Dena Marie Holman
Dena Holman is the founder and owner of Dena’s Sweet Haven, a thriving home-based wholesale bakery based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Launched on January 1st, her business has quickly expanded, shipping handmade, from-scratch baked goods across multiple states. Dena operates the bakery single-handedly, meticulously crafting every item by hand, and has plans to expand into a storefront or a mobile bakery. Her creations are more than sweets—they are a reflection of love, compassion, and a desire to bring joy to others, especially during life’s toughest moments.
Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, Dena dedicated over 30 years to traveling healthcare, building a career in nursing and occupational therapy. Her experiences in healthcare instilled a strong attention to detail, discipline, and a profound empathy for others, qualities that now inform every aspect of her baking business. Transitioning from a demanding nursing career to entrepreneurship was deeply personal for Dena, providing both therapeutic fulfillment and a creative outlet. Her journey exemplifies resilience, courage, and the power of pursuing one’s passion even in the face of major life changes.
Beyond her business, Dena is committed to giving back to the community. She supports cancer survivors through special initiatives, and she intends to collaborate with organizations serving veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and survivors of domestic violence. Dena’s philosophy centers on meaningful impact through compassion, consistency, and perseverance. Her story reflects a life dedicated to service, creativity, and the joy of making a positive difference in the lives of others.
• Brown Mackie College - AAS
• Cancer Organization
• Supporting Cancer Survivors
• Donating to Domestic Violence Survivors
• Supporting Veterans and Homeless
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith and staying true to myself. I believe every challenge carries a lesson, and it’s important to know your worth and never settle for less. I focus on surrounding myself with like-minded, supportive people and maintaining hope, which has been key to both my personal and professional growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received—beyond faith and believing in myself—was to remember that impact matters more than titles. If you can make even one person’s life a little better through the work you do, you’re already successful.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: the world is yours. Opportunities are already in front of you—you just have to believe in yourself. Stay true to who you are, ignore those who try to define you, and don’t be afraid of failure. Failure is part of the journey; it’s how we learn, grow, and ultimately succeed. The people who achieve the most are often those who have failed the most—and kept going.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, I see my biggest challenges as balancing time and responsibilities. Juggling business growth, hiring, personal time, and family requires careful planning and sometimes making sacrifices. At the same time, I view these challenges as opportunities to grow, prioritize effectively, and focus on what truly matters while pursuing my goals.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are compassion, consistency, resilience, and gratitude. I also place a strong emphasis on faith and a commitment to helping others—always striving to pay it forward whenever I can.