Event Diaries: Layers of Expression- Cake Cup Creations
This weekend, students explored what it means to take creative risks and how the courage to try again can lead to something even sweeter.
Students trickled in, greeted with fresh fruits, a variety of Pocky, and a special treat for an afternoon snack. At Asian Girls Ignite (AGI), we want to ensure everyone feels at home and welcome. So, one of the items on the table represented what reminds our storyteller of home, a fresh baguette with butter.
Meet Our Storyteller: Thoa Nguyen of Banh & Butter
Our storyteller, Thoa Nguyen, is a first-generation entrepreneur, innovator, and philanthropist behind Banh & Butter, a local bakery that blends Vietnamese and French influences. The name, “bánh,” meaning flour-based foods in Vietnamese, honors her heritage and the beginnings of her pastry journey when she traveled to France to learn the art of baking. Thoa chose bread and butter as a snack that reminds of her home, her journey, and what makes her able to provide for her own family, staff, and community.
A key part of her work is showing how creativity can flourish with the simplest tools and ingredients. Known for her appearance on the popular Food Network competition Holiday Baking Championship Season 10, Thoa brought her story home to Aurora’s East Colfax community, where she now builds opportunities for others, helps revitalize the area, and fosters connection and purpose through baking.
As she spoke, Thoa reminded students that creativity doesn’t require perfection or fancy equipment. “You can create something beautiful with what you already have,” she said, sharing how baking, much like life, takes trial and error. Having baked since age eight and mastered her craft by sixteen, she reflected on learning through mistakes and how Colorado’s altitude, like life’s challenges, can change the recipe but not the result.
The Power of Creating Who You Are
Students listened closely as Thoa reflected on the vulnerability of being an Asian American woman in creative spaces. She shared moments of discomfort, like bringing homemade Vietnamese food to school, and how embracing her identity helped her grow stronger. Thoa then shared a poem about what it means to be bold, empowered, and to keep growing even when you feel uncertain or unseen in your own identity. Although her parents had their own expectations for her future, she took the leap to pursue a passion that truly brought her joy instead of following a traditional route. This was her creative risk, it was difficult, but her persistence and dedication have contributed to the success she celebrates today.
Students Discover the Art of Baking and the Confidence It Brings
As students transitioned into creating their own cake cups, Thoa demonstrated how to layer the cakes, pipe frosting and encouraged students to decorate with all the toppings they desired, like her homemade apple five spice jam cushioned in between chantilly cream, yum! She used simple tools like the handle of simple plastic cutlery, to show students how they too, can achieve bakery-styled treats at home. During the cake cup decorating activity, the room filled with laughter, sprinkles, and lots of frosting. Every swirl of icing became a reflection of self-expression and proof that creativity is as much about courage as it is about craft.
As we closed the circle, students shared what they learned and resonated with from Thoa’s experience. They spoke about the creative risks they hoped to pursue next, such as entering writing contests, trying acting, or reconnecting with teachers who helped them feel proud of who they are. One student shared how they related deeply to Thoa’s story of navigating two cultures, while another said they wanted to “take a creative risk to bake again.”
A warm thank you to Thoa for her generosity. All materials for the event were donated, allowing students to experience firsthand what it means to create from the heart.
And a shoutout to our high schoolers, Jemma & Katie for spending an afternoon to support and connect with our middle school students!
Because of supporters like you, AGI continues to create spaces where youth can celebrate their identities, take creative risks, and see themselves as powerful creators, one story and one cake cup at a time.
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About Asian Girls Ignite
Founded in October 2020, Asian Girls Ignite is a nonprofit organization that provides educational programs for AANHPI girls and gender-expansive youth to celebrate their individual and collective power. We use storytelling to empower the next generation to write their futures in their own voice. Our programs nurture social-emotional learning to help our students grow in resilience, empathy, and self-awareness.