Tiktok
From NBA Cheerleader to TikTok Cooking Star: How One Creator Built a Million-Follower Empire With Asian Recipes
Sometimes the best career pivots happen when you least expect them. Take Cassie Yeung, who went from cheering courtside for the Brooklyn Nets to teaching millions of people how to cook on TikTok. Her journey from professional dancer to social media sensation wasn't exactly planned, but it's turned out to be one of the most authentic success stories in the creator economy.
**From Dance Floors to Kitchen Counters**
Growing up in South Brunswick, New Jersey, Yeung was all about movement. She danced competitively throughout her childhood, continued on Rutgers University's dance team, and eventually landed a coveted spot as a Brooklynette from 2016 to 2018. After her NBA cheerleading days ended, she found herself in the classic post-grad predicament: working a desk job that paid the bills but didn't feed her soul. The turning point came in May 2022, around her sister's wedding, when she decided to take a massive leap of faith.
**The Three-Month Ultimatum That Changed Everything**
Here's where Yeung's story gets really interesting. She sat down with her parents – who, like many Asian families, had hoped she'd stick with that stable nine-to-five – and asked for three months to prove she could make it as a content creator. It's the kind of conversation that makes your palms sweat, but Yeung was determined to share her love of Asian cuisine with the world. Her parents agreed, and she quit her day job to go all-in on TikTok.
**Cooking Content That Actually Connects**
What sets Yeung apart in the crowded cooking content space isn't just her recipes – it's how she presents them. Her videos are genuinely easy to follow, without the pretentious chef talk or impossible-to-find ingredients. She's built her reputation on making Asian dishes accessible to everyone, and her "Wet Wet Sauce" became viral for good reason. With over 3 million TikTok followers and 550,000 on Instagram, she's clearly struck a chord with people who want real cooking advice, not just pretty food photos.
**Beyond Social Media Success**
Yeung's talents caught the attention of Gordon Ramsay's casting team, landing her a spot on Season 2 of "Next Level Chef" in 2023. While she was eliminated in 14th place, the experience opened new doors. People magazine recognized her as one of their "Creators of the Year" in 2024, and she's currently working on a cookbook set to release in 2025. Not bad for someone who took a three-month gamble on herself just a few years ago.
