> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.foundedbywomen.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # From a Small Town to a Big Dream: How Raynette Jones Turned Grief Into RJ's Dessert Bar - URL: https://www.foundedbywomen.org/women-who-lead/from-a-small-town-to-a-big-dream-how-raynette-jones-turned-grief-into-rjs-dessert-bar/ - Published: 2026-09-28T03:36:40.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-28T03:36:40.000Z - Author: Editorial team - Tags: Women Who Lead Raynette Jones always carried a big dream, long before [RJ's Dessert Bar](https://www.facebook.com/share/1ceH4sVJzd/?mibextid=wwXIfr) had a name, a menu, or a place in her community. She knew she wanted to build something of her own, something that would turn her creativity into a business and her passion into purpose. But her path to entrepreneurship was anything but straightforward. At some of the biggest turning points in her life, Raynette faced devastating loss, losing both of her parents and her sister. Grief tested her in ways she never expected, forcing her to keep moving forward while carrying a weight that never fully goes away. Yet somewhere in the middle of that heartbreak, she realized her life still had purpose, and that the dreams she carried had become even more meaningful, not less. That realization became a turning point. Raynette stopped waiting for the perfect moment and went full throttle, building RJ's Dessert Bar from the ground up. What began as a dream became a business plan, then orders, then sold-out catering events. Today, she's sharing her story to remind other women, especially young women, that their hardest chapter doesn't have to be their final one, and that sometimes you just have to bet on yourself before anyone else can see what you're capable of. > Know a founder (or are one) doing incredible work? **Founded by Women Awards** are open for entries. If you're building something bold, leading with purpose, or driving change in your industry, we'd love for you to enter. 👉 [foundedbywomen.org/awards](https://www.foundedbywomen.org/awards/) --- ### Q: What led you to start RJ's Dessert Bar, and how did the losses you experienced shape your decision to finally go all in on the dream? RJ's Dessert Bar was born from a dream I carried for years. For a long time, it was something I talked about, prayed about, and imagined, but I didn't fully pursue it. Life had a way of teaching me some hard lessons and forcing me to put certain dreams on the back burner. I experienced some of the deepest losses of my life at pivotal moments. Grief has a way of making you look at life differently. It reminded me that tomorrow is not promised and that the dreams God places inside of us shouldn't always be postponed. For a while, I questioned whether I was really capable of turning my passion into a business. But when I began praying for confirmation and God started opening doors, I knew I couldn't keep talking myself out of what I had been called to do. Once I received that confirmation, I went full throttle. RJ's Dessert Bar became more than a baking business. It became a way for me to turn pain into purpose. Every cake, cookie, dessert, and order represents another step toward the dream I once only imagined. It represents resilience, faith, and the courage to start again. What makes this journey even more meaningful is knowing that I'm not doing it just for myself. I want my story to encourage other women and especially young women to believe that their circumstances don't have to determine their future. You can experience loss and still have purpose. You can start over. You can dream again. And when the opportunity comes, you have to be willing to go all in. RJ's Dessert Bar is my reminder that sometimes the dream survives even when life tries to convince you to let it go. I believe God gave me the vision, and now I'm doing my part to build it with faith, hard work, and purpose. ### Q: Can you share a moment, maybe a sold-out event or a specific order, that made you feel like you were really building something lasting? One of the moments that really made me realize I was building something lasting was seeing my desserts sell out at events. There were moments when I started with a table full of treats, wondering if people would buy them, and then looked up to realize almost everything was gone. It was confirmation that something I had once only dreamed about was becoming a real business. Every sold-out event, custom order, and returning customer reminds me that RJ's Dessert Bar is growing into something bigger than I imagined. ### Q: What's one piece of advice you'd give other women, especially young women, who have a dream but keep talking themselves out of it? Stop talking yourself out of what you prayed for. Sometimes we allow fear, doubt, or the thought that we're not ready to keep us from taking the first step. You don't have to have everything figured out before you begin. Start where you are, use what you have, and be willing to learn along the way. Trust God, trust the process, and don't be afraid to outgrow the version of yourself that was comfortable playing small. Your past, your setbacks, and even your mistakes do not disqualify you from your dream. I would encourage every woman, especially young women, to believe in what God has placed inside of them and give themselves permission to go after it. Start scared, start small, but start and don't stop until you see the vision become reality. > Are you a woman leader with an inspiring story? Founded by Women elevates the voices of women making an impact. > Breaking barriers or paving the way for others? We'd love to feature you. Get in touch! 👉 [hi@foundedbywomen.org](mailto:hi@foundedbywomen.org)