Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carolina. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Carolina , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

After leaving one of my jobs, I found myself in a conversation with a close creative friend—an inspiring and successful entrepreneur—who casually suggested I start selling homemade granola. At first, I resisted. I had just moved to Florida from New York City and felt nervous about starting something new.

Back in NYC, I had worked at a café where I first learned to bake, and one of the most popular items I helped make was granola. After leaving that job, I kept making my own version at home, tweaking the recipe until it became a staple among friends and family—everyone loved it. I knew it was good, and more importantly, it was something I truly enjoyed making.

Then one day, the name came to me out of the blue: Carola’s Granola. (Carola is my nickname in Spanish.) It rhymed, it made sense—and suddenly, the whole idea clicked. I started dreaming up unique flavor combinations and a brand concept that felt exciting and fresh. It was too good not to try.

Soon after, I got a spot at the local farmers market, and that’s how Carola’s Granola was born.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a driven creative producer and artist with over 25 years of experience leading cultural projects centered around education, communication, and community engagement in New York City. I’m proud to have co-founded Local Project, a nonprofit arts organization in Long Island City, Queens, dedicated to creating an inclusive educational platform for emerging artists with unique and powerful visions.

In 2021, my family and I relocated to Florida, marking a new chapter in both my personal and professional life. Here, I continue to create art while launching a new venture: Carola’s Granola.

What began two years ago with a small 5×5 market tent and just three granola flavors has grown into a thriving small business with a full 10×10 setup and ten unique granola mixes. Starting Carola’s Granola has opened doors I never expected—allowing me to connect deeply with my local community, meet incredible people, and learn so much about small business and food entrepreneurship along the way.

As an artist at heart, I’m always evolving and exploring new ways to express creativity. While my business has been a joyful and rewarding endeavor, my true passion remains in the studio—creating art and engaging in the process of making. I see everything I do, whether it’s building a brand or curating an art space, as part of a larger creative journey.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to transform ideas into something tangible that can connect with others on an emotional or meaningful level. Whether it’s through a piece of art or a small-batch granola recipe, I love the process of creating something from scratch—watching it grow, evolve, and resonate with people.

There’s something incredibly fulfilling about following your instincts, expressing your voice, and seeing that expression spark a reaction—whether it’s inspiration, comfort, joy, or curiosity. I also find deep reward in the ongoing learning that comes with being creative. Every project, whether artistic or business-related, teaches me something new about myself, my craft, and the world around me.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

defenenty consistency, transparency and honesty.

is me and my product, i’m there to represent and i do it to the best of myself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soft_soul_studio