Our Story
Hi, I’m Daniel — and if you know me, you’ve probably tasted something from my kitchen.
Maybe it was a box of cookies dropped off “just because,” a platter of scones for a meeting, or a cake for your birthday. I’ve always found joy in baking for others. It’s how I relax, how I celebrate, and how I show up for people I care about.
After a whirlwind year (you too?!), I’ve decided to finally turn that joy into something a bit more intentional. I’m starting small, local, and deeply personal…with a new home bakery here in Chapel Hill called Dusted.
Dusted is about more than sugar and flour. It’s about slowing down, making things from scratch, and sharing something special with the people around us. My baked goods lean classic — sugar cookies, Southern-style biscuits, and custom (fun!) cakes — but always with a creative twist and a bit of powdered sugar magic.
I’m launching with something simple: The Dusted Dozen Subscription Box — four seasonal boxes a year, each one filled with 13 handmade treats, because around here a dozen always means one extra. It helps me plan ahead, bake with care, and serve a small group of folks really well. It’s also a great way to treat yourself throughout the year or give a thoughtful gift that keeps giving.
This isn’t a big glossy operation. There’s no storefront, no staff, no perfectly piped fondant. Just one guy, some good recipes, a couple of baking sheets, and a deep belief in the power of food to connect us.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re officially one of the first people I’ve told — which means you’re also helping hold me accountable for actually doing this.
Want to be part of my founding batch? Get your Dusted Dozen box now!
About Me
Hi, I’m Daniel (on the left!) — Chapel Hill resident and business owner, proud dad of twins, and now, small-batch baker behind Dusted.
By day (and for most of my career), I’ve been in the world of nonprofits, leadership, and strategy — a Duke MBA with a full calendar and a fast-paced job. I’ve led teams, grown 7-figure businesses, and worn all the hats you’d expect of a CEO type. But somewhere in the midst of all that, I found that the place I felt most grounded wasn’t in the boardroom — it was in my kitchen.
Baking has always been a quiet passion of mine. It started with banana bread (ask me sometime about that story — my husband gets all the credit). Over the years, it’s turned into late-night cookie sessions, school bake-offs, and the joy of sharing scones with a neighbor who didn’t ask for them but definitely needed one.
I learned the basics from my husband (Golden Girls birthday boy on the right) — and the love of it from my Aunt Susan, who taught me that the best desserts are never just about sugar. They’re about care, consistency, and a pinch of kindness. She passed that down to me, and I’m trying to pass it on with every batch.
My 7-year-old twins are my most honest taste-testers (and the ones most likely to swipe the powdered sugar when I’m not looking). They’re part of this adventure too, and a big reason I decided to take the leap and turn something personal into something more.
Dusted is about building something slow and good — from scratch, with purpose — and sharing it with the people around me. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself, show up for a friend, or support a local business with heart, I hope you’ll be part of this next chapter.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!