Dana Dumas had an affinity for baked goods as a child, thanks to her mother’s sweet tooth. Together, they enjoyed going to bakeries around New York City and one of her favorite baked goods was a tender buttery sugar cookie filled with jam. That dessert always stuck in her mind over the years and her love of food continuously formed as a child.
After years of working in corporate America, Dumas’ need to fulfill her entrepreneurial spirit came to head in 2011 and she was propelled into a world of creation with SugarJam Cookies. She quickly grew her customer base and expanded her baked goods selection and opened her first bakeshop in 2014.
SugarJam The Southern Kitchen is a local restaurant, bakery, and bar located in North Scottsdale that serves Southern-based brunch, sandwiches and baked goods. In addition to Southern brunch, SugarJam also features a live DJ for Fresh Friday and for its Brunch N’ Vibe weekend experience.
Dumas’ present-day concept, SugarJam The Southern Kitchen, officially opened in January 2021. “Dana Dumas is a titan in her industry because she has grown the SugarJam brand from an at-home bakery to the largest African-American and woman-owned business in North Scottsdale,” said her staff. “Through her passion for baked goods, love of food and cooking, as well as entrepreneurial spirit, Dumas has continuously evolved SugarJam into the iconic restaurant and brunch experience it is today.”
Under Dumas’ guidance, the company has grown from eight to 43 employees and from a six-figure small café and bakery to a seven-figure gross-revenue restaurant concept. Dumas and SugarJam have been featured in Arizona Foothills Magazine, PHOENIX Magazine, So Scottsdale Magazine, Republic, Phoenix New Times, and many more publications. She was also highlighted on several television stations and the company was named one of the top three bakeries by So Scottsdale Magazine.
SugarJam The Southern Kitchen recently celebrated its second anniversary and has seen year-to-date growth of 87.90% in 2022 compared to 2021.
As a leader, Dumas said she believes her superpowers are having a true passion for entrepreneurship and people. “It’s important to be optimistic, have resilience and embrace a never-give-up attitude,” she said. “A strong leader also has to have a sense of vulnerability and a willingness to teach others.”
Respecting yourself and others allows for the encouragement of good communication, said Dumas. “If we communicate effectively then a leader can promote innovation through their visions,” she said. “By using your positive influence as well as showing gratitude and compassion, it promotes a healthy environment.”
