SUGARBIRD SWEETS WAS FOUNDED IN 2009 BY KEI OKUMURA.
Meet Kei Okumura, our scone perfectionist, and Chief Scone Officer, on a relentless quest to redefine the ordinary scone.
Kei's journey began with skepticism about scones. She found them often dry and bland. But when she stumbled upon a recipe so delicious, she couldn't resist. This culinary revelation inspired her to create a wide array of scone flavors, drawing inspiration from her travels and the essence of Southern California, where cultures blend together seamlessly. Kei's repertoire now boasts over 20 distinct scone options, from Fig and Rosemary to Matcha, with options for vegans and those seeking wheat-free indulgence. Our classic recipes use organic, unbleached flour and using only simple ingredients to create flavor combinations that represents ingredients used by the diverse cultures that make Southern California so full of flavor.
In the world of Sugarbird, Kei is the mastermind behind scones that are nothing short of flavor explosions – buttery, moist, and perfectly crunchy. She's reimagining the timeless tradition of afternoon tea, making it relaxed and accessible for all. Offering direct to consumer scones baked and frozen, ready-to-bake scones let you host your own tea experience with ease, indulging in homemade goodness.
From a music video producer to a scone virtuoso, Kei's journey has been flavored by her Japanese heritage and culinary training in Paris. Sugarbird marries bohemian vibes with a contemporary Californian tea twist, and Kei is leading the charge to introduce scones and afternoon tea rituals to households all across America.
But there's more to Kei than scones. She's an advocate for mental health, striving to break the stigma by showing that a simple moment of connection over delicious scones and tea can make a world of difference.
When not crafting new scone sensations, Kei's outdoor adventures take her camping by the beach or mountains. She loves making dinner for her friends and family, whipping up meringues, and preparing cookie doughs with her teenaged kids. And, of course, antique tea cups and afternoon tea accessories are always on her shopping list, adding to her tea gathering treasures.