Meet Donna MacPherson, local artist, award-winning photographer and owner of the newly expanded Golden Isles Olive Oil. I first met Donna 5 years ago when my family and I were renting a house next door to her iconic red-roofed, Margret Mitchell beach front home. Throughout the course of her life, Donna has been a non-stop, entrepreneurial whirlwind of success. Somehow, she manages to juggle her many ventures, friends and family with an ease and grace that makes even those who’ve just met her feel welcome at all times. Only days after the much anticipated opening of the expansion of GIOO I was fortunate enough to snag a few moments of her time and get some insight into the thoughts and experiences that make her so amazing.
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
A: “A passion for food and an opportunity that presented itself to purchase Golden Isles Olive Oil.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant on St. Simons and what do you love there?
A: “Georgia Sea Grill. The owner, Zack; the chef, Tim; the bartender, Alex and the always fantastic food are the things I love there.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked on St. Simons?
A: “Six years.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here on St. Simons?
A: “Well, we didn’t meet here but I think Buddie Daniel is one of the most interesting people on St. Simons; also, Susan Ryals, director of Glynn Visual Arts who works tirelessly for the arts in our community.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now where would it be and why?
A: “Hong Kong with my daughter, Heather, because of her vast knowledge of the city.”
Q: What is your favorite movie or the first movie you remember seeing in the theater?
A: “The Sound of Music. My dad took me as a little girl.”
Q: What advice would you give to people?
A: “Don’t be afraid of change.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “To purchase the building that GIOO is in now and to expand my offerings to include a bakery, a meat market…to be completely full service for all things gourmet food.”
Q: What three bands would you like to see, dead or alive?
A: “Rolling Stones, Owen Plant, and Allison Krauss.”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about St. Simons?
A: “Crabdaddy’s for their sustainability and good food.”
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Where on St. Simons would you take them?
A: “World renowned chef and leading restaurateur, Barbara Lynch, here at Golden Isles Olive Oil.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about St. Simons?
A: “The community and support.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: “Still here but with an expanded business.”
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: “I was very shy and introverted as a young person.”
Q: What three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: “Security, Home is Where the Heart Is, Peace and Relaxation.”
