Local, Fresh, Nothing Artificial! - Rose Dough Donuts
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Katie Passo, Founder of Rose Dough Donuts, located in Columbus, OH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Rose Dough Donuts is an online donut shop! We make specialty handmade dough from scratch - for Brioche Donuts, Old Fashioneds, and French Crullers. Our commitment to you: make delicious and beautiful small-batch donuts using local, non-GMO or organic ingredients wherever possible, nothing artificial! Every dough, glaze, and frosting is made by hand from carefully-selected ingredients to create the best donuts you've ever had.
Tell us about yourself
I'm Katie Passo, creator and head donut lady at Rose Dough Donuts - which stands for our risen, puffy dough + my middle name, after my great-grandmother Rose. I grew up in Columbus baking with my mother and grandmothers and loved that special time together, plus getting to eat something sweet at the end. Fast forward to 20 years living in Chicago, a career as a PR exec...and a pandemic...I started making donuts at home and dreaming of the future. After a year of isolation, my husband and I (and our two small pups) moved back to Columbus to be closer to family and make our donut dreams come true. I've been an avid home baker and cake shop intern and have a certificate from the French Pastry School's "Intro to Pastry Arts." I want to make the best donuts you've ever had by using specially-selected ingredients - local, farm-fresh eggs and butter; family-owned, midwestern organic flour and nothing artificial!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Launching our business 5 months early! I had a goal to be selling donuts in some way, shape, or form by National Donut Day 2022 (June 3), and we actually launched in January 2022!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Navigating the business side of the business. I'm creative; I want to make donuts - but so many other things go into being successful.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you have all the right licenses and forms.
- Make friends in your industry.
- Reach out to local media outlets.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Clintonville is home, and we're committed to donating to the Clintonville Resource Center each month. We look forward to making you happy through donuts!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.rosedoughdonuts.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosedoughdonuts/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosedoughdonuts/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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