Her Story
About Christina
Christina Karras owns and operates Dolce, a cottage food bakery based in Irvine, California, which she launched approximately a year and a half ago. After earning an undergraduate degree in biology and working in the biotech industry, she completed her MBA at the University of San Diego in 2024. Shortly after getting married and relocating to Irvine, she began baking as a coping mechanism during her job search. Encouraged by her husband, she turned her hobby into a business, starting with pre-order cookie sales from her apartment. Karras emphasizes quality, intention, and hospitality in every aspect of her work, from product development to customer interactions. She credits her growth to persistence, meticulous attention to detail, listening closely to customers while trusting her vision, and the support of her husband, family, friends, and customers. Among the advice she offers is to begin without every step planned, to learn all facets of the business beyond the creative side, and to treat an idea like a real company from the outset.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Christina
01What do you attribute your success to?
Persistence and obsession with details, listening to customers while trusting my own vision, support from husband, family, friends and customers.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You don't need to have every step figured out before you begin. You just have to start and kind of like learn what happens, go with the flow, and just be willing to adjust.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Take themselves and their ideas very seriously from the beginning. Learn every single part of the business, not just the creative part. Understand costs, operations, customers, marketing. Treat your idea like a real company before the rest of the world recognizes it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges: growing without losing quality and personal attention. Opportunities: People want personal and memorable products for gifting; Dolce sits between traditional bakery and luxury gifting company.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Quality, intention, and hospitality. Not releasing something just because it's good enough. Being honest with what works and doesn't. Treating customers with respect.
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