FOUNDEr

about the

A woman decorates cupcakes in a modern kitchen, standing at the counter with a piping bag, cupcakes on a tray, a metal mixing bowl, and a coffee machine in the background.

Her earliest memories include pineapple angel food dump cakes, dancing in the kitchen in a pink bikini, and hand-picking berries from the bushels beside her grandpa’s cattle fields. Born and raised in the heart of the South, Carleigh is no stranger to gathering in the heart of the home.

Grandma Louise and Grandpa Mack lived just two doors down from Carleigh’s childhood home. It was there—in the very house her mother was raised—that Carleigh first found her way around the kitchen. Two peas in a pod, Carleigh and Grandma Louise made everything from semi-homemade goodies to hummingbird nectar, which they’d set out on the porch so the hummingbirds could enjoy a sweet treat alongside them.

The kitchen quickly became Carleigh’s favorite place to be. For her seventh birthday (or “birth month,” as her family tends to celebrate the entire month of June), she was gifted a pink apron set complete with a chef’s hat and a cupcake kit.

Carleigh Underwood

A young girl wearing a pink chef hat and pink apron, eating a piece of cake with a fork in a kitchen.

Smiling woman sitting cross-legged on a kitchen counter reading a book in a modern kitchen with pendant lights, framed artwork, and a orchid plant.

A woman with long, wavy hair is leaning on a kitchen counter with her eyes closed and smiling. In front of her are six cupcakes topped with white frosting, and a small dish of sprinkles. She is wearing a colorful, floral dress.

A woman in a yellow dress smiling and holding a glass cake cover over a birthday cake in a modern kitchen.

Her love for the kitchen grew from a childhood playground into a true talent. Her dad quickly noticed her knack for mathematical measurements, creative ingredient swaps when they were one egg short, and an intuitive understanding of the chemistry behind baking. Blessed with a family who believed in turning dreams into reality, Carleigh transformed her hobby into a real business at just sixteen years old. What began as a cupcakery to raise money for cancer research quickly blossomed—she baked and sold thousands of cupcakes throughout the rest of her high school years.

Fast forward to Carleigh’s junior year at the University of South Alabama. After taking a step back from baking to focus on all things college, she found something—or rather, someone—who encouraged her to pursue a life she truly enjoyed. That Christmas, she unwrapped a pink apron. Just like that, she was transported back to her childhood kitchen in her very first apron, surrounded by the ones who always cheered her on.

And from that moment, Dolce was born.

A sweet reminder to enjoy life’s small, beautiful, delicious moments.
To seek true joy.
To live a life you love.