Elle Lei
SUGOi Sweets | Chicago
SEPTEMBER 2024
Elle Lei had zero interest in cooking before coming to the United States, but when she arrived, she found work in restaurants and never looked back. Originally from China, Lei started as a dishwasher at Volare Italian Ristorante in Louisville, Kentucky and worked her way up to garde manger while learning to cook Italian cuisine. After a year, she broadened her horizons and spent time at a New American restaurant, Proof on Main, and a Mexican fine-dining spot, exposing herself to new flavors and techniques. But, life on the line became overwhelming, so Lei decided to switch from the savory side of the kitchen to pastry and desserts. She taught herself how to make macarons at home before joining the team at Le Chocolat du Bouchard in Naperville, Illinois.
When her husband got a job in Japan, Lei took advantage of the opportunity and did a deep dive into Japanese desserts. She was inspired by the way chefs were celebrating Asian flavors while utilizing western techniques, and was struck by the exceptional presentation and packaging. When she returned stateside, Lei became a pastry cook at Leña Brava in Chicago's West Loop, learning to bake and make desserts over a wood fire, before taking a job at a local grocery store as an assistant confectioner. There, she learned about large-scale baking, shelf life, and food science.
In 2019, Lei started making bonbons at home, selling them online and at farmers markets, and decided it was time to start a business of her own. When the pandemic hit, she moved her operation to a commercial kitchen and was able to capitalize on her business model, which was ready for the online, delivery-only world that emerged. After the city started to open back up, Lei saw an opportunity to create a candy shop experience and make her connection with customers more personal. In 2022, she opened SUGOi Sweets, where her handmade confections pop with bold colors and outside-the-box flavors, like her Chicago popcorn bonbon with caramel, cheddar, corn nuts, and chocolate praline.
