Doreen Gardner is the founder and CEO of Papa’s Brittle, a rapidly growing business based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. What began as a family tradition of making peanut brittle for holiday gifts has blossomed into a beloved brand known for its unmatched freshness and smooth taste. Doreen's passion for this family recipe, passed down from her father, has driven her success.

In 2021, Doreen first offered her peanut brittle for sale after posting on Facebook, where she quickly sold over 200 pounds. Recognizing the market potential, she officially launched Papa's Brittle and has become a familiar face at the Kalamazoo Farmer’s Market. In 2022, Doreen won the Catalyst Maker’s Mart competition and received the prestigious NAACP Powershift Grant, giving her $25,000 and mentorship from Shark Tank’s Daymond John.

Her entrepreneurial journey is marked by several milestones, including graduating from the Black Entrepreneurship Training Academy (BETA) and completing a successful Kiva campaign. Doreen has also worked with local business development organizations, such as Can Do Kitchen, Michigan State University Product Center, and Southwest Michigan First’s Catalyst University.

Through her business, Doreen continues to honor her family’s legacy while leading the way for other Black entrepreneurs in her community.