We all love hearing stories about the "good ole days," one of my dad's favorite memories entails mini donuts. Growing up in New Mexico, my dad would take me to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Through all those years of balloons and culture, sharing warm cinnamon sugar donuts was the sweetest memory.

Years later, I made mini donuts in my kitchen to recreate a memory we were both so fond of. Again, my father and I bonded over a plate of warm mini donuts that tasted of sugared nostalgia. The joy I experienced was something I knew I had to share. I wanted to bring people together in the same way to create their own special moments. After 20+ years in corporate America, I traded my business suit and heels for an apron and mixer.

With the help of my husband and co-founder Todd, we embarked on our journey around Nashville in a small blue food truck. Our donuts became so popular among the community that my family and I began filling orders out of our house and food truck. We were overwhelmed with orders, and my kids were tired of going to school smelling like the Tennessee State Fair. So, we decided it was time for a brick-and-mortar.

Todd was hesitant to spend our life savings on a gamble.

When the idea of pairing alcohol with donuts was presented, getting him on board wasn't too hard. "Free" beer for life was all he could think about, and he said, "I'm all in." At that moment, the Donut Distillery was born in the groovy area of East Nashville, Tennessee.

Throughout this journey, we have faced many challenges, but the boundless joy spread to many unique people has made it all worth it. We are proud to have created a business that is more than just a donut shop but a place where people can come together and create their own special moments. My husband and I take pride in our tight-knit relationships with our customers, community, and each other as we revolutionize the donut.

By Shauna Donovan McCoy

In loving memory of Iron Mike Donovan