Meet Melissa Rudd | Owner & Operator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Rudd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
You can not be all things to all people. Do one thing and do it well. Our motto is “It’s all about the donuts” and we refer to that when making decisions. Does it compliment our main product? If you diverge into many areas, it waters down what you do. Stick to what you know and do it the best you can. Do what you are passionate about and learn everything you can about it.

What should our readers know about your business?
I had always made donuts with my mom when I was little and with my boys when they were little. I am italian and food connects people. I was an audiologist and my husband a corporate attorney and when he was downsized and we were deciding what to do with the next phase of our lives, I jokingly said, “I could make donuts for the rest of my life” and he said “let’s do it!” and DaVinci’s Donuts was born. We make smaller, lighter cake style donuts unlike any other that you can customize. I am proud that In 6 year, we have grown to 3 stores, 1 franchisee and 1 on the way. It was challenging for us to learn to run a small business and with all that that it entails, which is much more that anyone knows.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would start with a night or two in the beautiful Georgia mountains. We love to take a few days when possible to get away to Blue Ridge with our family and relax with the beautiful views, do a little hiking and walk to the adorable downtown area. We would also spend some time in downtown Alpharetta. It has a special place in my heart, since it is not only the slight of our first DaVinci’s location but also where we live, We would of course start with donuts from DaVinci’s and our coffee exclusively from Jittery Joes out of Athens GA. Then head to the downtown area which is full of great shops and restaurants, like Smokejack’s with amazing BBQ or hang out on the green with a sandwich from Never Enough Time. Heading into downtown ATL, we would visit the Aquarium and the World of Coke since there is no where else like these two fun and amazing places and dinner at Rumi’s, great persian food. We would end with taking home dessert from Alpine Bakery, huge 4 layer cakes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Although I am the “face” of the business, I could not have had the success without the partnership of my husband Andy. He is the driving force behind our business. I take care of the front of the house, ie product, staffing, customer service and marketing, He takes care of the paperwork, scheduling, ordering, vendors, and payroll. It works out well and it is too big of a job for one person. You need people in your business who will help you succeed.

Website: https://www.davincisdonuts.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davincisdonuts/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-rudd-53ba089a/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davincisdonuts
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/da-vincis-donuts-sandy-springs

Image Credits
Kelly Berry Photography for the “donut st” photo