Today we’d like to introduce you to Zewiditu Jewel.
Hi Zewiditu , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Cloudy Donut Co., founded by Derrick Faulcon and Zewiditu Jewel, Cloudy Donut Co. offers a diverse range of vegan desserts, to include donuts with unique flavors like Grapefruit Mimosa, Mango Chili Lime, and Sweet Potato. In addition to donuts, we also offer vegan cinnamon rolls and mini cakes which will soon be available to ship! The company operates locations in Brooklyn Heights and Soho, New York, and is recognized as the first Black-owned food and beverage business in both neighborhoods; as well as the first 100% Black Owned Vegan Donut Shop in America, Beyond their culinary offerings, Cloudy Donut Co. is committed to supporting creators of color and fostering a community that celebrates diversity and creativity.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Each and everyday that we open our doors is a testament to the freedoms of our Forefathers, with our ability to push the narrative even further. Of course there are days when sales are slow, where we must reiterate and try again; but that’s apart of the journey, for some of us. The very things that make us ‘niche’ also serve to hold us back in some ways–being black owned and vegan, in a way can weed out certain customers; and while the majority of our customers are not vegan–we recognize we are not for everyone and that is okay. We build with the people that support us and in turn we support and grow our community.
There is a proverb which plainly states, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Two Black People building together what even a blind man can see. That’s hope.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Cloudy Donut Co. aims to provide a unique experience pairing dessert, nomadic installations, truck pop ups and lifestyle. This is a space where things happen, for us and our people. Creating a world that was made for us, since this world was not made for us,”
Typically when you walk into a retail space, like a donut shop, you only think of the product. But this is a space that forces you to take on the entire world and all the creatives who are apart of it. We provide have pastries, this is a place where food and art marry one another through an expression of culture.
Opening our stores in Brooklyn Heights and Soho is work that I call “reverse gentrification,” which is bringing our black owned businesses into affluent communities absent of color. To provide possibility, in order to show how Black businesses can open and thrive in affluent and diverse communities, with the resources to support them; creating a synergy that can change the world. The goal is to continue to put black and brown faces in white spaces through the medium of phenomenal products which in turn creates community and pushes the entire World forward, or as we say changing the World one donut at time
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
When I was growing up all I ever wanted to be was on stage, I studied Theater and Creative Writing my entire life. My Partner (Co Founder) Derrick, has always been a natural leader; so when we met and began the business together–we knew we were destined for greatness…but I personally didn’t know, this business would lead me back to the stage. Everyday is an opportunity to perform by delivering the best quality desserts and hospitality and I love that for me–I get to honor the little girl that enjoys to put on a stage. You know cause all the world’s a stage.
Pricing:
- Donuts $4
- Cinnamon Rolls $10
- Cakes $10
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cloudydonut.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cloudydonuts/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cloudydonutco?lang=en
Image Credits
Seleen Saleh
