Today we’d like to introduce you to Bailey Ly.
Hi Bailey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was little, I watched my mother make homecooked dinners every night. The look of pure joy on her face, adding a dash of this or that, and seeing how much my siblings and I loved her food excited me so much. Cooking is a labor of love in my family.
It’s how we come together, how we show our love, and how we appreciate our culture. I learned at a young age how to cook for my family. My grandmother taught my mother, and they both taught me everything I know now. My family never used measurements in cooking; we just season until our ancestors tell us to stop. Coming to college and getting my own kitchen made me realize my passion for cooking and how good I am at it.
Cooking for my friends here in Knoxville is my favorite way of showing them love and appreciation. In the middle/end of 2021, my friends told me I should start selling my food and they would definitely buy some if I did. So I started making menus and people started putting in their orders!
My bestfriend, Tyrese, came up with the name Bailey Bites and it stuck! It’s been so great cooking different Asian foods for friends and friends of friends here in Knoxville. I love being able to share the foods that mean so much to me with others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been alright! It hasn’t been a hard ride but not the smoothest. Sometimes, I struggle with getting orders, and sometimes I have so many orders. It hasn’t been anything that I cant handle.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a senior at the University of Tennessee majoring in Public Relations. I graduate in May 2022 and hope to move to a big city to work in the food industry!
Currently, I’m a chef that runs Bailey Bites. It’s a side hustle where I make homemade Asian food to sell to local friends in Knoxville. I’m most proud of the authentic and fresh ingredients that I use. I think what really sets me apart from others is the love and appreciation I have for my food and my culture.
When I get an order I always prepare the meal right before my customers pick it up. I love getting to hear how much my customers enjoyed the meal.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I have new menus that feature different Vietnamese, Lao, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Chinese dishes! They are posted on my Instagram @baileybites1.
Contact Info:
- Email: baileyly901@gmail.com
- Website: https://lifewithly.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: @baileybites1 and @bai.ly
Mary Bowen
April 29, 2022 at 1:05 am
Bailey, I am so impressed, you are awesome. You are from a wonderful family and I feel blessed to know y’all. Keep up the good work❣️