Today, we’d like to introduce you to Donald Hurst.
Hi Donald, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started in New Orleans, Louisiana, in an area that locals know as the “Calliope Project.” I moved to Alief, Texas, after Hurricane Katrina. Entrepreneurship and generational wealth were interests for me at a very young age. Inspired by the likes of Master P, who’s from the same neighborhood as me, I fantasized about having my own businesses. I started my first clothing brand in high school and named it “Only My Brother.” This was my first taste of entrepreneurship, and it pushed me toward my current business, “Don Ambiance.” Don Ambiance is a natural rolling leaf company that provides both a unique flavor and a relaxing aura for clients to enjoy recreationally. Our products range from front leaves and rolling paper to various smoking accessories. You can find our leaves in over 75 smoke shops from Texas to Louisiana.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have had a rocky road on this journey to get where I’m at today with my brand. My first challenge was coming up with my name, “Don Ambiance.” It was a conversation in the car with a close friend where he informed me most business owners use their name for their business that brought me to the name. Feeling inspired by the likes of Master P and David Swisher, I self-named my brand “Don” from my name, Donald, and the “Ambiance” for the feeling I want consumers to feel when they use my products. I hit another rock in the road when my close friend, the same one who helped me coin my business name, passed away before my business came to light. I lost some motivation because I drew a lot of inspiration from him, and he helped found Don Ambiance. In honor of him, Don Ambiance hosts an annual food give-back to the community near his birthday to keep him incorporated into the brand.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
Don Ambiance is a natural rolling leaf company that specializes in fronto leaves. Fronto is a type of whole-leaf tobacco, which is an unprocessed agricultural commodity. It provides a better smoking alternative to the processed blunt wrap options that cluster convenience store shelves. There are many ways to use a use Fronto leaf, so we like to leave it up to customer preference. Don Ambiance produces a premium leaf that has a lighter shade and a dark-edition leaf that is most popular with our current customer base. We also have rolling papers that are made from bamboo, providing another alternative to many processed varieties offered. We also offer a variety of seasonal wear and accessories. Don Ambiance will celebrate its 3rd anniversary in March 2024. I am most proud of that accomplishment as an entrepreneur. It’s hard for entrepreneurs with many ideas to stick to one, and consistency demonstrates the potential of Don Ambiance.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice to anyone starting out would be to set goals for yourself. Setting goals helps you to personally see your growth. Use a calendar planner to help map out your goals for a year and track your progress along the way. Good things take time to come to life, so while you build your brand take your time and work out all the details. Never lose faith in the vision, right now is always the right timing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://donambiance.top/
- Instagram: DonAmbiance
- Facebook: Don Ambience
- Youtube: youtube.com/@DonAmbiance
Image Credits
Wandell Randolph
Mac 12 films
