Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Dolly.
Hi Stephanie , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m from Grand Rapids but was living in Georgia trying to make a living for me and my kids. I had thoughts daily of becoming my own boss. This is a dream I’ve had since a little girl going to the barbershop on division st. with my dad everyday to help him at the shop… In 2016 I was at home in my kitchen just being creative and cute. I made cheesecake in a jar and then posted it to my fb to show my friends and by evening the requests began..and never stopped! I didn’t have any money when I realized oh this is my business! On borrowed funds I immediately got to work. I start selling what we had, packed up and moved us back home to Grand Rapids MI. I knew that if I went home I could reach people that I knew since I didn’t know anyone in Georgia. I began filling orders daily, request for cheesecake jars grew into much more and that included a little bit of everything when it comes to desserts. That’s how Dolly’s Delights began and became one of the best and most respected bakeries in Grand Rapids Michigan.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been rocky, many ups and downs. Of course the Funding has always been a burden! I’m the only provider for my business. As a black women with no financial background meant I couldn’t get approved for loans or credit. I hustled day in and day out many different jobs and side gigs. Another big stressor was just finding a solid place to sell my product. After getting my license less than one year of starting the bakery, I had to start baking In a commissary kitchen to be compliant with the state. This has been very pricey itself without the costs of overhead, ingredients and supplies. In addition, The rental doesn’t include a place to sell your product so the rest is up to you! Another struggle was always finding a balance between work and home. As a single parent and owner of an up coming business the demands to be present everywhere had become stressful in different ways.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dolly’s Delights?
Dolly’s Delights is known for our signature cheesecake jars, banana pudding, cakes, pies and desserts. We make our products with creativity, quality, and love. What began as a dream in my home kitchen has now grown into a full storefront bakery that officially opened its doors in September 2025 in downtown Grand Rapids. Dolly’s Delights isn’t just about desserts it’s about connection and community. My mission has always been to bring people together through my sweets. I want every visit to Dolly’s Delights to feel special. What sets us apart is the personal connection and custom ordering. My most proud moment was in September opening my first storefront, it has been both exciting and challenging. My vision for Dolly’s Delights goes beyond just running a bakery. I see this storefront becoming a community dessert hub — a place where people gather, celebrate, and make memories.
In the future, I plan to host holiday pop-ups, dessert decorating workshops/classes, and family-friendly events. I’ve built this business from the ground up — starting in my home, growing through a shared kitchen, and now operating from my very first storefront, funded by my own savings and hard work.
We do offer in-house delivery(best option) and DoorDash. Online ordering or in store
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’m the definition of risk taking! I bet it all on Dolly’s Delights again and again, just like day one 10yrs ago. Emptying my personal bank account to see any vision through! Recently I took my savings and checking despite not having any income no job no hustle (because of a car accident) and I invested in securing a location for my bakery because I knew that was the way for me to have income and be my own boss! I knew my potential and of my companies products, so I acted and it has been producing nothing but magical results. Risk is similar to faith. I believed God would handle everything if I took the risk and stepped out on faith!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dollysdelights.com
- Instagram: HTTPS/:shopdollysdelights
- Facebook: Dollys delights llc
- LinkedIn: Stephanie Dolly
