We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Josie Grim a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Josie, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I recently found out that mini donuts were served in WW1 on the front lines from ladies in the salvation army! They didn’t have a lot of supplies, food or resources but they made good use of what they had to make something that brought comfort to those around them. For example, they used metal helmets to fry the donuts in and old cans to cut the donuts. Despite the scary and harsh conditions, the donuts lassies left a lasting impact on the soldiers. The National Donut Day was created because of these ladies volunteering to help ease the hardships of the soldiers on the front line. The Salvation Army website states, “Both the presence of these courageous women and the donuts that tasted of home brought a light of hope and happiness to the battlefield — a much-needed morale boost for languishing soldiers. SUGAR + FLOUR + COURAGE. The donut was, and continues to be, a taste of home and a symbol of comfort to people living in the United States.”
I want to carry on that donut lassie legacy. I should start recording people’s initial reactions when they bite into a Holy Oly O mini donut because the joy is so contagious, I can feel it all the way in the trailer! I love that just like in WW1 and WW2, my job can bring a taste of hope and joy to all ages. I started my business out of a love for mini donuts and I want to continue the hard work to bring the tastiest mini donuts to my customers. I want Holy Oly Os to be a business my children can operate when I no longer can. I may not be on the front lines in a war but I believe the lines that form at my horse trailers are all opportunities to reach out and love those around me with something as small as a donut.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello!!
My name is Josie and I own Holy Oly Os mini donuts. I serve them fresh out of a horse trailer and created it in 2018. The idea sparked when my stepdad mentioned he wished there were mini donuts at our county fair. With help and support from family, friends and my community Holy Oly Os began. I chose to work inside of a horse trailer because of my love for horses; when I was young I rode everyday and I love that I can represent what I love while I work. It may make the working conditions harsher inside a horse trailer but I consider it a joy. My mom helped me find a mini donut fryer, my electrician powered my trailer, my friends and siblings helped me work events and God had all the details and opened all the doors.
It was difficult starting a small business by myself and I learned most from my mistakes. There were many times I was crying in the trailer thinking to myself I can’t do this, it’s too hard, I don’t know what I’m doing and the thought of disappointing a customer would feel overbearing at times. I assumed making a mini donut was easy but I learned fast that making mini donuts is a art that is crafted over time. Horse trailers get really hot in the summer and freezing in the winter which affects the fryer and dough and therefore constantly keeps you on your toes to make sure the mini donut stays consistent and top quality. I’m proud that I never gave up in the hard times and kept building my business despite all the set backs life can bring.
I am a single mom which makes being a small business owner fifty percent harder. Originally, I started my business as something to do on the side for fun but after going through COVID, a marriage, miscarriage, divorce and a newborn baby girl all in the same year from 2020-2021 Holy Oly Os became my full-time career path. I’m thankful that it has supported my little family all these years! I never imagined expanding but God can make beauty from ashes, I now own four trailers and get to see my business take care of other mothers who rent from me. I was getting invited to more events than I could attend so with more trailers, Holy Oly Os can attend more events and other mothers like me can operate their own schedule. Having their own scheduled allows them to be home with their children more, take them to work and under Holy Oly Os they serve something known and delicious to the community which brings everyone joy.
Food trucks are really popular right now and everyone seems to be starting one but I believe what sets me apart is being original to my dream and vision. I keep my donuts the same quality and serve them with love. I have a heart for horses and therefore thrive in my horse trailers. I had someone make my brand how I desired and despite competition, I made my business with my dreams and that can’t be duplicated. It looks easy to copy someone’s small business but what sets someone completely apart and makes them successful is to follow the dream that is in your heart because that makes it original, genuine and special. It is also the only way you will last because the fire in your heart will keep you going through the hard times that make others quit. I know I am doing what I was made to do, it isn’t easy, but I am blessed to do what I love and be able to watch it be used to take care of my family and other families! I didn’t realize I would love making mini donuts and operating a food truck business but it is so much fun and I love getting to share my passion with others through how I craft my mini donuts and how I represent myself through my brand and business. I want each customer to taste the same joy that this business gives me!

Have you ever had to pivot?

My life took a 360 turn in 2020 when I got married, pregnant and divorced. I thought I married a godly man who was going to take care of us and instead he was abusive and abandoned us. It felt like my life went through a tornado and I came out of it broken with a newborn baby girl. I got to experience God take what was broken and make it new. He started writing me a new story, one without shame of being a single mom and one with strength and dignity that I never had before! A lot of people felt lost just from COVID alone but I think life just hit me with everything at once during those years.
Looking back, I would go through it all again to have my daughter. She is a gift and I can’t imagine life without her. I am proud to be a single mom of two children and I appreciate the hard parts that allowed me to have a more compassionate, understanding, caring heart. The connections I had made through Holy Oly Os were some of my biggest supporters when life did a 360. Through my divorce, I had meals delivered, surprised baby showers thrown, Secret Santa’s, random deliveries with money, and donations of baby clothes/toys. I understand what it means to have support, prayer and help in my time of need so it allows me to want to do the same for others!
What was meant to harm me, God used for good. Although I thought I was going to lose it all and had no hope somedays, I see how God never left my side and not only protected me but also my children and my business. If He can do that for me, He can surely do that for you!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I didn’t realize this was a strategy for growing clientele but I realized my clientele grew the most from the connections and relationships I made through every event and catering. I went through a hard situation in 2024 when someone stole from me, damaged my property and caused harm to my reputation. In my own fear, I believed this imposter could simply steal my business but what I am watching unfold are the people I have met along the way are my supporters. They want me at their events because we have become business friends and share a passion to watch each other succeed. When I was knocked down by a bully, instead of my business getting run over, I had so many people pick me up and fight the bully with me. My business is built upon a solid foundation of connections with people that have followed me on my journey and had me at their special events and caterings. Networking, connecting and loving people are the biggest things that have helped me keep growing. I couldn’t be where I am without help and support of those around me!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.holyolyos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holyolyos?igsh=MTFuZG85a24ya3Qxag==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15kKa8vLVe/
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/holy-oly-os-mini-donuts-nampa

Image Credits

Arrowleaf Photography