Meet Kelly Kim | Head Baker & Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Kim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m originally from South Korea and moved to the U.S. when I was 19 to pursue an art degree in New York. Around the time I moved, my parents had just divorced, and as an international student, I wasn’t eligible for student loans. To support me and my younger brother’s education, my mom started a cream puff business back home.
Watching her build something from nothing deeply shaped who I am today, both as a person and as a business owner. She’s truly a superwoman. Her business didn’t take off right away, but she kept showing up, improving, and adapting. Over time, her persistence paid off, and she’s now been running her shop successfully for over a decade.

Every summer when I visited Korea, I would help with her pop-ups. That’s where I first learned how to talk to customers, run a booth, and experience the hustle of small business life. Her dedication, resilience, and hands-on approach taught me more than any classroom ever could.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We’re the only Korean-style cream puff business in San Diego, and we proudly use my mom’s original recipe. Our goal is to bring nostalgic Korean flavors along with simple, familiar ones to create treats that anyone can enjoy, whether it’s your first time trying a cream puff or your hundredth. I’ve always wanted Mon Chourie to be approachable and joyful (not too fancy or complicated) just something that makes you smile and want to share with the people you love.
We recently celebrated our one-year anniversary, and I still can’t believe how far we’ve come. I’m beyond grateful for the amazing community that’s supported us. Their kindness, encouragement, and excitement have pushed me to dream bigger and work harder.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that my business isn’t something I built alone. It’s truly community-built. From my friends who were there during the hard moments (even when I was crying in a corner not knowing what to do), to customers whose kind words have lifted me up, to my mom who inspired this journey, to my husband who supports me in every way, and the local businesses who believed in us when no one even knew our name, Mon Chourie exists because of all of them.

Every day still feels unpredictable, and the challenges haven’t stopped but I try to treat each one as a chance to learn. What keeps me going is seeing our customers at pop-ups, hearing their feedback, and knowing that something I made could bring them a little joy. That’s what motivates me to keep growing, improving, and creating the best experience I can.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting San Diego, I’d definitely plan a week filled with cozy vibes, amazing food, and my favorite local gems.
We’d kick things off with a caffeine fix, I’d take them to Provecho Coffee for their black sesame latte (my absolute fave!). If they’re more into matcha, we’d head to Morning Dew for their Money Tree, a pandan coconut matcha that’s absolutely delicious and unlike anything else.

Next stop: Michi Michi Bakery, which features a rotating lineup of local micro bakeries. It’s such a beautiful concept that brings community together and supports small makers and it’s one of my favorite places in San Diego. Their spam musubi croissant and egg sando are must-tries!

Then we’d swing by Home Ec, my favorite store in San Diego! It’s a foodie girl’s dream, curated by the sweetest owner, Carynn. From adorable kitchen goods to thoughtful gifts, I always find something I love. They also share a space with Best Bud, who makes the most gorgeous flower arrangements so it’s basically double the cuteness.

For a sweet treat, we’d head to An’s Dry Cleaning. No lie, it’s the best gelato I’ve ever had. Their menu rotates, so every visit is a fun surprise but it’s always spot on.

In the afternoon, we’d take a slow stroll through Balboa Park, especially the botanical garden. It’s so dreamy and honestly… I think it’s even prettier than Central Park (don’t tell New York!).

To wrap up the day, we’d go to ANIMAE for dinner. I’m such a fan of Chef Tara and how she elevates Filipino cuisine in the most stylish and delicious way. The space is absolutely stunning, the perfect place for a special night out and such a memorable spot to bring someone visiting San Diego.

There’s so much more to explore, but this little lineup blends comfort, creativity, and the kind of local magic I love sharing with the people I care about.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my best friend, Clarissa Tong (@eatmashimaro,) who also happens to be the creative force behind Mon Chourie’s graphic design and photography. From day one, she’s been my biggest cheerleader, always believing in me, even during the moments I doubted myself.
Clarissa not only created the branding that everyone now associates with Mon Chourie, but she’s also rolled up her sleeves to help in the kitchen, at pop-ups, and during R&D. She’s the unofficial business partner, emotional support, and therapist all in one.

On my toughest days, she’s been my anchor reminding me how far I’ve come and celebrating every win, big or small. I feel incredibly lucky to have a friend like her by my side. Mon Chourie wouldn’t be what it is today without her. 💗

Instagram: @monchouriesd

Facebook: /monchouriesd

Yelp: https://tr.ee/AF114-h1CW