Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Bernard

Hi Megan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

I was born and raised in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, though I moved around a bit during my adolescent years. My journey into the world of creativity and entrepreneurship began when I got my first publication in Intake Magazine out of Indianapolis. I was captivated by the collaboration involved, photographers, wardrobe stylists, the lights, and the excitement of being in front of the camera. It was more than just a passion, I saw it as a way to make a living.

At 17, I began working for Hooters of Louisiana and seized every opportunity they offered, from the Hooters International pageant to the calendar features. My modeling career expanded to working with Maxim magazine, Dekt Skateboards, Bro Bible, All Pro Science and American Honey, where I was one of a select group of girls who traveled across the States promoting American Honey Wild Turkey Whiskey. This career allowed me to collaborate with both established and up-and-coming photographers, build my name, and earn an income that I used wisely to secure a beautiful apartment in downtown New Orleans, where I’ve lived for 15 years.

In December 2022, life took an unexpected turn when my Mawmaw and I made treats for my son’s class and teachers. What started as a simple gesture soon turned into an influx of online orders through social media. Two months later, the orders kept coming, and that’s when I decided to turn this passion into Goodness Gracious LLC. I asked my Mawmaw Charmaine to be my right-hand partner. She brought to the table handwritten family recipes, passed down through generations, that we turned into a delicious menu. We’ve always believed that food brings happiness, and adding a bit of family tradition to it makes it even more special.

The name Goodness Gracious came naturally to us, inspired by my great-grandmother, Mawmaw Coonie who used to say it all the time, whether something good or bad happened, everything was “Goodness Gracious.” This journey from modeling to entrepreneurship wouldn’t have been possible without the opportunities I had in the modeling industry and the financial stability it provided, allowing me to invest in my business. It also helps to have a supportive following and the knack for networking, which has been key in getting our product out there.

I’m incredibly grateful for the love and support of my Mawmaw, who is the heart of this business, and for the modeling career that gave me the start I needed. It’s been a journey full of passion, creativity, and connection, and I’m excited to see where it takes us next. This is my heartfelt story, and I hope it resonates with you all.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Smooth road? What is that? Haha. Honestly, life isn’t always smooth, and that’s okay. Especially when, at a young age, I decided not to sign with an agency. I had to find my own modeling gigs and work with reputable photographers. Social media has evolved so much over the last five years, it’s all about algorithms and who you know now, which has definitely been a challenge to navigate.

Starting Goodness Gracious has been an entirely new set of challenges, but my background in modeling gave me an edge. I learned how to research, make connections, and accept that there are always going to be more ‘no’s’ than ‘yes’s.’ Whether you’re in the modeling industry or starting a small business, the keys to success have some overlap.

The real challenge has been figuring out nutritional values, barcodes, setting foundations, and getting our name out there. There are highs and lows, weeks when you make hundreds and days when you make none. Learning to manage costs, leftover products, and profits has been a test of patience and persistence. But life is a challenge, and it’s all about doing your homework, seeing the vision, and deciding whether the glass is half empty or half full. Every day is a challenge, but with each one, there’s also a sense of pride and accomplishment that makes it all worthwhile.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Goodness Gracious LLC?

At Goodness Gracious LLC, my Mawmaw Charmaine and I pour our hearts into every product we make, from our savory crawfish pies and handmade boudin meat pies to our best-selling Bonbons. These Bonbons are our twist on the classic cake pop, using our family recipes to create a little ball without the stick. Our Red Velvet Bonbon is especially dear to us, as it carries the legacy of four generations.

What sets us apart is the deep sense of family and tradition in everything we do. Each recipe is a family secret, passed down through generations, making every bite special. Our customers often tell us they feel like they’re back in their grandma’s kitchen, reliving those nostalgic moments of cooking with loved ones.

We’re most proud of how we’ve turned the loss of our great-grandmother, Mawmaw Coonie, and other relatives into a way to honor their legacy. Through our food, we continue to share that sense of love, family, and good manners. When you enjoy one of our treats, know that it’s made with love, just like it would be in your own family’s kitchen.

And every time we deliver to a new city, we make it a point to support the local economy, putting money back into the community. So, when you choose Goodness Gracious, you’re not just getting a treat, you’re getting a piece of our family history, and we’re proud to share that with you.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.

I would absolutely say I’m a risk taker. I believe in investing in myself because I know what I’m capable of, the dedication I bring, and the discipline I carry. After high school, instead of going to college, I decided to dive into the modeling industry. That was a huge risk, but it paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

There have been other risks too, like when I decided to take the notary exam in Louisiana, a notoriously difficult test. Despite all the hard work, I didn’t pass, and that was tough. But it was a risk worth taking because it taught me so much about the laws in our state, even if it didn’t turn out the way I hoped.

Starting my small business, Goodness Gracious LLC, was another big risk. I invested my life savings into a business I truly believe in, and that takes a lot of courage. Each of these experiences has shaped who I am today and reaffirmed my belief in taking risks, knowing that they won’t always pay off, but they always offer valuable lessons.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.GoodnessGraciousLLC.com
• Instagram: www.facebook.com/GoodnessGraciousLLC
• Facebook: www..instagram.com/Goodness Gracious LLC
• Other: https://www.MissMeganB.com

Image Credits

Karl Ault