Single mom launches online gourmet brownie business with help of BYU-Idaho students
Published at
REXBURG — For Jenny Watson, life has presented no shortage of challenges.
The single mother of four is a full-time caregiver to her son Max, who has Coffin Siris Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that results in severe disabilities.
But Watson and her sister, Karyl Vassilaros, have recently launched an e-commerce venture and gourmet brownie brand with the support of BYU-Idaho students who are participating in a new experiential learning program.
Rogue Brownies is the result of a collaboration between Watson’s vision and the hands-on work of the students who contributed through a project-based internship course. Designed to help students build skills and gain real-world experience, the program pairs small student teams with entrepreneurs and companies on real projects that result in meaningful deliverables.
Students receive academic credit while the sponsoring business benefits from the team’s creativity and execution.
“Working with the students was phenomenal. Their enthusiasm and talent was so inspiring and it’s my hope that Rogue Brownies can inspire others, especially those struggling to see a way forward,” Watson explained. “I believe some of the best ideas are born in hard times, and I believe this company is one of them.”
Students receive academic credit while the sponsoring business benefits from the team’s creativity and execution.
“Connecting with the BYUI experiential learning program was so helpful,” Vassilaros said. “Not only did they provide great support, skill, and talent, but the students also helped fuel the motivation and energy to help Jenny’s dream take flight.”
Watson’s company is based in Great Falls, Montana and her products are made with Montana-sourced ingredients. Rogue’s lineup includes handcrafted recipes like the “Ringleader,” a classic fudge brownie perfected over generations, and the eye-catching “Golden Child,” adorned with 24-karat gold leaf.
“Jenny once told me she decided to put gold on her brownies because she was tired of feeling like everything was out of reach,” Vassilaros said. “She wanted a reminder that we all deserve something extraordinary.”
The brand has already begun to gain traction, not only with customers but with regional media. KRTV in Great Falls, Montana recently spotlighted Rogue Brownies in a segment, leading to a spike in orders from those eager to support Jenny’s entrepreneurial journey.
“Jenny has a drive and love for brownies and I love that,” said BYU-Idaho student Conor Kekauoha. “Jenny’s story is so inspiring, and I’m grateful I was given the opportunity to work with her and Karyl.”
Student Lisa Terhune added, “One word I would use to describe my time with Rogue Brownies is ‘joyful.’ They made us feel good about the work we did. I’m so grateful to be a part of their journey.”
Rogue Brownies is a story of resilience, creativity, and joy in unexpected places. For Watson and Vassilaros, as well as the BYUI students who helped them, every batch carries a message: success doesn’t have to follow a traditional recipe, and sometimes, the sweetest ventures begin quietly, in the corners of real life.
You can learn more about the company and order Rogue Brownies here.