A Day in the Life of LA's Donut Princess

I would like to introduce you to a new segment in Avis known as "A Day in the Life" because young women around us are doing amazing and inspiring things. Mayly Tao leads the LA force behind the croissant-donut craze but all thanks to a lot of hard work and persistence.

 

Most 23 year olds are heading home after a night out when Mayly Tao, self-proclaimed Donut Princess and mother to the croissant-donut baby in Los Angeles, is heading to work. As a, “small business owner you are the one responsible for everything,” and that means you, “can’t just do things half-assed,” explaining her motivation for more recently putting in twenty hour days at her Santa Monica shop DK’s Donuts & Bakery.

Mayly’s parents first saved the shop from economic failure in 1981 when they escaped the Cambodian Genocide under brutal circumstances to fulfill what they had heard of as the American Dream. Three years ago the shop fell into Mayly and her brother’s hands, and they have been the heads of the operation ever since and the, “heirs to the donut kingdom.” However, this opportunity has come with its daily sacrifices, plenty of research, constant hard work, and minimal sleep.

It is clear why Mayly has taken the role as the spokesperson and face of DK’s. She maintains a positive and congenial attitude even though she’s been up since 3 am to oversee an order for The CW’s Press Tour at The Beverly Hilton. Her commitment to the customer is what keeps the regulars coming back for more and brings in new faces including some famous ones. Listening to customer’s feedback through Twitter or Yelp or even an in-store suggestion of a new flavor has helped to change the business in the past few years to adapt to new trends. It doesn’t hurt that Mayly is social media savvy, which she has grown from nothing to all outlets including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. She refers to social media as a vehicle to allow other people to promote your business for you, and social media was the driving force behind the croissant-donut hybrid they have been selling at their shop.

This summer’s latest trend is a croissant-donut, and DK’s has their own rendition called the Double Decker O-Nut. DK’s remains one of the few places in Los Angeles to carry this type of pastry and is notably the most well-known with almost everyday media attention from sources like Carson Daly from Amp Radio, KTLA, Zagat, and Thrillist. Lines out the door and around the corner for these sixteen flavors, the most popular being Nutella and Special House Cream (the original). Mayly even let us in on the newest flavor to be released Green Tea. People from all over the country are coming in to get their hands on these O-Nuts even proclaiming they’re better than that other version in New York.

Most of Mayly’s experience has been teaching herself and remembering “there are no stupid questions,” she remarks. “You have to be passionate about and care about what you’re doing.” You also have to be practical and smart; see where your money is going to be spent choosing quality always. While DK’s success is booming, Mayly is humbled by this experience and knows that, “even if this pastry craze is just a fad the fact that we’re on the map says so much for what my parents wanted when they came to America. The American dream is here, we made it.”

If you’re lucky enough to live in the Los Angeles area stop by DK’s Donuts at 1614 Santa Monica Blvd in Santa Monica. Did I mention they’re open 24 hours a day and not just limited to donuts but tons of other goodies?

DK’s Donuts & Bakery

1614 Santa Monica Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90404

(310) 829- 2512

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Mayly proud Princess of her creations

Green Gazpacho

I tend to have this plasma addiction with food: smoothies, acai bowls, oatmeal, yogurt, and soup. On a cold and snowy night nothing sounds better than a piping hot bowl of butternut squash or tomato basil soup, but when the temperature is rising you want something to cool you down. Gazpacho is one of my favorite recipes. This one is particularly healthy cause it's green and all, if that's not your thing stay tuned for the tomato version.

Ingredients:
Serves two

1 small Persian cucumber
1 clove of garlic
1/2 green pepper
1/2 rib of celery
1.25 cups of spinach
2 tablespoons of olive oil
3/4 cup of water
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
Salt and pepper
Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
Olive oil to drizzle over for garnish

1. Cut everything up into smaller pieces to make it easier to puree. Throw everything except the garnish into a blender for food processor. Might be easier to do in batches.
2. Once everything is mixed well, refrigerate for a hour.
3. Throw everything back into the blender/food processor for a final mix then serve in bowls.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and add red pepper flakes.
5. Enjoy on a particularly warm evening.

"The west coast has the sunshine and the girls all get so tanned"

Shirt- 6th grade keeper, shorts- LF stores, booties- ecote

I found this gem of a shirt in the back of my closet a couple of years ago. My mom first bought it for me when I was 11. Clearly it doesn't fit all flowy and baggy like it once did, but after a recent WWD post on bohemian tops over the decades I just can't seem to let it go. Let's call it vintage perhaps... it does come from a different decade after all.

If you think California is some dream like vacation 365 days a year, head to PCH on a day like this and you'll believe it. Messy hair in a bun from the salty ocean breeze, bohemian clothes and not a care in the world. Who even cares what you're wearing when this is your backdrop... never mind less effort when this is your backdrop.

How to dress up a sack

Shirt- Urban Reformation, skirt- Cut25, boots- Salvatore Ferragamo

Weeks ago I was trying to figure out how to wear this shirt without looking like I have a sack on. Still figuring it out but for now this will have to do. Mostly cause what can't look good with those boots.

Opposites attract

Coat- Zara, blouse- Hillary Rush vintage, trousers- Massimo Dutti, belt- mom's, booties- Zara, sunglasses- Prada

Sticking with my favorite Celine inspired jacket, similarly seen all over Samantha's wardrobe on season 4 of SATC. Keeping the outfit pretty neutral, but letting the accessories do most of the work. Light and dark, yin and yang, good and bad. Life is a balance, and so is your outfit.

Green smoothie

Not getting your smoothie with kale or spinach added into it is almost unheard of these days (rolls eyes). I love smoothies and probably could have one as a meal replacement for every meal, but with all that fruit and possible juice or sweetener they have have a lot of sugar. This creation is very easy and turns into a pretty shade of green. The blend of protein, electrolytes, potassium, and iron is the best way to start your day.

Ingredients:
Serves one

1 frozen banana
1 cup of coconut water
1 cucumber peeled
1 large generous handful of spinach/kale (or both!)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons of chia seeds
Agave nectar optional (if it's too green and you need it sweetened)

Throw in all ingredients into a blender. Use the highest speed setting possibly even the liquify setting to get the greens to a liquid level. No one likes chunky bits of leaves in their smoothie.

Mushroom Ceviche

Mushrooms are great for non-meat eaters cause they have a filling kinda feeling compared to most vegetables. There's also so many different types that are so much fun to experiment with. This makes a great appetizer or a solo lunch.

Ingredients
Serves one

5 white mushrooms; thinly sliced
5 shitake mushrooms; no stems and thinly sliced
1/2 zucchini squash thinly sliced
1/4 avocado
lemon
balsamic vinegar glaze
Salt, pepper, olive oil

1. Brown the mushrooms with olive oil over high heat in a pan.
2. Remove the mushrooms and put in the fridge to cool.
3. Arrange half of the slices of the zucchini squash and top with a layer of mushrooms.
4. Add salt, pepper, and balsamic glaze.
5. Do another layer of the zucchini squash and mushrooms with the salt, pepper, and balsamic.
6. Add diced avocado and a squeeze of lemon juice to finish and enjoy.

Pretty in pink

Vest- flea market, crop top- Brandy Melville, skirt- Urban Outfitters, booties- Sam Edelman, fedora- mom's

I've passed by this backdrop many times before, but on the day my lipstick is matching it just seemed appropriate to shoot here. And really who doesn't love a huge pink painted building.

Lazy Meal

Life gets crazy and some nights you need a quick meal that requires just boiling some water. For me it was after a long work day to be followed by a depressing Friday night in: finishing the work I brought home and catching up on weeks of neglected emails.

I always try to keep a package of Miracle Noodle in the fridge. They hold up well for a few months and have zero calories. Can't get much more guilt free than that. There's a bit of a chewy texture to them so I try to boil them in water to soften the texture. You can find them in Whole Foods, but I've seen them in Vons/Safeway and other grocery stores.

Ingredients
Serves one

1 package of Miracle Noodle
Handful of sun-dried tomatoes
Olive oil
Garlic powder
1 oz. Parmigiano-Reggiano
Basil (I only had dried but fresh is obviously always better)

1. Drain the liquid from the noodle package and put the noodles in boiling water.
2. Give the noodles a couple of minutes to loosen up and drain.
3. Lower the heat and add all the other ingredients. Allow the cheese to melt and add olive oil as necessary.
4. Mindlessly eat....

Sequins in the office

Top- JCrew, collar- Eiman Hamza collection, flats- Salvatore Ferragamo, tote- Marc by Marc Jacobs, trousers- Massimo Dutti

Naturally sequins are associated with 70's costumes, New Year's Eve dresses, and Richard Simmons. I have a sick obsession with them though and try to incorporate them into as many evening outfits as possible. Then it dawned on me, do I have the balls to wear sequins to the office?

I like to kid myself and say that I work in a "creative" industry, but truth be told no matter how I slice and dice it the work atmosphere is generally conservative. I tend to push my bosses' buttons with my outfits. Not revealing too much skin or anything, but printed trousers and spiked headbands are a first for most of them.

How did I make this work in a professional setting? By balancing it out with an ulta conservative finish. Nothing screams conservative like the Varina Salvatore Ferragamo flat and a black pair of trousers. Note I hate most dress pants, but these ones have the greatest straight leg; my biggest regret is only buying two pairs. Also your sequins should be neutral shades to not draw too much attention to the fact that you resemble a disco ball.

Final note ladies, I can't emphasize dressing to impress even if it's to go to work where the same people see you everyday. (This outfit got me free macarons from one of my favorite spots, I'm just saying).

Pancakes you can eat everyday

Pancakes are a traditional breakfast food that sometimes get a back rep, but when I discovered this recipe pancakes became more than just a once in awhile treat. It only takes a few ingredients and 15 minutes tops. I'm not much of a maple syrup kinda person so I added the syrup from a cherry marmalade, but Nutella, peanut butter, coconut flakes and agave could also make good toppings (just remember in moderation you don't want to undue the healthy in the pancake itself).

Ingredients:
Serves one

3 egg whites
1 banana (brown spotted one that's easier to mash is best)
2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed

1. Mash the banana till it's like a pancake and add the egg whites. Mix and mash well till it's a soupy consistency and add the flaxseed.
2. Heat your non-stick pan to a medium high and spray with olive oil spray (or other non-stick spray).
3. Add the mixture, making one pancake at a time I made about three with this mixture. Beware not too make them too big cause they're hard to flip.
4. Give it some time till you see the eggs turn to white around the edges. Flip to other side till both sides are evenly golden.
5. Add whatever toppings you like, and have a great start to your day.

LWD

Dress- Jet for Ron Herman, shoes- mom's, bracelet/ring- native woman in Morocco, sunglasses- Gucci, hat- LF Stores

Everyone puts so much emphasize on the little black dress, but I prefer the little white dress. A little too much summer sunshine has given my skin a glow that contrasts perfectly. Finally every outdoor outfit should always involve a hat, especially if it's wide-brimmed and red.

Salad Shirazi

Growing up this was almost always on the table during the summer. It's a refreshing salad with basic things you usually have around the house, super easy to make, and always a big hit. The authentic version has tomato, onion, and cucumbers, but I've had it with avocado or bell peppers mixed in. This recipe has green bell peppers.

Ingredients
Makes a large amount to serve many
5 Persian cucumbers with skins peeled off (not those huge things)
4 round tomatoes (a little firmer makes it easier to chop)
1 medium red onion
3 green bell peppers
3/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tbsp dry mint (may need a little more)
Salt and pepper

1. Get ready to chop chop chop. Dice the cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper. They should all be about the same size.
2. Add all diced bits together in a large bowl and mix so the parts are evenly distributed.
3. Add the dry mint and salt and pepper.
4. Finally add the lime juice, and stick in the fridge. The best part is all the juices soaking together so be sure you give yourself a hour or two before you serve this.

Fake it till you make it

Peplum shirt- Zara, skirt- Zara, jacket- Members Only, booties- Dolce Vita

If you're feeling sick, sad, stressed, or in my case all of the above, the best remedy is to pull yourself together. Put on something that makes you feel good, put on some big sunglasses, and walk like you're a boss cause when all else fails fake it till you make it.

Shout out to my favorite photographer for working the light and shadows in these shots.