5 ways attorney-turned-donut-shop-owner Anne Rucker finds balance
Bogart’s Doughnut Co., Uptown’s gem of a donut shop, is home to scrumptious staples like the lavender cake and brown butter-glazed brioche dough. But it’s also the spot where owner Anne Rucker discovered that she could be more than an attorney – simply by asking the question, ‘What if I opened up a shop?’ Now the entrepreneur, wife and mom of two young kids, is experiencing a new chapter in her life: finding harmony amidst work and motherhood.
1. Quality over quantity
Can’t we all relate to this? When we’re home, we’re thinking about work. When we’re at work, we’re longing to be home. Ugh. Anne says that when she’s home, she’ll plan an art project or put together a puzzle with her kids.
“I can give them all my attention and feel good about that,” she says. “Then when it’s time to work again, I feel good about that too.”
2. Utilize nap time
I am so glad this is on Anne’s list. I struggle with this one. Should I fold laundry during nap time? Or binge on Netflix? Or work? Or take a nap myself? Most days, Anne uses this time to create new ideas for her business. That means we can enjoy more of her amazing creations.
I’ve found that my body craves different things in different seasons. When I’m pregnant, I need to nap. When I’m feeling productive, I’ll whip open my laptop. Listening to your own body and rhythm will help you feel best about this two hours (okay 1 hour and 15 minutes…if we’re lucky) of down time.
3. Surround yourself with supportive people
For Anne, this means a supportive staff.
“I feel so comfortable with them taking over when I’m not there,” she says.
Maybe for you, it’s a supportive spouse or neighbor or parent who understands the journey you’re on.
4. Have role models
When Anne was just starting out, she admits she was terrified.
“I was petrified of customers or running out of donuts,” she says. “Basically, I was scared shitless.”
She turned to another entrepreneur: Solveig Tofte, owner of Sun Street Breads in Minneapolis. “Solveig told me, ‘Not everyone is your customer and that’s okay,’ Anne says. “After that, I was able to truly focus on my customer base.”
5. Trust your gut
“I’m living my dream,” Anne says. “But I also feel like I’m doing 80 things and not one of them well.”
I think most moms, whether they work outside the house or not, feel the same way. When it comes to taking on another client, launching a new product, or maybe just slowing down a little, the sage advice of simply trusting yourself feels innate; like a breath of fresh air. Or the first bite of a brown butter-glazed brioche donut. Mmmm.
More about Anne…
What inspires you?
Traveling. And cookbooks.
Right now, I can’t get enough ______________.
Coffee (with a splash of cream).
What is your most treasured possession?
My donut shop!
What is on your playlist?
Trolls soundtrack.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
Nancy Silverton, one of the first serious female bread bakers in this country. Or Ina Garten. An awesome businesswoman, she also seems to have this great creative side.
What are your top 3 things to do/places to see in the Twin Cities?
1. Canteen
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Trust your gut.
