RECOGNIZING DOE A DEER

On 2026-09-30, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING DOE A DEER" in the Senate.

RECOGNIZING DOE A DEER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 155 (Wednesday, September 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 155 (Wednesday, September 30, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S5246] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING DOE A DEER Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Doe a Deer of Guthrie County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Doe a Deer initially started off as a side hustle in 2016, when the owner, Regan Doely, began creating designs while she worked a full-time job. Ever since she was young, Regan found a deep appreciation for patterns and designs on products such as linens, cookbooks, and packaging. As an adult, she carried that love into her full-time job as a graphic designer. As Regan continued to take on more freelance projects, she found herself wanting to expand her business offerings. Regan created a couple of greeting cards, notepads, and flour sack towels to showcase at a local Small Business Saturday craft show. Her products received numerous positive responses from shoppers, which motivated her to continue designing. Regan's designs even attracted local stores who were willing to sell her products. With enough support from her retailer partners, Regan quit her full-time job and began searching for a place to set up her own store. In 2018, Regan secured a storefront in downtown Stuart, IA, officially marking the start of Doe a Deer. Today, Doe a Deer has moved into a larger storefront, just a short distance from their previous space. In the store, Regan and her team of 11 employees work diligently on creating unique designs for their products, including kitchenware, blankets, gifts, spices, books, and self-care products. The store's wide variety of offerings allows the business to reach a variety of audiences. Doe a Deer strives to serve its local community. Throughout the years, this woman-owned business has supported several local organizations including the Adair Boys & Girls Club, Stuart Revitalization Group, and Adair County Youth Action Committee. Regan and the team also help manage local events, such as high school proms and the Guthrie County Fair. The company continues to make impacts on a national scale, donating to organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association and Operation Christmas Child. In 2024, Regan was recognized for her service, earning the Ten Under Ten Award that is granted to Grand View University alumni who make a significant impact in their community. I want to thank Regan and the entire Doe a Deer team for their dedication to their customers and commitment to serving Iowa communities. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success. ____________________