An Interview with Lisa
Business was not my first choice, but the best one.
Stan: When did you start baking?
Lisa: Around 2007 or 2008. I started experiencing issues with my stomach that I could not figure out. For years I ignored it, but as it got worse and worse, I had to see a doctor. Visit after visit, they found nothing. One day I heard that someone found relief by being gluten free. I had baked as a kid but nothing too serious. I looked up recipes and practiced and practiced. I wanted a healthy snack that I could share with my family. I made the cookie bars first, then granola. My friends and family, who were not granola eaters, ate it up!
I started baking as a business in 2016. I rented out a commercial kitchen to make sure I met the standards set by those who would buy from me.
Stan: When did you know this was a gift or talent from GOD?
Lisa: I felt a calling from GOD first to go on a mission’s trip to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, it was shortly after that, I began to understand that GOD had bigger plans for me than working in Federal Law Enforcement. Baking became a late talent because of necessity. I had to do something. Instead of looking at celiac as an issue, GOD enabled me to develop a new strength.
Stan: When did you accept the LORD?
Lisa: I accepted the Lord as a child being baptized at Grant Memorial AME Church in Chicago, then again a few years ago with Westbrook Christian Church being baptized in what we called our Splash Bash with my husband, and renewing that acceptance by being baptized in the Jordan River in Jerusalem in 2019.
Stan: What adversities did GOD bring you through that you don’t mind sharing?
Lisa: After working for the federal government for years, I ran into a leader who I and others did not agree with. "Is it just me" I wondered. I was a department head and my employees, who were usually flexible, were very concerned about the new direction. I decided to speak up. That did not go well under this administration. I was reassigned from my position as a supervisor and made to stay home from work using my own leave. I could not believe it. Me, a veteran employee, targeted by the new leadership for not going along to get along. I wasn't the only one to speak up. Another department head tried and was sent to another division outside the institution. That person retired and shortly thereafter, passed away. This was a very difficult time for me. Without GOD’s mercy and guidance, I would not have made it through that dilemma, and to top it off my mother passed away. She is "Ms. P" by the way. My company is a tribute to her. GOD held me, walked with me and carried me through each of these trying times in my life.
Stan: What advice would you give entrepreneurs?
Lisa:
To buckle down and prepare for the long game, entrepreneurship teaches more about thyself than anything else, and with GOD all things are possible! Go for IT!
Stan: What plans do you have for your company?
Lisa:
MsPsGFree plans to continue to grow in retail with Whole Foods Markets, get into other retail establishments, growing from local, to regional to national. Our desire is to become the trusted, well respected and well-liked brand for delicious, nutritious and healthy gluten-free products worldwide. We began with a dream, moved to a concept, then on to fabulous products, on retail shelves. We have gone from corrections to confections! We want to spread the love of GOD to the nation through our snacks.
We sell all natural gluten free granola. This delicious snack contains a premium blend of flavors to keep the moisture level at its highest so you can enjoy every bite.