What does The Art of Being Female mean to you?
Wherever we are, whatever we do, and whomever we interact with are influenced by a divine spark that moves us. It’s a thread weaving into each landscape of our lives, embedding it with our unique signature. For me, it’s a belief that we are all connected. We are meant to be as one. The more we do to nurture that connectedness, the closer we get to our innate truth and purpose.
How did you conceive the idea for Sidecar Doughnuts?
It was Sumter’s idea. I was still doing photography at the time, and running LMNOP. Sumter was really into learning about coffee and wanted to start a third wave coffee brand. Along the way, he decided that doughnuts would be the perfect companion alongside his coffee. Eventually, the doughnut concept took over and became our focus. In the early days, we were doing tastings in our home. One day Craig, Sumters’ dad, was passing through the kitchen and took notice of the little doughnut holes placed alongside some freshly fried doughnuts. “Look at that!” he said. “Those look like little sidecars!” We loved the sound of it and the name stuck.
Why doughnuts?
Because almost everyone from every sub-culture in America has a happy recollection of eating doughnuts at some place and time in life. It’s nostalgic comfort food, and it’s happy.
How many Sidecars are there and where?
Four; Costa Mesa, Santa Monica, Del Mar, Torrance, (Manhattan Beach and The Grove, in Los Angeles–are currently under construction).
Tell us about the food truck…
It’s sort of a beefed up modernized health-dept-approved version of our beloved old red vintage truck from the early days. The amount of requests for that truck was simply too much and it’s poor old engine began sputtering to an end. Additionally, we weren’t able to offer fresh doughnuts from that original truck and we wanted to ensure our commitment to freshness.
With this new truck, we’re able to fry fresh on-site. It can be seen at pop ups, hired gatherings, and the new neighborhoods we plan to move into.
Who designed our Costa Mesa Sidecar (which is the first) and who designs the others?
Based on the location and local flavor of the neighborhood, Sumter constructs a vision and selects an architect to help materialize that vision… although I really think Sumter could do it all himself. He’s a closet architect 🙂 and has a beautiful sense of design which continues to refine itself with each project.
What is your favorite Sidecar doughnut?
I love butter and salt, but sometimes a new seasonal flavor will surprise me and I get swept away…. recently,, it was Tart Cherry. Wow wow wow!
What is one thing you know for sure when it comes to business?
With right intention, business has the opportunity to bend the space around it towards something good and powerful.
You have had several ventures since I’ve known you. I used to be a dedicated shopper in your children’s store, LMNOP and your photography skills are really touching. I love your style. Do you have other dreams and ideas you’d like to see through?
Yes, yes, yes!! I have notebooks filled with dreams and ideas.
The hardest part is forcing myself to stop, and listen. Not get too carried away with daydreaming and endless ideas. To pause and create space, allowing those subtle nudges to surface organically. Currently, I’m working on a concept with a focus on community togetherness, gathering, and a high level of carefree, soul-filled, feel good fun. (coming soon)………
How do you balance raising 4 girls with running a business?
I wouldn’t say I’ve achieved balance–moments of balance, maybe. Does a nanosecond here and there count?? It’s so difficult. Whether we’re raising one child or no child, life doesn’t just fall into balance. It takes a village and a solid support system to raise children and run a business. I think we give ourselves a great gift when we nurture a tight circle of people to journey through life with. It’s how we’re meant to live–in communion with one another. The more we cultivate this, the more we build solid ground on which to live. And the more we feel capable of striving towards a balance within our challenge-filled lives.
I also love quiet and stillness in the form of a tea ceremony. Also known as Cha Dao. To describe it in a simple way, it’s the practice of sitting in silence, drinking tea… and lingering, allowing thoughts and judgements to enter and exit the mind. Sort of a tea meditation where you’re left feeling calm, awake, and serene.