Hidden Gems: Meet Marquetta Hemphill of “I Got Donuts!”

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marquetta Hemphill.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always believed that every experience, no matter how small, teaches you something valuable. I started my career learning the importance of hard work, organization, and building strong connections with people. Over time I discovered that my true passion was helping others grow, creating meaningful strategies, and inspiring people to step into their purpose.

The journey was not always easy. As a woman finding her voice in the professional world, I had to learn to trust myself and lead authentically, even when the environment did not always make that easy. Those lessons became the foundation of my book I Got Donuts, which turned into much more than a book. It became a brand and a movement that empowers professionals and entrepreneurs to embrace authenticity, own their stories, and lead with purpose.

Today I am proud to be the founder of I Got Donuts, a platform that includes consulting, branded merchandise, and leadership programs that help people grow with clarity and confidence. I also lead Brand U, a nonprofit that helps underrepresented youth build confidence, leadership, and career readiness so they can boldly pursue their goals.

Every season of my life has taught me something new. From the lessons to the leaps of faith, each experience has shaped me into the woman I am today, one who believes in turning challenges into opportunities and stories into impact.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but I would not change a thing. Every challenge has taught me something that shaped the woman and leader I am today. There were moments when I questioned my direction, moments when doors closed that I thought were meant for me, and times when I had to start over and rebuild from the ground up.

One of the biggest struggles was learning to trust my own voice. Early in my journey, I often looked for validation or guidance from others, hoping someone would show me the way. Over time I realized that the clarity I was looking for was already within me. I just needed to slow down, listen, and believe that I was enough.

There were also seasons of uncertainty, especially when stepping into entrepreneurship. Leaving behind the comfort of stability to build something from scratch takes faith, grit, and consistency. There were times when I faced doubt, financial challenges, and the fear of failure, but those moments pushed me to grow stronger, wiser, and more intentional about my purpose.

Now I see those struggles as necessary. They taught me resilience, authenticity, and the power of showing up even when it feels uncomfortable. Every obstacle became a lesson, and every lesson became a stepping stone toward becoming the woman I was meant to be.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
“I Got Donuts!” started as a book but quickly grew into something much bigger. It became a movement and a brand built around authenticity, growth, and purpose. Through “I Got Donuts!”, I help professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders embrace who they are, lead with confidence, and build brands that reflect their true identity.

My work includes marketing consulting, brand coaching, workshops, and speaking engagements that focus on helping people show up boldly and with intention. I also create inspirational merchandise and resources that remind people to stay grounded, focused, and inspired on their journey. Every part of the brand connects back to one message that your story is powerful and deserves to be seen and heard.

What sets “I Got Donuts!” apart is the blend of authenticity and strategy. It is not just about branding or business; it is about people. I believe in helping others find clarity and confidence not by fitting into a mold but by understanding what makes them unique. I bring my own experiences and lessons into every project, which allows me to connect with others on a personal and meaningful level.

One of the things I am most proud of is how the brand continues to grow beyond me. It has become a space where people feel seen, encouraged, and empowered to create their own path. Through my nonprofit Brand U Leadership and Development Foundation, I am also helping youth develop leadership, confidence, and career readiness skills that prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

At its heart, “I Got Donuts!” is about transformation. It is about taking everything you have been through, the challenges, the victories, and the lessons, and using it to build something beautiful. I want readers to know that this brand is not just about me; it is for anyone who has ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or unsure of what is next. It is proof that you can rise, rebuild, and lead with purpose.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I have learned that taking risks is not about having it all figured out. It is about trusting that you have everything you need to figure it out along the way. One of the biggest risks I ever took came after being laid off. For years I was used to having stability, a paycheck every two weeks, and knowing exactly what I would be working on each day. When that ended, I had to make a choice. I could either stay stuck in fear and frustration or take a chance on myself and everything I had been dreaming about.

That moment pushed me to fully step into my purpose. I took the experiences, lessons, and creativity I had built over the years and began transforming them into what I do now. I started building “I Got Donuts!” into a platform that empowers others to lead authentically and live with purpose. It was uncomfortable at first because the security I once knew was gone, but it forced me to grow in ways I never would have if I stayed where I was comfortable.

Taking that risk showed me that sometimes life will push you out of what is familiar so you can become who you are meant to be. Risk is never easy, but it is often the bridge between where you are and where you are called to go. For me, it was the beginning of transformation, not just in my career but in how I see myself and what is possible when you truly believe in your purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.igotdonuts.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/igotdonutsofficial/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577872627034
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marquettahemphill/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WantDonuts-IGotDonuts

Image Credits
Credit, Kadesha Pierce – KD Klassic Photography