple yam, lychee, passion fruit, black sesame, chestnut, yuzu, mango, etc. Our philosophy leans towards reduced sugar (50% less sugar than the average American Bakery), letting the natural sweetness of their ingredients shine through. The mirror glazing process typically finishes in 10 to 15 seconds, while the preparation process is much longer. The glaze is heated to a specific temperature, depending on the design, and then into the glaze. More specific techniques include swiping, marbling, blow drying, and spider web, which uses neutral glaze on top of mirror glaze.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Many individuals have supported me, but the most significant among them is Peixin, my husband. While managing his day job as a cancer researcher, he spent nights and weekends assisting me. He seamlessly took on various roles, from acting as the CTO for our website to being a delivery driver and even a handyman for minor repairs in the store. He’s the cornerstone of our business and a vital support in my life, offering immense help and emotional strength. With a two-year-old to care for, the challenge he faces in balancing his responsibilities towards both our child and me is incredibly demanding.
Pricing:
- $52 per person for the afternoon tea experience
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anntremet.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anntremet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anntremet/
- Other: https://www.opentable.com/r/anntremet-cake-new-york
Image Credits
AnnTremet Cake
