How we grew our small donut shop into 4 locations - DaVinci’s Donuts
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food & bev, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Rudd, founder at DaVinci’s Donuts, a local donut and coffee shop with multiple locations around Atlanta, USA.
Tell us all about your business...
DaVinci’s Donuts is a locally owned and operated donut and coffee shop that makes smaller sized donuts, made fresh on site daily.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?
I had always baked with my mom and we loved donuts. My husband and I started the Alpharetta location in 2014 and it has grown since then. I am Italian and am motivated by feeding others. I love when families come in and enjoy our donuts together.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Growing one location to 3 that we own and 1 franchise.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?
Being available at all times. It’s hard to take time off.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a small business today?
- Love your product/service. When you love it, it shows. Pick something you would do, even if it didn’t make money.
- Take time with your staff. They represent you to the community. You take care of them, they will take care of you.
- Get involved in your local community. It gives you another purpose with your business.
If there was one thing you could do repeatedly to help grow your business, what would it be?
Right now, it is finding good employees to hire.
What are some of the things you put in place to maintain a healthy work/life balance and to keep it all together?
Great staff to rely on, scheduling time for myself.
Who are some of your favorite entrepreneurs and best business resources/books?
I know a number of other Alpharetta business owners and rely on them for advice. We use Deputy and Square which has made communication with staff and customers easier.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I was an audiologist, my husband a lawyer. We didn’t know how to own and run a business, but we learned and continue to learn every day. Be patient with yourself, reach out to others for help when needed. It’s a lot of work, but working for yourself is very rewarding. We have taught our sons so much valuable, hands-on knowledge they would never have learned if we didn’t include them in the business.
Where can people find you online?
www.davincisdonuts.com
www.facebook.com/davincisdonuts
www.instagram.com/davincisdonuts/
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.