Minnesota Woman Forges Her Bakery Dream After Leaving Corporate Life

Many of us picture the pursuit of our dreams as an arduous journey filled with unpredictability.

Yen Fang, a determined woman from Minnesota, traded in her corporate position to launch So Yen Desserts, a charming bakery situated in the Lowertown area of St. Paul.

Celebrated for its delightful cream-filled brioche donuts and the savory dish congee, So Yen Desserts is the brainchild of Yen Fang.

"During the pandemic, I pondered over ways to keep myself occupied," remarked Fang. "I began crafting Japanese cheesecakes."

As the cake orders surged, what started as a hobby transformed into a burgeoning enterprise. Yet, it was an escapade to France that truly catalyzed her success.

"We tasted these donuts there and absolutely adored them. Returning to Minnesota, we realized they were nowhere to be found," Fang recounted. "Numerous experiments later, we landed on the perfect recipe. The demand was overwhelming."

Encouraged by this triumph, Fang made the bold decision to retire from her professional career and officially launched her bakery operation the previous year.

"The response was madness, absolutely phenomenal. The queues stretched around the block," she recounted.

Success grounded in a pinch of faith and optimism.

"Pursuing and realizing your ambitions is a rare and precious opportunity," Fang reflected. "I strongly advocate for taking that leap of faith."

So Yen Desserts welcomes patrons from Friday through Sunday, with limited operating hours and a selective donut menu.