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Exploring Life & Business with Ying of Chubby Baker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ying.

Hi Ying , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I actually never baked a day in my life before starting Chubby Baker. But I’ve always loved food — especially exploring different cities through what they have to offer. I was lucky to travel a lot when I was younger, and food has always been something that stuck with me. Not just eating it, but noticing flavors, textures, and how different cultures express themselves through it.

When I moved to Utah, I was honestly surprised at how far behind the food scene was compared to where I came from in Bangkok. It made me start thinking about what I wished existed here — something playful, high-quality, and unique. That’s how the idea for Chubby Baker came to life. It wasn’t about recreating what already existed. It was about bringing something different and filling a gap I personally felt.

I started the business with no background in baking, but a strong vision and a high standard for flavor and presentation. I surrounded myself with the right people, stayed deeply involved in the creative direction, and focused on making sure everything we put out felt special. That’s how Chubby Baker grew — not from a love of baking, but from a love of food and a clear sense of what was missing.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — and honestly, I don’t think it ever is when you’re building something from the ground up. I didn’t come from a culinary background, so I had to learn a lot very quickly — from recipe development to running a food business day-to-day. That learning curve was steep.

One of the biggest challenges has been dealing with the realities of opening and operating physical locations — construction delays, equipment issues, figuring out workflows, and just the sheer amount of decisions you have to make as a small business owner every day. I also had to build trust with customers and educate them on a style of food or dessert they maybe hadn’t seen before.

And in the middle of all of that, I’ve also been pregnant twice. Balancing motherhood and business ownership has probably been the hardest part — physically, emotionally, and mentally. But it’s also been the most motivating.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Chubby Baker ?
Chubby Baker is a small-batch dessert shop that specializes in gourmet cream-filled donuts. We’re known for our creative, bold flavors that rotate every month so there’s always something new to look forward to. Everything is made fresh in-house, and I take a lot of pride in making sure every detail is thoughtful, from the texture of the filling to how the box looks when someone opens it.

What sets us apart is our originality. We don’t just follow trends we create flavors that are inspired by memories, culture, and seasonal ingredients. Some of our bestsellers have been things people didn’t expect to love, but now ask for every time. It’s that mix of surprise and quality that keeps people coming back.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Chubby Baker feels personal. It has its own voice, its own look, and a sense of fun that you can feel in the product and the experience. It’s not just about donuts, it’s about creating something memorable, whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with someone else.

I want readers to know that Chubby Baker is here to bring joy through flavor. If you’re someone who appreciates creativity in food, we’ve probably got something you haven’t tried before and we can’t wait for you to taste it.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something that surprises most people is that I had zero baking experience before starting Chubby Baker. I didn’t grow up baking, I didn’t go to culinary school, I just had a really strong vision and high standards when it came to food. I’ve always loved eating, traveling, and exploring new flavors, but I learned everything else along the way — through research, trial and error, and surrounding myself with the right people.

Another thing people might not realize is how hands-on I still am. Even as the brand has grown, I’m still deeply involved in product development, visual direction, and flavor planning. I don’t just approve things, I obsess over them. That’s probably what’s kept the brand consistent and recognizable, even as it evolves.

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