Sitting with Kenn Chia, the creative behind Butter Mafia, it’s hard to believe that just a few years ago, he was navigating the complexities of law rather than the delicate intricacies of dessert making. His journey from lawyer to baker is as rich and layered as his signature desserts.
The story begins at a Christmas potluck in 2011. Kenn, always one to bring something special, had made a tiramisu. The reaction from his friend Ben was immediate and enthusiastic. “Can you make this for me to sell in my restaurant?” Ben asked. Kenn, eager for a break from his demanding job, initially put the request on hold. But once his holiday was over, Ben’s persistence led to Kenn’s first professional baking gig: a sticky date pudding and a lemon tart for a special function.
“I was nervous,” Kenn admits, recalling those early days. “Up until then, I’d only baked for friends and family. The idea of strangers tasting my desserts was terrifying.”
But the reception was overwhelmingly positive. Ben called to say that the desserts were a hit, and he needed more. This unexpected success marked the birth of Kenn’s side hustle. Kenn’s own journey navigating allergies transformed his traditional dessert recipes into gluten-free, low allergen ones, further evolving Butter Mafia’s story.
For two years, Kenn juggled his legal career with his flourishing baking business. Early mornings were spent mixing and measuring, and evenings were dedicated to deliveries.
"I realised there was something special here,” he says. “People were actually ordering their desserts in advance.”
In 2016 Kenn took the plunge, leaving behind the corporate world to fully embrace his passion. Butter Mafia would go on to get its name – inspired by his time as a lawyer - and open the first location in Northcote. Kenn would end up hiring a team of talented bakers to assist in the commercial kitchen and continue to service the Northern suburbs.
This was the first phase of Butter Mafia’s story.
In 2023 phase two began – a second shop at Dandenong Market.
Starting up at the Dandenong Market wasn’t easy. Though Kenn had attended an event at the Market and gained positive feedback that inspired him to open this second location, the uncertainty of customer expectations was daunting. The costs of fitting out a shop, and the differences in the demographics of the North versus the South-East, were new learnings for Kenn. Butter Mafia opened at Dandenong Market in May of 2023 – not fully ready but willing to just start and share its unique offering of gluten-free desserts.
The community’s response was immediate and enthusiastic. Feedback allowed Butter Mafia to not only succeed but also expand steadily. Kenn played with flavour combinations, creating bespoke flavours for specific Market events and even introduced savoury dishes to the menu. Despite the rising costs of ingredients and supplies throughout the food and hospitality industry, Kenn managed to adapt gracefully, never compromising on the quality of his creations.
Reflecting on his journey, Kenn holds a lot of gratitude. “I’m thankful for all the love my team and I have received through the years,” he says. “This inspires us to keep making quality desserts that deliver joy.”
From the early days of hand-mixing desserts to running a beloved business, Kenn’s story is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and the sweet rewards that come with it. Butter Mafia stands as a delicious symbol of Kenn’s journey, a testament to taking leaps of faith and finding joy in unexpected places.
It is safe to say, we’re excited to see what sweet surprises lay ahead for Butter Mafia.
You’ll find Butter Mafia located in the Pantry at Dandenong Market.
Open 8am-4pm Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
