Dough Re Mea is a new small-batch bakery owned and operated by Maleah Ingoldsby, who runs the bakery out of her home, as reported by the Riverfront Times.
“My husband came up with [Dough Re Mea],” Ingoldsby said. “We’re professional aunt and uncle. When [our] first nephew was born, [he] couldn’t say ‘Maleah’ so he called me ‘Mea.'”
Ingoldsby first began selling baked goods in October 2020 after winning a neighborhood baking competition during the month prior. In May 2021, she established Dough Re Mea and has since been selling Dippers, cookie cakes, cupcakes and other baked goods through commission requests on Instagram and Facebook.
“At first, it was just friends of friends,” Ingoldsby said. “I’ve met some really nice people, [and] knock on wood, I have not had any bad customers whatsoever. Nobody has stood me up, nobody has not paid and everybody is so kind.”
Since its establishment, Dough Re Mea has amassed a large following – especially for its Dippers. This beloved treat consists of seven mini chocolate chip cookies accompanied by a buttercream icing dip, served together in a parfait cup. Customers can purchase Ingoldsby’s Dippers at Rockstar Tacos and Latté Lounge with either vanilla or peanut butter buttercream.
“I’m starting to have people message me like, ‘When are you going to restock at the Latté Lounge?'” Ingoldsby said. “I didn’t expect it to be this successful.”
Additionally, Dough Re Mea added cake pops to its menu selection less than a month ago, but Ingoldsby has no plans to stop. She hopes to further expand Dough Re Mea’s versatility and customer market by taking on more regular cake orders since she specializes in cookie cakes.
Aside from Dough Re Mea, Ingoldsby also holds a full-time job in accounts payable at Signature Medical Group, where she has worked for nearly 20 years. While some might find juggling both a daunting task, Ingoldsby enjoys the busyness of it, crediting her organizational abilities for her success.
“I don’t think I realized how organized I was,” Ingoldsby said. “I have lists everywhere making sure [of] what I need to do next.”
As Dough Re Mea continues to increase in popularity, Ingoldsby is looking forward to see where this journey leads her. One upcoming restaurant has reached out with a request to stock Dough Re Mea Dippers, and she recently received an influx of individual commissions. But even with so many opportunities, Ingoldsby continues to prioritize customer experience above all else, and aims to do so in the future.
“When people love the stuff I make, [it] is so satisfying,” Ingoldsby said. “To make somebody else happy is what makes me happy.”
This article appears in February 2022.