Hidden Gems: Meet Erica Davis of Ree Ree Dee’s Dough

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Davis.

Hi Erica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always loved to make homemade cookies, but sometimes the craving hit when I was too short on time or energy to whip them up from scratch. Every store-bought dough I tried was filled with unnatural ingredients or tasted dull. They also needed to be baked all at once or they would start to lose their quality. Years ago, I scooped and froze a batch and they not only preserved perfectly but freezing them actually made them taste even better. For years, I kept a stash in the freezer for weeknight cravings, surprise visitors, and after school treats. When the world quieted during the pandemic, I found myself wishing I could send everyone a batch for them to experience the delight of all-natural cookies in their homes. With this in mind, Ree-Ree Dee’s Dough was born. Crafted with nine wholesome ingredients, Ree-Ree Dee’s Dough is truly as fresh as the day it was frozen.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like a lot of small business start-ups, the Covid-19 pandemic threw a monkey wrench in my plans. I’m the mother of three elementary-aged children whose school went virtual in the spring of ‘20. It was a blessing to spend such a great amount of time together and certainly gave me a greater appreciation for our teachers, but it delayed the start of my business until they were (luckily) able to go back to school in the fall. They have been in and out of school since as we deal with the ebb and flow of coronavirus, which makes it difficult to juggle time in the shared kitchen, making deliveries, and a myriad of other responsibilities a small business involves. These obstacles have made planning much more difficult and less definitive. I believe this time has made me more nimble, and as a result, Ree-Ree Dee’s is better able to roll with the punches. Perhaps the lessons my children learn during this time won’t just be reading, writing, and math, maybe, they’ll also learn a lesson in optimism and persistence during a time of uncertainty. A lesson Ree Ree Dee’s continues to teach me.

We’ve been impressed with Ree Ree Dee’s Dough, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Ree Ree Dee’s Dough is cookie dough crafted with nine-premium ingredients that are frozen to lock in their freshness. Refrigerated cookie dough begins to lose its quality the minute the package is opened. Whereas, frozen cookie dough can be enjoyed all at once or individually. Each ingredient was meticulously-sourced by me over the course of a year as I poured over every aspect of what makes a chocolate chip cookie great. They are small-batch, hand-scooped, and utilize local ingredients when possible.

Ree Ree Dee’s Dough comes in a tub filled with 15 cookie dough scoops that are ready to be placed on a baking sheet, then in a pre-heated oven, and enjoyed within 10-15 minutes. Our flagship flavor is Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, but we’re expecting to launch Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Raisin in 2021. We are currently in registration with the Non-GMO project. We currently offer the dough through pickup and delivery in the Atlanta area and are about to launch a partnership with DoorDash. We are also available at Savi Provisions, Candler Park Market, Grant Park Market, Kelly’s Market, Casseroles and Midtown Butcher Shoppe.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I’m a pretty open book, but it sometimes surprises people to know that I moved to New York when I was 19 after graduating from Auburn University in two years. I met my husband almost immediately after I moved there, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. I worked at CBS Sports, Maxim magazine, and TIME magazine until I had my daughter and returned back south, bringing my California-bred husband with me. I also have an identical twin who lives in New York, and since we don’t live in the same city, people are always amazed when they see the two of us together. She lives in Bronxville now, and I love walking around the town confusing all of her neighbors. I’m looking forward to visiting again soon when the pandemic is over!

Pricing:

• $20 per container of 15 cookie dough scoops

Contact Info:

• Email: erica@reereedeesdough.com
• Website: www.reereedeesdough.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reereedeesdough/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reereedeesdough