Dana N. Dumas
Dana N. Dumas is the CEO and founder of SugarJam The Southern Kitchen in Scottsdale and SugarJam Cookies, LLC. This Mother’s Day, The Market by SugarJam, a one-of-a-kind gift shop in the restaurant, has got you covered with curated finds from local small businesses.
Mom to: Fraternal twin boys, Brayden and Brody, 13
Hometown: Riverdale, New York, NY
Favorite ways to spend family time in AZ: We love going to the gym, swimming or playing basketball. In addition, we love to travel and watch movies together.
Your most rewarding motherhood moment: Outside of having my children, just watching them grow and develop into young teens is amazing. Watching the transition of boys grow from children to teenagers and their desire to be a part of the family business. Brayden loves to cook and on Sundays, you will catch him in the kitchen on the line. You will catch Brody in the front bussing tables, conversing with the customers and helping the servers. It’s amazing to watch their work ethic develop.
Biggest challenge as a mom: Balancing growing my “girl” SugarJam The Southern Kitchen and raising the boys. The total concepts of SugarJam have started since December 2011. As the boys were growing so was my business. Thank goodness for my husband and family to help me out so I could realize my dream and make it tangible.
A mother who inspires you and why: Besides my mother, my Grandmother Thelma was a shining star in my eyes. She was a hard-working woman who had three daughters and was a phenomenal cook. Before I was born, my grandmother and grandfather owned two restaurants in Harlem, NY. Her love, hard work and prioritization of putting family first will always be forever in my heart.
Best piece of advice for a new mom: Have patience and enjoy the newness of motherhood as babies grow up so fast. If you need help, make sure you get it. Having a good support system is key.
Your biggest hope for your children: I hope they realize their passions and pursue what they want to do in life, so that work doesn’t seem like work.
How are you celebrating Mother’s Day? I will probably be celebrating the weekend before with a trip to the spa and with dinner. Mother’s Day is one of our busiest days at the restaurant. We are about two weeks out and have already booked 308 reservations for Mother’s Day brunch.