Today we’d like to introduce you to Rory Balkin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Donut Digest was born about two years ago as a creative outlet. I had just moved to Texas for my husband’s residency program, we didn’t know anyone in DFW, and I wanted something to do while looking for a full-time job.
They say write what you know, so donuts just came as a natural hobby. When living in Chicago, Mike and I would grab coffee and donuts every weekend. It became a tradition while traveling too. We even had a donut bar at our wedding! Within weeks of getting married and moving to Texas, I created a website, typed up an Excel spreadsheet of all the donut shops in the metroplex, and began my quest while Mike was working odd shifts at the hospital.
Has it been a smooth road?
Life is never a smooth road, but that’s what makes it exciting. In the early days of Donut Digest, my photography skills were not up to par. I’m not proud of some of my initial reviews as far as writing goes. I struggled to grow the brand as fast as I wanted, and even my friendships in a new city. I could go on!
It wasn’t until early 2018 when I quit an overly demanding job that I realized I needed to put myself out there. Instead of doing it all myself, I made a conscious effort to engage with the community here. I joined some blogging groups. I listened to podcasts. I asked questions and pitched ideas.
It’s easy to say “Someday I want to do this” or “Now’s not the right time.” Don’t wait for things to be perfect. You have to act and learn from your successes and failures. One of my favorite passages comes from The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson:
“Improvement at anything is based on thousands of tiny failures, and the magnitude of your success is based on how many times you’ve failed at something. If someone is better than you at something, then it’s likely because they’ve failed at it more than you have […] If you think about a young child trying to learn to walk, the child will fall down and hurt itself hundreds of times. But at no point does that child ever stop and think, ‘Oh. I guess walking just isn’t for me. I’m not good at it.’”
Remember, there’s free education everywhere! Get a library card, download podcasts, and make Google your best friend. Other books I’d recommend are Grit by Angela Duckworth and Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. For podcasts, check out Goal Digger by Jenna Kutcher, Online Marketing Made Easy by Amy Porterfield, The Influencer Podcast by Julie Solomon, and The Tim Ferriss Show. I learned a lot about online marketing through sites like WPBeginner, Udemy, and Skillshare.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Donut Digest – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Donut Digest was originally intended as a niche version of Yelp. I quickly realized that the decent donut shops in the metroplex were far less than advertised online. Once I sorted through the top players, I pivoted the brand a bit. Now I focus on drool-worthy donut shots, donut news (for example, did you know that 3 of the top donut shops in the metroplex host monthly donut and beer pairings?) and donut-related downloads. I enjoy creating Instagram story templates, cell phone lock screens, and GIFs for my Instagram followers. My latest blog series features interviews with donut bloggers across the country. Believe it or not, there’s more than one person blogging about donuts! It’s been rewarding to build connections, expand my audience, and share their stories too.
For the rest of 2018, I’m challenging myself to provide value in real life. I have some fun events in the works that I can’t wait to share. As a marketer myself, it’s always a fun challenge to put my skills to the test!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
My best advice is to join community groups. Dallas Girl Gang and Dallas Bloggers Brunch are great places to start. Volunteer at events and provide value for others first. Don’t be afraid to DM an influencer or blogger either! Most influencers are lovely people who want to help.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.donutdigest.com
- Email: info@donutdigest.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donutdigest
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donutdigest
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/donutdigest/
Image Credit:
All images taken by me, Rory Balkin, except the one of me holding the sushi donuts from Earnest Donuts, Photographer: @foodwithmonica
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
