Today we’d like to introduce you to Teka Buchanan.
Hi Teka, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! My name is Teka and I am the owner of Dough She Didn’t! I love snacks, I love them so much that some people have even called me “The Snack Queen”. It is only right that I have a treat and snack business. In 2017, I left my corporate job as a restaurant manager to be able to spend more time with my kids. Making that decision was tough; however it was the best decision I could’ve made, it was what my family needed. I had no idea what I would do to stay busy since I wasn’t used to being a stay at home mom. I started making bread, pizza dough, and cookies. Everything was good, but I was just doing it because I was trying to stay busy. My husband said, “You should sell this stuff, it’s good.’ I didn’t even consider it. I had been baking for holidays and family parties but hadn’t really thought about making it a full-time business. Funny how life works. One day, I made chocolate chip cookies and my oldest daughter took a few with her to school. She called me on her lunch break stating that several of her classmates wanted cookies and that they would be willing to pay for them. I was surprised and excited! Right away I got started on baking her those cookies.
While having dinner one evening, I told my family that I was going to start a business selling cookies. Everyone was like, “about time!” That same night, we all decided on the name “Dough She Didn’t.” The next day, I went to the courthouse and got my DBA and boom my baby was legit 🙂 I then started an Instagram page and began accepting orders. Some days were better than others, but during those times I researched, studied, practiced, and networked. There was no way I was giving up, my family was rooting for me. In July of 2019, I became a vendor at The Wellington Square Farmers Market. Since I’ve been a vendor, I have met some great people and have grown with my confidence and menu selections.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Business has been fun but challenging. In the beginning, I struggled with staying in my lane. I wanted to offer everything I saw on Instagram and everything that people requested. I had to remember that I needed to stay true to what I wanted. At this time, I face the challenge of homeschooling two elementary-aged children and worrying about my daughter who’s away in college, all while running a baking business from home.
As you know, we’re big fans of Dough She Didn’t. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Dough She Didn’t is currently a small home-based business that specializes in homemade cookies, brownies and pound cakes. I started Dough She Didn’t in 2017 after leaving my corporate job as a kitchen manager. I wanted to do something where I could control my time and be able to spend time with my children. When I first decide to start my own business, I originally thought that I would sell bread and pizza dough, but the universe had a different plan. I started with the classic, Chocolate Chip, but then ventured off into other flavors. My mission is to create a treat that gives you “Memories in Every Bite.” When you eat one of my treats, I hope it evokes a good memory that you associate with that treat and Dough She Didn’t. Cookies are my favorite treat to make because I can be as creative as I’d like. What sets Dough She Didn’t apart from other bakeries is me, my passion, and my willingness to try various flavor combinations. I bake all of my treats in small batches to ensure that I’m able to provide a consistent product every time you order. I bake all of my treats with love and real butter! My dream is to become the Willie Wonka of cookies and I work towards that with every cookie I bake. My most popular cookies are my Oatmeal Apricot cookies and my Gemini cookie (it contains potato chips). Every Sunday, I’m at The Wellington Square Farmers Market with fresh baked cookies and brownies, sometimes I may even bring cake. I take orders via Instagram and on my website doughshedidnt.com. I work hard at my business to show my children that if you choose not to work for someone else, you can be successful working for yourself. It’s not easy but it’s definitely worth it!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Most important lessons I’ve learned are to keep going and trust in myself. Some days are tougher than other days, but that’s when you have to push even harder. There have been days that I wanted to quit, but then the universe steps in by helping me come up with new cookie ideas or by sending someone who wants to order a dozen or two of cookies
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: doughshedidnt.com
- Instagram: dough_she_didnt
- Facebook: dough_she_didnt
