Today we’d like to introduce you to Phyllis Hong.
Hi Phyllis, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I never asked for a designer handbag but my husband wanted to buy me one for my birthday. I told him, “Give me the money instead. I want to start another business.”
That’s how The Sugar Printer™ was born.
I stumbled across a little-known manufacturer overseas and immediately saw the opportunity. I wasn’t looking to invent something – I was looking to build something iconic. I secured exclusive U.S. distribution rights and rebranded the product into something unforgettable. Now, everyone who sees The Sugar Printer assumes it’s my invention and I’m not mad about it.
We launched in early August 2025 and the traction has been unbelievable. We’ve already activated events for Ferrari, the Salk Institute, Loews Coronado, Birch Aquarium, Belmont Park, the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival, and high-end weddings. Our candy uses what we call SugarInk™ to print with. It is vegan, dye-free, and allergen-friendly. It’s crafted from kosher-certified ingredients, but still manages to taste magical and melt in your mouth.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road – it’s been more like a crash course in international logistics, late-night development sprints, and crisis management on the fly.
The software that originally came with the sugar printer was completely unusable. So my husband, Philip Cheung – an incredible software engineer – rewrote the entire application from scratch. Thanks to him, our customers now have a fully functional, AI-powered, intuitive platform that makes the whole printing experience seamless.
Then came the freight issues. Our second shipment was detained by customs for six weeks, and when it finally arrived, half the order was damaged – the freight forwarder had shipped the machines upside down despite clear “This Side Up” indicators.
We also discovered that the candy manufactured in China didn’t meet FDA/USDA compliance standards, meaning we couldn’t legally import it. So we had to reformulate and manufacture everything here in the U.S. – which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It gave us full control over our ingredients, helping us develop SugarInk™, a vegan, dye-free, allergen-friendly, kosher-certified base with a smoother, more consistent finish.
And because most of our vendors and suppliers are overseas, we’re often working deep into the night – I’ll be on calls at 3 a.m., then back up at 6 to get the kids ready for school. It’s not easy, but when you’re building something groundbreaking, you make it work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Sugar Printer?
The Sugar Printer™ is the world’s first AI-enhanced molten sugar printer — and we’re changing the way people think about brand activations. We own and operate a fleet of machines capable of producing crystal-clear, custom lollipops and candy cake toppers live at events, expos, trade shows, weddings, and more.
What sets us apart is how we create unforgettable moments. Brands don’t just hand out candy — they watch guests’ faces light up as their logo or selfie turns into a lollipop in real time. It’s personalized, edible branding at its best, and our clients are seeing incredible engagement.
We’re proud to be one of the few activations that consistently draw lines and camera phones at every event. With no direct competitors in the U.S. for at least another year, we’re not only scaling our own fleet — we’re helping others launch businesses of their own. Our Sugar Printer owners are learning how to turn their machines into profitable ventures, and we support them with strategy, software, and supplies.
From tradeshows with 50,000+ attendees to intimate brand moments, The Sugar Printer™ stands out as the must-have, wow-worthy experience.
How do you think about happiness?
Happiness for me is working alongside my husband, Philip, building something meaningful together from the ground up. It’s seeing an idea go from scribbles on a notepad to a product that sparks delight at events, weddings, and tradeshows. It’s also the simple things — starting each morning with a perfectly made cappuccino, and ending the day with my three Goldendoodles curled up at my feet. Finding product-market fit so quickly with The Sugar Printer™ has been incredibly validating, but what brings me joy every day is the journey — building this company as a family, and watching the vision take shape.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thesugarprinter.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesugarprinter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesugarprinter
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesugarprinter/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesugarprinter
