Imagine starting a business with just $100 in your bank account, juggling college classes, and working 30 hours a week. Sounds tough, right? Well, that was the reality for Joulenie Pierre, a college student who found her peace and passion in baking. What started as a therapeutic hobby has blossomed into a wildly successful bakery, Roll and Dough, thanks to the power of TikTok and a whole lot of hustle.
From Therapy Baking to Entrepreneurship
Pierre, who was double-majoring in economics and political science with dreams of law school, found herself stressed by her demanding schedule. Baking became her escape, her way to find clarity and stay grounded. “It was like my form of therapy essentially,” she shared on TikTok.
With her business partner, Jovan, she launched Roll and Dough. The initial investment? A mere $100. Pierre even faced the challenge of waiting two months for financial aid to cover rent, all while investing in a stand mixer that broke after its first use. “I don’t care about taking a little risk because I know it’s always going to pay off,” she explained, highlighting her belief in manifestation and taking calculated chances.
A Taste of Haitian Heritage
Initially, Pierre was baking just a few cinnamon rolls a week for friends and classmates. But she soon expanded her offerings to include cookies, adding a special touch inspired by her Haitian roots. “It made my cookies transform to a whole different type of like palette that a lot of the other cookies that I was trying did not,” she said, excited to share the flavors she grew up with.
Operating legally from her Florida kitchen, Pierre discovered she could sell online as long as she stayed within a certain revenue limit. Roll and Dough’s website now boasts a delicious menu featuring items like the original snickerdoodle, dark chocolate chip cookies with sea salt, almond croissants, and honey cornbread. Their signature cinnamon rolls come in a variety of exciting flavors, including apple pie, pumpkin chai, blueberry muffin, matcha, and dark cocoa s’mores.
TikTok Fame and Farmer’s Market Success
The visibility from TikTok has been a game-changer for Roll and Dough. Pierre’s business has amassed an impressive 195,300 followers and 4.8 million likes on the platform. This surge in demand led her to switch to online courses, allowing her to dedicate more time to baking daily. She’s even pursuing a degree in marketing and advertising to better scale her business, with plans to open a physical storefront.
Most recently, Pierre took her treats to a local farmer’s market, where the response was phenomenal. She revealed that 300 cinnamon rolls sold out in just two hours! “Having this business right here literally has provided me the freedom that I want, not only the mental freedom, but financial freedom as well,” she expressed, thanking her supporters for being part of her journey.
What do you think of Joulenie Pierre’s incredible entrepreneurial journey? Have you tried any of Roll and Dough’s treats? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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