17-Year-Old Owner of Naughty Girls Donut Shop Calls Threatened Boycott "Misguided"
Front Royal, Virginia (PRWEB) September 09, 2014 -- Nestled in the heart of Front Royal , VA, The Naughty Girls Donut Shop made national news when it opened several month ago in a local shopping center. It was a dream come true for 16-year-old Tiana Ramos, who has a talent for baking sophisticated pastries and an affection for the glamour of 1950’s pin-up girls. Armed with a business plan and a commitment from investors who also believed in her dream, Tiana opened Naughty Girls Donut Shop. It was a triumph of youthful enthusiasm and dogged determination.
The name of the shop has proven to be controversial, however, and a strong Conservative Alliance group in the town is threatening to lead a boycott. Although the name of the donut shop is admittedly edgy, the shop itself is – like its donuts – wholesome and fun. The decor is bright pinks and reds, and adorned with posters of Marilyn Monroe, Betty Paige and their contemporaries. The young, upbeat staff – both boys and girls – are dressed in modest rockabilly-style outfits. They serve delicious homemade donuts, made with local ingredients from Tiana’s original recipes.
Some conservative members of the community have described the shop as a “bikini barista,” but no one who has actually been to Naughty Girls would use that moniker. Tiana is confused and hurt by the manufactured controversy. It’s not what she is about.
A strong believer in community, Tiana Ramos has donated to community events and gives a great deal of her time to non-profit entities. She has contributed more than $28,000 supporting local businesses. Tiana spent $2,000 to purchase backpacks for local children, and given more than $1,000 to local churches. She also supports the local homeless shelter, 4-H club, local athletic associations, high schools, Elk lodges, hospitals and charities.
Most recently, Tiana initiated a fundraiser on behalf of one of her waitresses, who was seriously injured when her car was hit by a drunk driver.
Tiana and her staff make donuts before school, attend classes and then return to the shop to work after school. Tiana works every weekend, as well. She’s one of the “good kids.” She is proud of her accomplishments, and thrilled to be able to bring empowerment to other young high school students with an entrepreneurial bent.
The Naughty Girls name is a reflection of the fun and flirty attitudes of the pin-up girls, and the deliciously decadent desserts that we allow ourselves when we want to indulge – when we’re feeling “naughty.”
Natalie Ramos, Tiana’s mother, is disappointed that her daughter’s dream has been so misunderstood, especially when she has seen Tiana create such inspiration for others and invest so much of her own time and money into the people of front Royal. She said, “We believe in freedom of speech and we support others in their commitment to God, but this doesn’t have anything to do with any of that.”
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Natalie Ramos, Naughty Girls Donut Shop, +1 5408499784, [email protected]
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