Bake With Love - Darling Donuts

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alyssa Lancia, founder, and owner of Darling Donuts, located in Hamilton, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a Gourmet Mini Baked Donut Shop with the aim to indulge your taste buds with our Mini Bites! We offer Gluten-Free and Vegan options to be inclusive for all to enjoy donuts! We specialize in Custom Mini Donuts for all sorts of Special Events such as Birthdays, Weddings, Showers, any occasion. You name it! We cater to those that have a sweet tooth but don't want to commit to a whole large donut - these are guilt-free! We have loved serving our community, especially through all walks of life during their Special Occasions - from Engagement parties, weddings, baby showers, and birthdays - we love being a part of your memories.

Tell us about yourself

I have always had a strong passion for baking. It started when I was at University, and I would bake when I didn't feel like studying. I mostly focused on gluten-free and dairy-free options because I was sensitive! Fast forward after school at Western University, I worked in several different HR Contracts. I felt that something was missing from this life. When I moved out with my now-husband, I brought back my passion for baking. I soon started making mini donuts for friends and family, and the rest is history! I grew up in a family business. It has always inspired me to work in the food industry and follow my passions doing what I love and being my own boss. I've been very lucky to have the support of the Hamilton community to grow this business and trust in my baking.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

For me, my biggest accomplishment in this business has been building a community of like-minded female business owners. I've had the pleasure of meeting so many incredible people who have helped me along this journey and given me the opportunity to build so many new great friendships. The biggest achievement to me is the people you meet along the way and growing those relationships with like-minded people.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest part has been initially taking full responsibility for everything you do. When things go wrong, there is no one to blame but yourself - but it also gives me an opportunity to think about how I can improve it for the future. Working in large companies as an employee, there is a totally different mindset of the responsibility you accept and use, vs. as a small business owner. For me, it has been realizing everything I do behind Darling Donuts is a reflection of who I am and my brand, and I need to be very mindful of my approach to making decisions in this business.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

I always love this question and love asking other people this too. I would say, if you have an idea, start running through your mind what it would look like, and start writing it down, making it real, and create little to no steps on the way to move towards that goal slowly. Come up with a name, a small business plan, social media pages, and start getting the word out. Just start with something- this is my first tip.

My 2nd Tip - Understand all the processes in place to get there to make it actually happen. An idea is nice, but it's important to do the research on what you will need, how much you'll have to spend, and all that sort of stuff so you can understand the realities.

The Third is, Consistency is key. In everything you do for the business. For example, I find a correlation between how much time I spend on the Darling Donuts Instagram and engagement with my followers/the community. By posting every day, sharing stories, etc., you are staying consistent, relevant to people, and reminding them, you are around.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Building a business has been one of the most rewarding things I have done. Yes, it's rewarding when you accomplish something in a company, but there's another type of reward you feel since you are the one that founded the company from the beginning. Don't lose that spirit, and keep trying new things - because having a business should always mean learning something new all the time and doing things that scare you! I know for me, I am learning every single day, especially now with creating reels and video content!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://darlingdonuts.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darlingdonuts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darling.donuts.hamilton/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.