Today we’d like to introduce you to Vandor Hill

Hi Vandor, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

I became a small business owner and started Whack Donuts! as a means of turning adversity into something positive. Following the consecutive losses of my grandmother, mother, aunt, and mentor, I sought comfort in my love for donuts and baking. Recognizing the potential in my product, I made the decision to transform my passion into a business. Whack Donuts! not only allows me to pay tribute to their memory but also enables me to create delectable, cruelty-free treats that cater to the growing demand for plant-based options. Through this venture, I have found a way to channel my grief into a meaningful endeavor and contribute to the dessert market. My personal experiences have profoundly influenced my journey as a small business owner, serving as the driving force behind the creation of Whack Donuts! and inspiring me to provide delicious vegan donuts to individuals seeking guilt-free indulgence. Additionally, my identity as a breakdancer has also played a pivotal role in shaping the development of my business. Whacko is the moniker I gained in my youth from dance competitions that led to me developing the name “Whack Donuts. In the world of hip-hop, something labeled wack is horrible, however, just like my dance, the donuts are not wack.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

No. This started as a single-person operation in 2020 when I first started doing pop-ups during the height of the pandemic. Finding adequate kitchen space as sales were increasing was the first hurdle since I was using my apartment at the time while also going to court fighting eviction against my landlord for a three-and-a-half-year stint and learning how to navigate all the spaces as a first-time small business owner in the city getting the proper permits, business registration, applying for grants, and other local programs with little to no guidance. Even when I was admitted to specific city programs to help my small business, though somewhat helpful in the earlier stages I was ultimately left to fend for myself and figure things out on my own. I still feel more help is needed for first-time small business owners like myself and my hope is that will do more to address this moving forward.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I make baked vegan donuts. I’m known for taking traditional donut flavors, putting a vegan spin on them, and making non-traditional flavors. I’m most proud of getting my donuts carried by Rainbow Grocery during my second year of starting my business in 2021. I feel what sets me apart from others is my approach to baking versus the traditional style of frying my donuts, and of course, my secret ingredient making these with love.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?

What matters the most to me is the satisfaction customers have eating my donuts. Without that there is no support for what I do so it’s important to me that I create a lasting impression. That’s my why

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whackdonuts/?hl=en
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/whack-donuts-san-francisco-2