From Setback to Supermom Solution: Suphy Kung’s GillyGro Journey

How One Entrepreneur Turned a Layoff into a Global Brand Designed to Simplify Parenting—and Spark Hope

When Suphy Kung was laid off from her role at Tesla in 2019, she didn’t see it as the end. She saw it as the beginning.

“My entrepreneurial journey began after a corporate layoff,” Kung says. “It opened the door to e-commerce.” She started experimenting with Amazon selling, sourcing products wholesale from Alibaba. But success didn’t come overnight. “I struggled to find the right product,” she recalls. Still, Kung had a powerful asset most new entrepreneurs lack: a deep background in solving business problems as an organizational effectiveness consultant.

“I had spent years helping companies solve problems, so I knew how to spot a real need,” she explains. That skill would soon help her identify a gap in the market—one that was hiding in plain sight.

After reading thousands of Amazon reviews, Kung saw a common frustration voiced by parents: no diaper bag did it all. “It reminded me of my own struggles as a new mom many years ago,” she says. She also noticed something else: disorganized outings often created unnecessary stress for parents, sometimes even straining relationships. Post-pandemic hygiene concerns had only made things worse.

Motivated to solve these everyday challenges, Kung teamed up with two fellow moms to design something radically better. “We created the ultimate Swiss Army-style parent backpack,” she says. “It features a built-in booster seat, an extra-large mat, and a sleek, unisex design that even dads love to carry.”

The idea struck a chord. In 2022, their Kickstarter campaign soared past its funding goal by 115% within the first 24 hours. Over 8,000 parents and grandparents signed up in the pre-launch phase alone, eager to support the project. Demand quickly extended beyond the U.S.—with ten Japanese importers competing for exclusive rights after the campaign ended. GillyGro also caught the attention of trade show judges, earning top honors at the 2022 Tokyo Gift Show and winning two prestigious product awards in 2025.

For Kung, however, the product’s success is only part of the story. The way it was built matters just as much.

“At GillyGro, every product begins with real customer insight,” she explains. “Our signature 5-in-1 backpack was co-created with input from more than 2,000 parents in a private Facebook group.” That community helped shape the design over nine development iterations. The team also used tools like PickFu to test and validate features, pricing, and even color choices. “We incorporate direct feedback every step of the way,” Kung says.

Her experience in operations and performance effectiveness at companies like Bayer, Disney, and Tesla deeply informs GillyGro’s process. But it’s her heart-centered leadership—fueled by faith, purpose, and service—that drives the mission.

“After losing the career I had loved and dedicated 20 years to, I was given a second chance,” she reflects. “This e-commerce journey has brought new light into my life. It allows me to pour my heart into something that brings peace, joy, and meaningful moments to others—especially in this unpredictable and chaotic world.”

Kung is quick to point out that GillyGro isn’t just about bags. It’s about building a brand that nurtures connection and eases stress in everyday life. That’s why the company is expanding into new verticals. “We’re developing a Pet Owner Backpack and a Senior Travelers Organizer Bundle Set,” she says. “They’re designed with the same thoughtful, user-centric approach.”

The company’s 1-to-3-year vision includes launching on TikTok Marketplace, partnering with influencers and affiliate marketers, and expanding into the UK and Philippines. Kung is also preparing for a push into B2B channels—partnering with retailers, hospitality brands, and corporate gifting programs.

Behind these ambitious goals lies a deep personal mission: to help others find hope after setbacks.

“I know what it’s like to go through tough times,” Kung shares. “I hope my story can spark a little hope in someone else’s heart—because there is hope, all around them.”

It’s a message rooted in personal experience. Kung’s first two startups in her 30s didn’t succeed. “After two failed startup experiences, I walked away with two hard-earned lessons,” she says. “First, don’t scale too fast—high fixed costs can sink a small business. And second, never fund your business entirely from your own pocket. It’s important to separate personal finances from business risk.”

Today, Kung brings those lessons to every strategic decision. And she’s committed to sharing them with others. She mentors fellow women entrepreneurs through organizations like Mothers Together, Bible Study Fellowship, and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

As GillyGro grows into a globally recognized brand, Kung remains grounded in her original vision: to simplify life for families and improve relationships through smart, functional design. “We’re not just building products,” she says. “We’re building impact—one journey, one family, one relationship at a time.”

Suphy Kung’s Bio

Suphy Lai Kung is the founder and CEO of GillyGro, a company known for designing innovative, parent-friendly backpacks that enhance organization, flexibility, and safety. Following a successful corporate career—including leadership roles at Tesla, Shanghai Disney Resort, and Bayer Pharmaceuticals—Ms. Kung transitioned to entrepreneurship after a layoff in 2019. She began by selling products on Amazon and eventually launched her own brand. With advanced degrees in human resources development and hotel management and certifications in Scrum and behavioral interviewing, she brings a unique blend of strategic and operational expertise. Deeply committed to empowering women, she is affiliated with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and the Worldwide Women’s Association. A dedicated mentor and faith-driven leader, Ms. Kung also volunteers with Mothers Together, Bible Study Fellowship, and Stephen Ministries. 

Links:

Website: gillygro.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/suphykung0901/

Crowdfunding campaign: invest.honeycombcredit.com/campaigns/GillyGro

Instagram: instagram.com/gillygrobackpack/

TikTok: tiktok.com/@official.gillygro

YouTube: youtube.com/@gillygrobackpack