From Garage to Global: How Kathryn Bricken Built Doughlicious into a Multi-Million Dollar Brand

Kathryn Bricken, a Miami-born entrepreneur, defied conventional expectations by launching Doughlicious, a thriving cookie dough and gelato bites brand, at age 50. What began as scooping cookie dough in her garage has blossomed into a multi-million-dollar business producing over a million treats weekly.

Bricken’s journey is a testament to resilience and innovation, overcoming personal challenges including a cancer diagnosis, and spotting a unique market gap after moving to London. Today, Doughlicious is stocked in major retailers across multiple continents, showcasing how passion and perseverance can rewrite the rules of success.

A Nontraditional Path to Sweet Success

Before founding Doughlicious, Bricken’s career spanned legislative work on Capitol Hill and health care policy, far from the kitchen. Her entrepreneurial spark ignited after having three young children, when she started baking decorative, better-for-you treats that balanced beauty and flavor.

Relocating to London in 2008 revealed a surprising market gap: British biscuits lacked the soft, gooey American-style cookie dough she loved. This insight became the foundation for Doughlicious, which she built from scratch, often working 20-hour days and even enduring physical injury from relentless mixing.

Battling Cancer While Building a Brand

In 2019, Bricken faced a stage 1 breast cancer diagnosis. Despite surgery and radiation, she remained focused on growing Doughlicious, describing the company as a vital distraction that kept her mind off the illness and pain.

“Having a focus such as Doughlicious was a blessing. It kept my mind off the cancer and any pain because I knew I just had so many other things I had to do.”—Kathryn Bricken

Now cancer-free for five years, Bricken’s determination has paid off. Doughlicious products are available in thousands of stores worldwide, including Tesco, Whole Foods, Target, and Ocado, with a dedicated team of 50 employees managing operations.

Inside the Life of a Founder: Balancing Work, Family, and Passion

Bricken’s daily routine blends early mornings with dog walks and coffee, long workdays, and efforts to disconnect on weekends. She admits work-life balance is challenging but prioritizes moments to recharge, such as dancing at social clubs and spending time outdoors.

• Best investment: A durable 52-year-old Hobart Mixer
• Worst investment: A Chief Marketing Officer who underdelivered
• Favorite subscription: Bon Appétit Magazine since 1990
• Personal finance advice: Always maintain health insurance
• Coffee ritual: Extra hot latte with whole milk and an extra espresso shot

Looking Ahead: The Future of Doughlicious and Entrepreneurship

Kathryn Bricken’s story exemplifies how passion, resilience, and spotting market opportunities can lead to extraordinary success, even later in life. As Doughlicious continues to expand globally, Bricken remains focused on growing brand awareness and inspiring others to pursue their dreams regardless of age or obstacles.