Donna Luke shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Donna, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I used to work 90 hours a week so the joy of being able to celebrate birthdays and holidays with my family is such an amazing treat. I am really enjoying the little things that I never had a chance to, like NAPS…..
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My grandfather, uncles, and father all worked in hospitality. The hospitality industry isn’t just familiar to me, it’s in my blood. My grandfather owned a small take out shop on the Lower East Side of Manhattan where he worked diligently every day to prepare orders for his customers and to provide for his family. My dad worked alongside his father for years. The dedication it takes to run a shop like this instills an intense work ethic that was passed down to me from them. They inspired me to earn my B.S. degree in Hospitality from NYU so I could pursue this passion at a higher level.
I thought, what better way for me to grow in the industry than directly from some of New York’s prime restaurants. The most important lesson I learned from this was that here is always a way to not say “no.” I have taken the lesson with me that there is always a way to create an opportunity or happiness. This perspective has given me the chance to create so much joy for others throughout my career. After decades of working in many different concepts, I decided to fulfill my dream of bringing happiness to others in my own way.
Using this experience and the work ethic learned from generations of my family I became an entrepreneur to share my vision of hospitality through providing the comfort of coffee. Coffee has always brought me joy. A warm cup of deliciousness offering you a moment of silence and comfort. In a way, no one is more hospitable than coffee. This is why I chose coffee.
I had a custom trailer built that was designed to offer all the services that would normally be found in a café, but in a mobile setting. Our menu consists of specialty espresso based drinks, drip coffee, tea, and a variety of pastries I source from local bakeries. I have set up in communities, local farmers markets, wineries, and curbside. The response has been very positive. There is a limited number of specialty coffee shops in my area, and I can see that a need is being fulfilled by my business.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mentor… He was my biggest cheerleader and he believed in throwing a person into the pool to see if you sink or swim. He would say GO DO YOUR THING. He said fear is a power use it. Always find different way of looking at a problem, you never fail you just learn,
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I struggle with dyslexia so every day can be hard and sometimes I want to give up. The struggle of feeling not normal or smart always makes me want to throw my hands up, but I have to convince myself that its ok to be different and its ok if it takes you a little longer than others.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think the hospitality industry is not what it use to be. I think we have forgotten how simple it can be just to smile and make someone’s day and how we forget that the simple gesture of kindness is really all that it takes. We tend to go on the offensive first and jump to conclusions all it really takes is an open mind to change a scenario.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Absolutely hospitality is in my blood… Its a feeling that you cant explain. To make someone smile is everything…
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.redenvelopecoffees.com
- Instagram: @redenvelopecoffees
- Facebook: @redenvelopecoffees
