How is your 2024?

Hi Novies. This post is a little different and quite special. Instead of writing on behalf of the team as I usually do, I wanted to speak to you directly as the founder and leader of Nov Patisserie.

As 2024 comes to a close, it feels like the perfect time to pause and look back on all the moments and memories we’ve created together. Personally, this year has been a whirlwind of growth, learning, and discovery. Nov Patisserie has taught me so much—not just about running a bakery but also about my capability too. I’d love to share some of those lessons with you, as they’ve become a core part of my journey.

The first lesson, without a doubt, is resilience. This year was packed with deadlines—recipe testing, media campaigns, photo shoots—you name it, it was on our plate. There were moments when it all felt like too much, and I questioned whether we could keep going. But as the saying goes, pressure makes diamonds. Each challenge pushed us to adapt, grow stronger, and keep going, even when it felt impossible.

I realized that passion for baking alone isn’t enough. Resilience and adaptability are other crucial factors that drive progress. These qualities helped me push through difficult times, learn from setbacks, and embrace the chaos with determination. Looking back, I’m grateful for every sleepless night and every hurdle because they shaped us into who we are today.

The second lesson is time management. With so many tasks and tight schedules, planning ahead became essential. For the first time, I had multiple responsibilities—coordinating logistics, finding food sources, overseeing the chefs, coming up with campaigns, and so on—while ensuring everything aligned with Nov Patisserie’s vision. Surprisingly, I found joy in this process. It was like solving a puzzle, and each successful task brought a sense of accomplishment. Learning to manage my time more effectively taught me the value of prioritizing and staying organized. It’s a skill I’ll carry forward not just in work, but in life.

Needless to say, 2024 has been a long and transformative year, but none of it would have been possible without the incredible people around me.

First, a big thank you to the Nov Patisserie team. Shoutout to our three amazing chefs—Tam, Lu, and Linh—who started this journey with me in a tiny kitchen and turned my ideas into reality. A special thank you also goes to Hanh and Duong, who have been my advisors, offering encouragement, and unwavering support throughout the year.

And, of course, to you—our beloved Novies. Meeting many of you through this little bakery has been an honor and a joy. Your support, kind words, and thoughtful feedback mean the world to us. Every comment, every smile, and every order has fueled our passion and made it all worthwhile. Without you, we wouldn’t have been able to release the collections we’re so proud of. Thank you for being part of our journey.

As we move into 2025, my goal for Nov Patisserie is simply to stay true to the core values that define us—authenticity, creativity, and connection. I want our bakery to be a place that brings warmth, joy, and inspiration into your lives. Together with my team, we’ll work tirelessly to bring you the best we can, one bake at a time.

Here’s to another amazing year ahead—for Nov Patisserie, for you, our Novies, and for the wonderful memories yet to come. Thank you for being part of this journey. Happy New Year, and see you soon with our next collection!

With lots of love,

Ngo Minh Chau - Founder of Nov Patisserie