Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs. I was never much of a baseball player, but I've learned that sometimes you just have to step up to the plate and give it everything you've got.

I truly believed I would continue running Modern Dog NJ for many years to come. But life had other plans. After a sudden illness affected one of the most important people in my life, I've made the difficult decision to potentially begin a new chapter by starting a wheel cake business in Taiwan.

For those who may not know, Taiwanese wheel cakes (also known as Japanese Imagawayaki or Obanyaki) are one of the most beloved street foods you'll find in Taiwan's famous night markets. They're warm, thick, pancake-like cakes with a crispy golden exterior and a soft, fluffy center, traditionally filled with sweet or savory fillings. My hope is to honor this classic while adding my own creative spin.

Many of you know that I was born in Taipei but came to the United States when I was just two years old. After losing my primary job at a Taiwanese bearing company six months ago, I honestly wasn't sure what direction my life was heading. I felt lost, unmotivated, and uncertain about what came next.

Through all of that, one thing has remained constant: the incredible support and friendships I found through Modern Dog NJ. So many of you became more than customers—you became part of my journey. I'll always be grateful for every conversation, and every bit of encouragement you shared with me over the years.

As I begin this new adventure, I hope some of you will continue the journey with me, even from across the Pacific. I'll be sharing updates from Taiwan, introducing you to its amazing food culture, and hopefully serving up wheel cakes that would make both my Taiwanese roots and my Modern Dog family proud.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting Modern Dog NJ through the years. Your kindness has meant more than you know, and I wish each and every one of you happiness, good health, and all the best in life.

This isn't goodbye—it's simply the beginning of a new chapter.