Life & Work with Connie Chia of Chandler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Connie Chia.

Hi Connie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I spent 26 wonderful years at Intel Corporation, where I was fortunate to learn from incredible mentors and grow both personally and professionally. My career there shaped my leadership, curiosity, and love for continuous learning. In 2024, I took early retirement to pause, spend more time with family, and help care for my dad, who has been battling cancer.
During this time, I also found space to rediscover some of my own passions. I’ve always loved baking for family and friends, something I learned from my mom, who inspired me to share food as an expression of care and joy. That love evolved into CC’s Sweet Delights, my home baking business specializing in Asian-inspired chiffon cakes, shortbread cookies, and scones. I’m still learning and growing this little venture, but it’s been incredibly fulfilling — from experimenting with recipes to designing packaging and connecting with others through social media.
Family has always been my motivation. My husband, Lee, and I have been married for 26 years, and we have two amazing kids — Ethan, a freshman at ASU and former varsity swimmer, and Hayley, a junior at Hamilton High School who’s active in dance and varsity badminton. They keep me inspired to stay curious and resilient. I’m also grateful for my mother-in-law, who’s been such a blessing helping care for our family and sharing her own warmth through delicious home-cooked meals.
When I’m not baking, I love attending group exercise classes at Tumbleweed Rec Center and volunteering at Paz de Cristo. This new chapter has been about balance, purpose, and finding joy in sharing what I love — whether it’s through food, family, or community.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but I’ve learned that the most meaningful growth often comes from challenges. Transitioning out of a long and fulfilling corporate career after 26 years at Intel was both exciting and intimidating. I went from managing a large team and a fast-paced environment to starting over in a very different space — working solo, baking from home, and learning how to run a small business from scratch.

On top of that, my family has been navigating a difficult season with my dad’s illness, which has reshaped my perspective on time, priorities, and what truly matters. Balancing family responsibilities, caregiving, and personal aspirations hasn’t been easy, but it’s taught me patience and gratitude in ways I didn’t expect.

There have also been plenty of practical struggles — like figuring out packaging, sourcing ingredients, pricing, and building a presence on social media — things I had never done before. But every small win, every happy customer, and every new connection reminds me why I started.

Through it all, I’ve learned that smooth roads don’t build strength — challenges do. And this journey, though unpredictable, has been full of purpose, learning, and heart.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What makes CC’s Sweet Delights special is the combination of Asian-inspired flavors and the warmth of homemade baking. My chiffon cakes, shortbread cookies, and savory scones are made in small batches with care — soft, light, and not overly sweet, just like the desserts I grew up enjoying.
I love introducing people to flavors that remind me of home — like pandan, coconut, black sesame and matcha — and blending them with classic favorites such as citrus, earl grey, chocolate or strawberry. It’s been so rewarding to see customers discover and appreciate these flavor profiles, especially when they say, “I’ve never tasted anything like this before!”
Beyond the flavors, I put a lot of love into the presentation — from the packaging to handwritten notes. Every order feels personal, whether it’s a gift box for a friend or a cake for a special celebration. My goal is simple: to share a little joy through thoughtful, beautifully crafted baked goods.

Looking back, I’m most proud of allowing myself to slow down and rediscover what truly brings me joy. My career at Intel was truly amazing — I had incredible mentors and colleagues who helped me grow both personally and professionally. Those experiences shaped how I lead, problem-solve, and connect with people.
Stepping away from that environment felt daunting at first, but it gave me the space to focus on family, care for my dad, and explore something creative that fills my heart. I’ve learned that growth doesn’t stop when you change paths — it just takes a new form. Success isn’t always about climbing higher; sometimes it’s about finding balance, purpose, and joy in the things that bring you peace.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice would be — don’t be afraid to start something new, even if it feels uncomfortable or uncertain. I’m still navigating that myself. After spending most of my career in a structured corporate environment, it took me a while to step out of my comfort zone and try something completely different.

You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. Sometimes you just need to take that first small step, stay curious, and be open to learning along the way. Growth happens when you allow yourself to be a beginner again.

And most importantly, give yourself grace — it’s okay to move at your own pace. Every experience, even the small ones, builds confidence and brings you closer to what you’re meant to do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ccs_sweetdelightsaz
• Facebook: CC’s Sweet Delights – https://www.facebook.com/CCsSweetDelightsAZ/