Meet The Makers Mini Interview: House Of Yee
/
House of Yee Mini Interview
We love a good “side-hustle-to-successful-independent-business” story! Christine Yee’s certified gluten-free dumplings have pretty much achieved cult status in the coastal BC region. Available in four flavours—including two vegan options, Golden Dumplings and Jade Dumplings—her premium product draws on and honours her family culinary tradition. Equally amazing for both a quick, healthy snack or a big, beautiful dinner with friends and family, the care she puts into creating them definitely shows in their quality and deliciousness! We’re really glad Christine was able to find some time to answer our Mini Interview questions so you can get to know her a bit, and get a little peek into the life of another awesome local maker in our community.
Share your story with us in a 150 words or less.
I grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan where I worked with my family at my dad’s House Of Yee Chinese Restaurant. We made many memories there with great foods and large family gatherings before we made our move to BC. When I started my gluten free dumpling business, it only made sense to honour our family memories and name my business House Of Yee Fine Foods.
Getting from an idea to a small business is a lot of work! When did it first sink in for you that ‘this is really happening’?
I started selling my products through Instagram and Facebook as a side hustle/ passion project and was producing in a shared kitchen. It sank in that this was real when I signed the lease for my own commercial space. We needed to leave our shared space to ensure our celiac customers are safe from cross contamination, hence getting our own gluten free dedicated facility.
What motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
Hearing from our customers. Whether it be a social media post, story or tag; email, text or in person chat, all forms of communication gets me motivated to keep improving and evolving the business.
Describe your ideal Sunday morning, including your breakfast.
My newborn daughter babbling in her crib to tell mom and dad it’s time to wake up. Share a cup of coffee with my husband while we get ready. Explore the city for new coffee and brunch places. Depending on the weather, we get away from the brunch crowd, pick up food from local businesses and find a nice patch of grass to lie out on. My daughter loves looking at trees!
What are your personal top three tips for feeling awesome?
1 - Take a nap: Allow your mind and body to rest, I promise you will feel recharged after a quick 15min nap
2 - Meal prep: Carve out a few hours a week to prep meals and store in your fridge or freezer. It frees up so much time thinking about what to eat and more time doing things you love
3 - Spend time with positive people: Laughing or venting with an uplifting friend or family is the best feeling
Find House Of Yee: On Their Website | On Instagram | On Facebook