We had the good fortune of connecting with Joanna Scism and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joanna, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
We have only a certain amount of time with our kids while they are young. When my husband and I planned to start our own restaurant we wanted to do it for many reasons but one being, making our own schedule around our family. We knew working in the restaurant industry it means serving on holidays and weekends, but being able to navigate the seasons as we grow as a family is such a careful balance. The kids will grow up in this business and at the end of the day we want them to be encouraged to follow their dreams and use their individual gifts.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I love that you call it Art, the Art of the Donut if you will. Creating dozens of edible pieces of “art” that will nourish the people of our community all with a few simple Ingredients. It’s simple, but yet so complex when you get into the production of yeast doughnuts, cake donuts, croissant-doughnuts. We make a few different kinds here ….We just launched a new donut in-fact, the Mochidonut. The famous pon de ring shape is made with a rice based flour. It’s got a unique crispy texture yet chewy on the inside and the flavor is enhanced by various icings and toppings, a favorite being the ube or purple yam glaze. We just keep finding new ways to make these delicious donuts, in all shapes, sizes, twists and toppings.

That is the Artistic side, then there’s the not so creative side, where we are doing the ordering and the labor, from stocking the shelves, washing the racks, filling piping bags, to paying bills and analyzing costs.

We have gone through plenty of seasons now, 7 years of business and four kids later. We have had our fair share of challenges. Combining two restaurants into one just after Covid, we struggled to remain consistent in our hours, we transitioned from Lunch/Dinner service back to Breakfast/ Lunch once the Donut equipment was fully re-Installed. Our loyal customers have been graceful to us, adjusting to our hours and menu, and we like to think this is because although hours may vary, Quality does not.

Our Donut Shop is one of the legacy stores within the Donut Connection co-op. Since 1995 it has remained a Mom and Pop, and serves old -fashioned donuts, cinnamon rolls and apple fritters still to this day. We hope to keep our Donut Shop true to the community it serves, because it is the love of the donut that keeps it going.

The Donut Connection is now located inside of the Philly cheesesteak shop next door to our old location, and without a big flashing sign and moving locations after Covid, many customers drive up confused as to where Donut Connection went? So after the initial disappointment of thinking we closed, hopefully they see someone walking out of the cheesesteak shop with their donut box and they travel further down the sidewalk to find, there it is……their Donut Connection! Until we can get a new sign up on the building, the signage in the windows and smell of donuts will have to do. Otherwise it’s just the mystery of where do I find those donuts?

We have been blessed with new customers each day, coming in and telling us how they heard about us or where they had their first Donut Connection square croissant doughnut and have been on a quest to find us.

We plan to have a future Grand Re-Opening when we finish up the last of the punch list, including finishing the flooring in the dining room and getting the espresso machine installed. Come find us behind the counter at 134 St James Ave unit 8 in Goose Creek SC and enjoy some fresh donuts and cheesesteaks.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First I would start out at Donut Connection of course with a good old cup of coffee and whatever just came out Hot from the donut fryer, hopefully a Pecan Pinwheel my new favorite. I’d hit the new all-inclusive Playground, Central Creek park in Goose Creek. After the kids ran out some energy I would head to their favorite new spot for Queso and Chips, and mine for a Burrito, at Tierra Caliente on St James Ave. I’d make a trip to the Goose Creek Antique mall, I’m always on the hunt for vintage aprons, bakeware or dresses for the girls. Just make a day of it. Goose Creek has so much to do, and great locally owned restaurants you can’t go wrong at any of them.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Trust in the Lord.

We were all given gifts. Real tangible gifts. Being able to wake up everyday, unlock the door to a community of people, hungry for hot donuts and sandwiches, is living our dream. At the end of the day, my husband and I just have to sit and be grateful for all the people that visit us, dine with us and continue to make it all possible.

Instagram: @DonutConnectionGC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donutconnectiongc?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Picture of Joanna Scism by Capture your Happily Ever After https://www.facebook.com/captureyourhappilyeverafter?mibextid=LQQJ4d

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