How did you come up with and decide on the name for your business?

My business name, Loaf Language, is a word play on “Love Language”. Baking is a love language for me - a powerful way to connect and express love with my friends and family. As an Asian American, growing up meant navigating cultural gaps that included difficulties in verbalizing and showing “love”. It was difficult at times to say “I love you,” but baking allowed me to channel those feelings and show affection through baking and sharing my pastries. This is still me to this day and sharing food is my ultimate love language.

What is your favorite flavor so far and why?

It’s difficult to choose my favorite Krunchie flavor because it changes depending on my cravings and they all have such distinct flavor profiles. I’ll narrow it down to my top three which is, black sesame, ube Oreo, and hojicha hot cocoa! These are all classic Asian flavors that I love with a combined twist of other nostalgic, favorite elements such as Oreo and hot chocolate! 

How does your own personal experience as a Korean/Korean-American influence your product and business? 

Beginning from the meaning behind my business name to the flavors I integrate into my products, they’ve all been influenced by my Korean-American upbringing. As I get older, my appreciation for being Korean grows more deeply; so I love exploring and creating pastries that reflect the tastes of not only my own culture but the many different ones I grew up surrounded by growing up in Los Angeles. My specialty item: the Mochi Krunchie, is the perfect example of combining my Korean-American childhood because it combines one of America’s favorite treats with one of Asia’s! I grew up loving rice cakes and my moms homemade Rice Krispie treats, so my Mochi Krunchie has become the perfect combined, nostalgic treat to share with so many others who can also resonate and enjoy.

Why did you start your own business? 

During the Covid outbreak, I was laid off from the kitchen at the same time my parents were forced to temporarily close down their business. I had the idea of doing a bake sale to help my parents out financially. During these bake sales, I received such an overwhelming amount of love and support that I continued to have more sales and also donate to different movements and organizations that I believe in. 

What started as an act of love to support my parents, grew to become a way for me to spread more joy and love to different communities and help those in need. This is when Loaf Language was born, and I began my small business journey!

If you told the younger you what you were doing now, how would they react and what would they think?

Younger Tiffany would be in disbelief and filled with joy to know that she’s pursuing her pastry dreams. From baking brownie mixes to watching food network as a child, I’ve only dreamt of being a pastry chef/baker for as long as I can remember. But in high school during college applications, no one told me that I could pursue baking as a passion and profession. I stuck to the tradition path until I left college to pursue my real passion in baking. Since then, I’ve been working hard to make my dreams into a reality and so far, it has been the most incredible decision and journey yet. I feel so blessed and grateful to have such amazing friends and supporters who believe in me and show me so much love. I would tell younger me to continue dreaming big and not be scared to pursue those dream because when you do, you’ll be surrounded more love and support than you can imagine. 

What or who is something that you're grateful for? Why?

I am most grateful for my mom. She is my rock and the backbone of Loaf Language. She has come out with me to all of my Maum Markets, and I really couldn’t do what I do without her. 

I always go back to this tweet by Bo Ren saying, “My parent were tasked with the job of survival and I with self-actualization. The immigrant generational gap is real. What a luxury it is to search for purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.” As I grow older and I reflect more on my life, I’m reminded of my privilege to live my authentic self and pursue my passions. When I think of my mom and the sacrifices she made for my family, I feel a sense of duty to live twice as boldly. 

Then, I realize that there’s so many things to be grateful. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, this community of amazing talents and supporters, and most of all my parents and family.