What began as a neighborly act of kindness morphed into a buzzing local bakery that has become a household name in Birmingham. But Rolls Bakery owner Katie Cornutt isn’t just a baker-extraordinaire. She’s also a single mom of three who began searching for a way to work from home while caring for her youngest daughter’s severe health challenges.
While achieving the perfect work-life balance might be a stretch, Rolls has helped Katie get pretty close — from the early days of baking out of her home to her bustling storefront in Vestavia. Get to know this week’s FACE of Birmingham!
Tell us about you! Have you always loved baking?
My family moved to Alabama when I was 16, and I resided in Homewood after college. I am an only child and enjoyed helping in the kitchen while I was growing up. My mom instilled it in me at a young age — we had dessert after dinner every night and experimented with many different kinds of baking.
How did you find your way to baking professionally?
By accident! My youngest, Lyla, was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Due to her extensive medical complications, I figured out very quickly that I needed to be home to be a full-time caretaker for her. My oldest, Lennon, always loved my grandmother’s cinnamon rolls and would ask me to make them all the time.
Since I had more time on my hands, I would go through the lengthy process of rolling out the dough and letting it rise, and I learned the art of pretty cinnamon rolls. I started making so many cinnamon rolls that I began sharing them with my neighbors. One neighbor suggested that I start selling them through Instagram, and that started my “professional career.”
Tell us how Rolls quickly evolved from your work-from-home dream to a thriving local brand.
Social media and community support have played huge roles in where the business is today. Soon after I started selling on Instagram, I began to dream about having a brick-and-mortar where people could come and pick up cinnamon rolls, hang out, and leave uplifted in their spirit with full stomachs.
Is there a significant moment or milestone in your business journey that stands out?
The most meaningful moments that stand out to me are when my employees buy into the culture of loving others, going above and beyond with each person we encounter, and treating each other with love and respect. I love being in the office and overhearing our front counter pro, Laure, giving a customer what we like to call a “happy.” Or Christine, our sausage ball queen, going out to check on a family sitting at the table and truly taking an interest in what they have going on.
Did you start with only sweet rolls? Can you share a bit about the process of expanding into the diverse menu and catering services you offer today?
Yes, the cinnamon roll became the OG roll — and for good reason. Honestly, a lot of the expansion came from customer requests. People would ask if I could put certain combinations together, and I would try it. Other ideas would come to me in the shower or the middle of the night! Some ideas were amazing; others were not.
What’s your favorite thing to bake just for you and your family?
This is like a trick question! Right this minute, I am not baking or cooking for my children. We frequent our favorites for takeout instead. When IÂ do have extra time to bake, I really want to start my sourdough starter back … I enjoy the process of tweaking and improving.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Pilates is my absolute favorite activity. I also love to walk our Bernedoodle, Rocky, and sit around the table to talk about our days with the kids.
Who or what is inspiring you right now?
I joined the Les Dames d’Escoffier organization this year, and there are so many inspiring women I admire in this group — particularly Ashley McMakin of Ashley Mac’s and Kay Reed of IZ Cafe and Catering. They are both highly successful, down-to-earth, incredible women who seem to have it all figured out.
What is your best piece of advice?
Keep learning, taking the risk, treating others with kindness, and focusing on what you can control.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, name three things you can’t live without.
My Bible, Alani Energy Sticks, and my Whoop fitness tracker.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Last delicious local meal? GM Pizzeria
Favorite place to vacation? I love to cruise, preferably to a warmer climate!
Your go-to gift to give? That aren’t cinnamon rolls?! A Starbucks gift card
Favorite recent TV show binge? Lincoln Lawyer
Book(s) on your bedside table? The Maxwell Daily Reader by John C. Maxwell
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Birmingham women are doing inspiring work. Meet more of them over at our FACES archives!
