Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tiffani Neal. 

Founder of Barlow’s Foods. Here's a detailed summary of the key themes and takeaways from this episode:

🥞 Guest Spotlight: Tiffany Neal, Founder of Barlow’s Foods 🚀 From Corporate Sales to Pancake Mix

• Tiffany transitioned from a corporate sales career to launching a food brand from her home kitchen.
• The idea sparked when friends raved about her homemade pancakes, prompting her to explore turning it into a business.

🧁 The Birth of Barlow’s

• Named after her grandfather, whose photo inspired the brand name.
• Started by testing pancake mix recipes and packaging them in ice cream pint containers for friends and family.
• Positive feedback (except from one friend!) encouraged her to refine the product and move forward.

🛒 Product Line & Expansion 🥞 Barlow’s 3-in-1 Mix

• One mix, three uses: pancakes, waffles, and biscuits.
• Vegan-friendly base—no dairy or animal byproducts.
• Just add milk, egg, and butter (or alternatives) to prepare.

🍯 Syrup Line

• Started with a homemade peach cobbler syrup that won the Flavor of Georgia 2023 Product of the Year.
• Now includes seven syrups, such as:
  • Peach Cobbler (flagship)
  • Strawberry Bourbon
  • Blueberry Lemon
  • Sweet Potato
  • Gingerbread
  • Maple (imported from Canada)
• Seasonal flavors rotate throughout the year.

🏪 Retail Growth & Strategy 🛍️ From Trunk Sales to Store Shelves

• Began selling out of her car and at local farmer’s markets.
• Entered contests to gain exposure—winning Flavor of Georgia led to a deal with Fresh Market.
• Now in 45+ Food Lion stores across Georgia and expanding.

📦 Packaging & Branding

• Designed to be bold and nostalgic, with a red label and illustrated pancake stack.
• Packaging is intentionally clear to help customers easily identify the product.

🧠 Business Insights & Advice 🛠️ Operations & Manufacturing

• Recently expanded to a larger production facility.
• Works with UGA and food scientists to ensure quality and compliance.
• Handles everything from production to in-store demos and staff training.

👥 Team Building

• Focuses on hiring people who are passionate about startups and flexible with evolving processes.
• Emphasizes the importance of documentation and clear expectations.

📈 Keys to Success

• “Do the work.” Tiffany credits her success to hard work, focus, and persistence.
• Believes in setting goals and taking consistent action to achieve them.

🌍 Vision for the Future

• Tiffany aims to make Barlow’s a global pantry staple and a legacy brand that evokes nostalgia and family tradition.

 

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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