LORI KETTELLE, OWNER, PVDONUTS

Lori Kettelle at PVDonuts, photographed by Sarah Hummel

"I still come in everyday and am shocked that people wait in line for our donuts. It is such a wonderful feeling and something I don't think I will ever get used to."



What do you do in the food world and what do you love about it?
I make donuts for a living! Sounds super fun right?! It is, but also a ton of work and early wake ups. I have always loved working in the food industry, the constant rush, being able to think on your feet and work quickly. The best part is being surrounded by people who are on the same page with you, being able to work with friends everyday and provide the city with some tasty treats.

What's your favorite donut on the menu right now? How do you come up with your creative donut ideas?

My favorite donut right now and always will be the cruller, I sound like I'm 90  We change our menu every month, so it is super important to pull our team together and come up with whats in season, what is trending, what is something we've always wanted to try? Team work and collaboration has always been a major part of our menu building since day 1.  

 

PVDonuts is wicked popular (congrats!), you're constantly selling out donuts and people regularly wait in line to try your donuts. How do you handle the pressure and excitement  that  accompanies such high volume? 
I still come in everyday and shocked that people wait in line for our donuts. It is such a wonderful feeling and something I don't think I will ever get used to it. I take every day a day at a time. I try to keep weekly goals to keep myself and the team on the same page so no one feels overwhelmed. Also naps, naps help A LOT.

How do you resist the patriarchy?
I resist the patriarchy by supporting women owned businesses, partnering with women for collaborations, and speaking at events/panels in support of women entrepreneurs. I think its important to show that we are all in this together, and we all have each others backs and that there is a support system whether you know it or not!

How does the women in food community in providence (other women owners) support you?
We all support each other! It is such a great feeling to be able to text other ladies in the area for advice or just to talk about the day. Everyone is so supportive and willing to share their experiences, I learn from them all in different ways. We have all become such good friends from it.

 

 

Photo by Sarah Hummel

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