Center for Creative Solutions, Inc. Announces April 16 “Hello Donuts” at La Porte County Public Library

center-for-creative-solutions-incTheirs is a story like most entrepreneurs. Sara McLauchlin and Stacey Koziel dreamed of owning a business. To their vision, they added keen observation, persistence, hard work and risk-taking. The result was "Hello Donuts," a start-up featuring donuts.

Their inspiration was none other than their grandmother. As little girls, the sisters spent a lot of time with her. They remembered their grandmother always baking wedding cakes.

Years later, McLauchlin and Koziel started their business after noticing that southwest Michigan had no donut shop. In 2012, they sold their wares at area farmers markets.

Eventually, they settled in their first location in Sawyer. "In a world that can get a little too crazy and hectic sometimes, our goal is to offer a place of happiness, simplicity, and the comfort of home. To us, that begins with the oven, and the thoughts of our grandmother," states Koziel.

Today, the shop offers traditional cake and yeast-raised donuts. In their 30 donut recipes, none call for frying.

On April 16, you will hear more from the creators of Hello Donuts. McLauchlin and Koziel will appear at the La Porte County Public Library in La Porte at 6 p.m.

They will share their creative journey of struggles and triumphs. In addition, McLauchlin and Koziel will describe how they successfully used the "kick start" method of raising venture capital. Best of all, the audience will be treated to donuts!

The "Hello Donuts" program is part of northwest Indiana’s World Creativity and Innovation Week celebration. The La Porte County Public Library is a community partner with other local organizations. The others include the Center for Creative Solutions, Inc.™, Ivy Tech Community College Northwest, the Ivy Tech Gerald I. Lamkin Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, the Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana, IU Health-La Porte Hospital, and the Greater La Porte Area Ministerial Association.

The public is invited to two additional events focusing on creativity and innovation in northwest Indiana:

A special display at the La Porte County Museum features local inventor, Captain Bill Eddy, throughout April.

On Tuesday, April 22, 5 - 7 p.m., the Center for Creative Solutions, Inc.™ is sponsoring a free celebration of World Creativity and Innovation Week 2014. The evening will start with a program featuring Tom Edison and Nikola Tesla, electric power geniuses and fierce rivals. They will share their wisdom about innovation.

After the program, the public may view displays and participate in activities dedicated to the theme, "Energizing Your World." Exhibitors include:

New Prairie Robotics Team

Ivy Tech Community College Northwest, the Ivy Tech Gerald I. Lamkin Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center and The Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana

The La Porte Savings Bank

South Shore Clean Cities’ electric car in conjunction with the Michigan City Police Department

IU Health-La Porte Hospital’s state-of-the-art facility

The Energy Academy of the A. K. Smith Career Center

A labyrinth by Sue Levenhagen

Massages

La Porte County Solid Waste District

Lake Hills Elementary (STEM) School in Michigan City

Refreshments by Crawford’s Pub and Eatery

Center for Creative Solutions, Inc.™

The host for the April 22 event is IU Health-La Porte Hospital, at its LifeWorks facility, 3777 North Frontage Road, Michigan City, from 5 - 7 p.m. (in back of Culver’s Restaurant). The Center for Creative Solutions, Inc.,™ is sponsor of the celebration.

Any questions about World Creativity and Innovation Week may contact Cynthia Hedge at the Center by calling 219-861-0955.