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

Hi Margie, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The journey with Margie Mae’d began as an effort to challenge the stigma around gluten-free baked goods. I explored gluten-free food in solidarity with my now-mother-in-law, Cindy. She is a cancer survivor adapting the gluten-free diet to manage joint pains caused by the side effects of her medication.

With what was available at the time, in 2019, the whole experience was short of eating “brick-like” food without a fail – if you know, you know. I thought to myself “This can’t be IT!” and that “This could be better!” I am a cook at heart, I quite literally cook/bake daily. I find solace in cooking and baking, specially if it’s for people I love and care for. The kitchen is my happy place, and food is my medicine. And I am also someone who is never content with mediocrity. Shortly after the gluten-free journey, I had a moment of clarity that I truly believed I can contribute to the gluten-free community. By using this gift of love for food, for real food. I took on the challenge wholeheartedly and have been dedicated to improving and developing safe, delicious and truly enjoyable gluten-free food since.

Margie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Margie, and I am the person behind and in front of the scene of Margie Mae’d. I mostly run the business by myself, sporting different hats. Being a Gluten-free Craft Baker, my work revolves around crafting delicious, safe, and truly enjoyable treats.

Right now, Margie Mae’d is a part of two local farmers markets in Houston, TX – Rice Village Farmers Market and Heights Mercantile Farmers Market. We chose to start the journey through the local farmers markets because of the vibrant community, who value health and wellness, and local products. It has allowed us to continuously grow and create lasting relationships with customers, many of whom became friends. I am incredibly proud of the positive feedback we receive from customers who can finally enjoy indulgent gluten-free treats without worry.

The journey to this point wasn’t easy. It involved thousands of hours of experimenting and refining recipes and sometimes days of self-doubt. Overcoming these challenges required perseverance and a deep passion and love for creating something meaningful. We are currently working on something greater and more exciting, and we look forward to sharing it with you at the right time – just a little teaser 😊

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I’ve learned that passion, creating relationships, and listening to customer feedback are key to building a lasting reputation in any business or industry. I know our customers can feel and see our passion and our commitment to offer treats that the community craves for, week after week. The relationship that we’ve created over the years is a great testament to the trust we have fostered. Margie Mae’d was built on a foundation of providing safe gluten-free products, natural and local ingredients, and a love for baking.

How did you build your audience on social media?

We built our social media audience through organic efforts. Like many small business just getting started, the idea of purchasing followers briefly came to mind, but we remained firm in our commitment to building a genuine and authentic following. While the growth was slow due to lack of expertise in managing social media, the sense of satisfaction and fulfillment when reaching key milestones is truly unparalleled.

If I were to offer advice to anyone just starting out, I’d encourage them to follow the same path and remain committed to authentic growth. Stay true to yourself, to your brand, and to your audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.margiemaed.com
• Instagram: @margiemaed
• Twitter: n/A

Image Credits

Arnet | Blurr Photography