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What if a family joke became the blueprint for a second chance? We sit down with Ryan and Anne-Marie Villiers to unpack how a terrifying early brush with COVID—coma, code, and the long climb back—sparked the creation of Donut Kitty, a design-forward donut and coffee brand built to deliver delight in small, perfect moments. From a father–daughter trip to Iceland and late-night street-cart “kitties” to a home kitchen filled with test batches, their story blends craft, grit, and a refusal to give up.

Ryan shares how a career in digital design shaped a brick-and-mortar vision: a lighter, yeast-raised donut inspired by malasadas and beignets, finished with handmade fillings and glazes that are balanced rather than cloying. Coffee isn’t an afterthought; it’s curated to pair with each bite. Hear how they source and roast blends like the versatile Cat Box, plan for on-site roasting, and design an experience where music, color, and playful merch turn a purchase into a memory. Anne-Marie opens up about becoming a patient advocate, navigating insurance, and finding strength she didn’t know she had, then channeling that resolve into pop-ups that tested brand resonance, improved average order sizes, and sparked social buzz.

Beyond tactics and tasting notes, we explore the engine of perseverance: giving yourself space to feel hard days, taking the first imperfect step, and choosing community. You’ll leave with a rare, practical look at how to validate a food concept, pair coffee like a pro, and build a brand that bridges digital and physical without losing its heart. Most of all, you’ll hear how hope can look like warm dough, bright fruit, and a cup brewed to meet it halfway.

Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a lift, and leave a quick review to help more people find stories of grit and joy. Then tell us: what flavor pairing would you line up for first?

Donut Kitty - Donut Kitty

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