Today we’d like to introduce you to Vivian Aronson
Hi Vivian , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Chengdu, China, and from a very young age, I was inspired by cooking with my grandparents, especially helping my grandma in the kitchen. Food and cooking have always been a huge passion of mine, rooted in the authentic Chinese culinary traditions I was immersed in as a child.
When I moved to the United States in 2005, I continued to cook for my family and friends, always making sure to prepare traditional Chinese dishes as a way to share my cultural heritage and get more people familiar with the flavors and techniques of Chinese cuisine.
Then in 2019, I got in Masterchef season 10 and made to Top 30. Then during the COVID-19 pandemic, I started posting some of my traditional Chinese recipes on social media. To my delight, the content quickly gained a massive following, amassing over 6 million followers across all platforms. Seeing the overwhelming interest in my cooking really motivated me to take things to the next level.
That’s when I decided to create my own brand of chili sauce called ‘Cookingbomb Chili Sauce.’ I’m also currently in the process of developing my own line of authentic Chinese pickled products. I noticed that while there are Chinese pickle brands available in the U.S. market, they tend to cater primarily to the Asian community. I see a real opportunity to bring these flavors to a wider American audience and introduce them to more authentic Chinese food culture.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey certainly hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is balancing my passion for cooking and content creation with the demands of being a parent to 3 young children. As a hands-on mom, I’m responsible for the day-to-day care and needs of my kids, on top of all the work that goes into making my videos.
The filming and editing process for each recipe video is very time-consuming, but for over a year, I was committed to posting new content consistently, every single day. Maintaining that pace while also attending to my family’s needs was definitely tough at times. There were long hours, late nights, and a lot of juggling to make it all work.
But my love for cooking and sharing my culture drove me forward. I wanted to get these authentic Chinese recipes and techniques out there for people to discover. And seeing the business grow, with over 6 million followers across social media, made all the hard work worthwhile. It’s been incredibly rewarding to connect with such a large audience and inspire people to explore the flavors of Chinese cuisine.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Cookingbomb is the brand I’ve built across my social media platforms and online presence. It’s where I share my authentic Chinese recipes, cooking techniques, and food culture with a growing audience.
On Cookingbomb.com, people can find my full recipe collection, as well as access to my Cookingbomb Chili Sauce – which unfortunately is currently sold out, but will be back in stock soon. I’m also in the process of developing my own line of Chinese pickle products, which I’m really excited about. These will be available to purchase in 2025.
In addition to my digital presence and product offerings, I’m also a published author. My first cookbook, “The Asian Market Cookbook,” has been featured in numerous media outlets, including Good Morning America, TwinCities Live, the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and Fox9 Good Day… Given the success of that initial book, my publisher is now working with me on a second cookbook, this time focusing on traditional Chinese wellness recipes. That’s slated for release in the summer/fall of 2025.
What really sets Cookingbomb apart is my commitment to sharing the flavors and culinary traditions of my Chinese heritage. Whether it’s through my social media videos, my products, or my published works, my goal is to introduce authentic Chinese cuisine to a wider audience and get more people excited about exploring these incredible tastes and techniques. I’m most proud of the way I’ve been able to build a loyal community around the Cookingbomb brand and inspire people to discover the richness of Chinese food culture.
What makes you happy?
For me, happiness is found in the simple pleasures of life. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing the smiles on the faces of my kids when I cook for them. Preparing authentic Chinese dishes and sharing them with my family and friends is one of my greatest sources of happiness.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about putting love and care into a meal, and then watching the delight on someone’s face as they savor the flavors. It’s a connection that transcends just the food itself – it’s about bringing people together, sharing in an experience, and nourishing both the body and the soul.
Beyond the joy I find in cooking, quality time with my loved ones is also a major contributor to my happiness. Whether it’s playing with my kids, going on adventures as a family, or simply enjoying each other’s company, those moments of togetherness are what I cherish most. My husband and children are the center of my world, and spending that precious time with them is truly what makes me the happiest.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cookingbomb.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookingbomb/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cookingbomb
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CookingBomb
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cookingbomb?_t=8ryC7f2c5V8&_r=1
Image Credits
The photo with all 5 of us in “This shirt saves lives” by Margarita Rentas
And the photos me with my chili sauce by Airam Photo
Other photos all by me.
