Welcome to Sweet Designs by Kathy at the Department of Sugar

Our mission is to deliver handmade, artistic chocolates and confections to the discerning customer in the way that we present, combine and source ingredients, and thereby help our customers to feel good and happy about consuming treats in a manner consistent with their lifestyle.  We want to elevate quality over quantity in relation to the foods that make us happy.

Our Story

Kathy is one of those people who has always enjoyed making things, especially if it was in the kitchen. After working in retail in the outdoor industry for 15 years, she decided to do the French Pastry School patisserie program and focus her energy on her love of chocolate. Sweet Designs by Kathy launched in 2020 to bring her idea of distinct chocolates and confections to the world. We strive to make products that are not only beautiful in appearance but are also well balanced in taste and textures. We believe that what you eat should not only be sweet or salty, but that the flavor of the food should be forward. We combine different fillings and flavors so that your taste buds have something to think about from the first bite until the last.

Meet Kathy

I have always loved making things and working with my hands.  Doing so with food was an obvious choice for me since I enjoyed helping my mom in the kitchen as a young kid, and have loved experimenting with cooking ever since.  My love for chocolate was ingrained from a young age too.  When we got to sugar and chocolate in the Patisserie program at The French Pastry School, I was pretty much hooked and knew this is where I should be.

My inspiration is the joy on someone's face when they bite into a bonbon or another confection and are perfectly happy in the moment.  Sweet Designs by Kathy really is pun intended.  They are sweets, the designs are sweet... it's good stuff! 

Handcrafted with Care

At Sweet Designs by Kathy, we believe that great confections start with great ingredients. Every piece we make is crafted in small batches — never rushed, never mass-produced. From our intricate chocolate designs, silky bonbons and buttery caramels to our chewy nougats, each creation is a little work of art.

We are proud to be a small business and work to support local farmers and other small businesses whenever we can. Our dairy is sourced from Wisconsin, Sugar from Michigan (yes, it is!), Fruits from Michigan and Wisconsin. We use Felchlin Chocolates from Switzerland, Luker Chocolates from Columbia, and Orchid Chocolate from Thailand. All companies are certified sustainable, farmer friendly, and without child labor.

More Than Just Chocolate

Whether you're looking for a stunning gift, a custom creation, corporate gifts, or something for your sweet tooth, we're here to make it happen. Explore our Services and Gallery to see what we can create together.

Let's Connect

We'd love to hear from you! Whether you have a question, a custom order in mind, or just want to talk chocolate, don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to chat.

Cheers!
Kathy
Sweet Designs by Kathy