Meet Jamie Dennis: Business Owner & Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamie Dennis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamie, what do you attribute your success to?
Truly, the most important factor behind the success of my company is the amazing Atlanta community that has backed it since day 1. People here really love supporting local. Until more recently (read:Covid), festivals and food events were a regular part of our business. Thankfully, we are able to safely continue at our local farmers market. The way the community here loves to come together, have fun, support small business, and to be able to have “regulars”, despite not having a store front, is really incredible to see.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Jamie’s Cookie Dough was started as a side hobby, but has grown into a full time job with 3 hard-working employees in a few years. I don’t have a background in business, nor in baking, but I was and am determined to grow this beyond what I can even imagine. It all started because I wanted a sweet treat that was also vegan. For me, cookies are the perfect dessert- you can hold it in your hand, no need for a plate, fork, napkin. So I got to work and before I knew it, people wanted these treats. Quickly, I realized that people could not tell they were vegan and that became my mission: people could have the cookies they grew up with, veganized, and no one would know. So I work hard to keep everything simple, classic , but oh so indulgent. As we have grown, we have added on more items- edible dough, creme pies, brownies, stuffed cookies, gluten friendly items- and will continue to expand our offerings to be the go-to for all your bakery needs. It has not been smooth sailing (can we say 2020?) , but we are here for the journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I lead a pretty quiet life, so my idea of showing a visitor the best time ever is on the simpler side. I love the beauty of Atl, so getting out in nature would be a definite. The view from the top of Stone Mountain cannot be beat, especially for sunrise or sunset. A hike through the woods and by the water at Sope Creek is my favorite way to relax. To see more of the city side of it, walking and sunning along the Beltline would be a must. I would take a visitor out to see the community of Atl. Some things I enjoy are shopping at the many farmers and art markets found all throughout the metro area, visiting the High museum, and attending a Braves game. Since I am a foodie at heart, much our time would revolve around stopping for some of the best vegan eats. The Atl Food Truck Park and Meatless Mondays at Triton Yards both have vegan vendors – a great way to try a little bit of everything and support multiple small businesses at once. As for restaurants I would take a visitor to- I couldn’t even begin to list. There are so many all vegan joints, and traditional restaurants with incredible vegan options, that I have to keep a running list in my phone! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give recognition to my husband Dwayne. He has encouraged and supported me from the start. He has done everything from wash the dishes & set up at events, to the behind the scenes business advice that helps me keep moving forward. He is there to cheer me on for my successes, and there to listen when things are getting stressful.

Website: www.jamiescookiedough.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jamiescookiedough
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamiescookiedough