Accountancy grad makes up mind, pursues baking and pastry, not math

CEBU, Philippines - A 35-year-old entrepreneur whose passion is into baking has finally opened her own physical shop that could proudly showcase her creations for the market.

It took Eleanor Yu Lee almost ten years to finally decide on putting up a physical shop where she could house her home-baked desserts, thus the birth of the Country Basket last November 19.

The 39-square meter, two-story shop is situated at Prestigio Arcade, fronting JY Square Mall in Lahug, Cebu City. She also maintains a commissary in her house in San Antonio Village in Barangay Apas.

The second floor of Country Basket has a seating capacity of 15 to 20 persons who could choose to hang-out and chill in the shop while enjoying their share of happy hormones.

Lee was ten years old when she started baking at home for her family and friends. She remembered way back in her college years that she and three of her friends sold baked chocolate chip cookies to raise funds during the Christmas season.

The accountancy graduate then pursued her passion by taking up baking and pastry arts at Center for Culinary Arts in Manila for over a year and a half and had her culinary internship in Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

After which, she went back to Cebu in 2004 and supplied baked cakes and pastries to various coffee shops and restaurants which she still does until now.

She poured an investment of P2 million for her business and has employed a total of six workers to date.

Country Basket prides itself with a wide array of home-baked goodies such as whole cakes, bar cakes, cupcakes, loaf cakes, lace cookies, oatmeal cookies and meringue. Its bestsellers are the Kahlua Chocolate Cake and Chocolate Tiramisu.

Its menu also includes pasta, sandwiches, salad, coffee, flavored hot tea and homemade drinks such as fresh grape juice, mixed berries iced tea, country iced tea, and fresh strawberry juice.

Lee admits that now that the peak season has started, she and her team are already prepared to address the growing demand of her goodies that can be bought as gifts and give aways during this season of sharing.

A foodie herself, Lee ensures hands-on management in the baking and operational processes of her business. She also regularly stays in the shop to personally attend to the needs of the customers.

She further cited that orders to Country Basket can be personalized according to the preferences and lifestyle of the customer.

For instance, a client who prefers to eat sugar-free cupcakes could inform Lee of the customized order.

Amid the stiff competition, she manages to come up with a new product every week.  She shared that she plans to further expand the menu by possibly adding ice cream on the list.

Lee then shared to The FREEMAN her baking mantra that continues to inspire her in making the best out of her forte.

"I always remind myself not to stop there. Yes, I already have a shop but I make it a point to research and learn everyday to be updated with the latest product and technology in the market," the chocolate lover concluded. 

Country Basket is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. during weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. during weekends. /JMD (FREEMAN)