Stylish store manager shares recipe for happiness

In a shared kitchen space in Beijing, the rich aroma of sesame oil wafts from a simmering pot as Qin Pei-wei prepares sesame oil chicken, a traditional Taiwan dish.

Born in Taipei in 1994, Qin has a personality that "can't stay idle", a trait that led her to move to Beijing during middle school, and to explore a range of careers as a way to share her understanding of lifestyle and aesthetics.

Wearing a beanie and hoodie at BF's open kitchen, Qin doesn't fit the mold of a traditional chef.

Rather than cooking for customers, she cooks with them, guiding visitors as they experience different kitchen utensils and learn how to use them in everyday cooking.

BF markets high-end kitchenware to targeted customers through immersive, in-person experiences.

"For me, cooking brings a sense of healing and achievement," Qin said."Cooking together allows that feeling to be shared."

She said that once people experience various utensils firsthand, many become interested in using similar sets at home.

Previously a fashion editor, the 31-year-old from Taiwan began working as operations manager of the BF kitchen experience space in May, saying she had finally found her dream job on the Chinese mainland.

"I realized it's a great medium that combines business with personal aspirations," she said. "It's an endeavor that means a great deal to me and one I want to pursue long term."

Qin holds a bachelor's degree in fashion design from the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology and has long sought to integrate aesthetics into her career. "The kitchen space embodies both beauty and practicality," she said.

The loft-style shared kitchen is fully equipped with a wide range of cooking utensils, from Western to Chinese styles. It is also decorated with artworks depicting food from Beijing and Taiwan, complemented by warm lighting that creates a homely atmosphere.

Influenced by her mother, Qin began cooking during her elementary school years. Speaking of her passion, she said that many visitors initially lack cooking experience."By cooking together in the kitchen and trying different utensils, they become inspired and begin to enjoy cooking," she said.

According to Qin, the open kitchen space created by BF is rooted in traditional Chinese, family-centered culture. She often cooks at a semi-circular island, with customers gathering around her.

"The semi-circular island reflects the Chinese idea of togetherness and encourages interaction," said Wang Kuei-chieh, Qin's mother and head manager of the BF kitchen experience space.

"We hope more people will return home to share meals," she added.

Qin said, "I feel a strong sense of achievement when I see people start cooking at home." Although she has been in the role for only seven months, she has immersed herself in this emerging business model and continues to think about how to refine and improve it.

The new job has also contributed to her personal growth, Qin said. "Being on the mainland gives me access to strong resources and professional guidance. The size of the mainland market also offers significant opportunities for further exploration," she added.

lishangyi@chinadaily.com.cn