A Taste for Success

Grew up in: Westport, CT. Her father opened the first Stew Leonard’s retail store in the neighboring town of Norwalk, CT.

Education and early experience: After earning degrees in French and business at Skidmore College and Middlebury, Hollis started the bakery business at the family’s retail store. “I went to France after graduation and came back excited about French croissants. I said, ‘Dad, we’ve got to make and sell these at the store.’ He always wanted me to work in the business, and so he gave me the go-ahead to try it.” Croissants became one of the best-selling items in the bakery.