Baker Xu Hui holds a female face made of bread. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Finding herself

Bread plays a central role in all societies. "Avoid those who don't like bread and children" is a Swiss proverb. "Rather a piece of bread with a happy heart than wealth with grief" is an Arab one.

However, it was a long journey and many years until Xu found her lasting passion for it. Before that she had been a salesperson and a trainer who had such a crushing work schedule that she quit and became a freelancer in 2012.

A self-disciplined person, Xu made full use of the time while being a freelancer to explore many of her interests, learning bakery, painting and photography.

Xu started her new career as a baker in 2016. She and her partner opened a studio in Guangzhou called Bigfish & Vee (their nicknames). She focuses on breadmaking and her partner focuses on cooking foreign cuisine.

She also teaches bakery and takes orders for bread.