Today we’d like to introduce you to Joleen Ford.
Hi Joleen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In the words of Biggie, “It was all a dream!”—except it really wasn’t. Starting a granola business was never on the bingo card for my business partner, Morgan Clayton, or me. I just wanted granola that didn’t taste like sweetened cardboard. When I couldn’t find it on the shelves, I started making it myself.
After years of experimenting, tweaking, and letting recipes rest, I finally landed on what is now our Original. Making granola became therapy—something I loved doing for my family and friends, with zero intention of ever selling it.
Then life started life-ing. I was pouring everything into a job that no longer filled my cup, so I took a leap of faith and decided to bet on myself. I called my sister, I called Morgan, and just like that, Granola With Love was born.
We officially began selling in August 2024, with our very first pop-up at Community Brewery. The response was incredibly affirming. By November 2024, we put the pedal to the metal and started showing up consistently at local markets. Since then, it’s been full speed ahead—no looking back, no regrets, just a whole lot of love (and really good granola).
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth? Not even close—but still worth every step.
Like most small businesses, the challenges started with time, capacity, and learning everything in real time. Scaling something made by hand and heart meant juggling production, sourcing, packaging, pricing, and logistics—often all at once. There were long nights, early mornings, and plenty of “are we really doing this?” moments.
On top of that, real life didn’t pause. Family commitments, health challenges, loss, and grief showed up—sometimes loudly, sometimes quietly—but always requiring space and energy. Navigating personal stress while trying to build and grow a business created pressure both personally and professionally. There were moments when showing up felt heavy, but stepping away wasn’t an option.
Those seasons forced us to slow down when needed, lean on each other, and lead with grace—both for ourselves and for the business. The road hasn’t been smooth or linear, but it’s been honest. Every challenge deepened our resilience, clarified our purpose, and reminded us why building something rooted in love, flexibility, and humanity truly matters.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Granola With Love is exactly what it sounds like—small-batch granola made with intention, quality ingredients, and a whole lot of heart. We specialize in gluten-free granola that actually tastes good, not like a compromise. Our flavors are thoughtfully crafted, approachable, and rooted in comfort, whether you’re grabbing a handful straight from the bag, topping yogurt, or building the perfect breakfast moment.
What sets us apart is how personal it is. This brand was born in a home kitchen, shaped by real life, and built around community. We’re not chasing trends or cutting corners. We care deeply about flavor, texture, and how our granola makes people feel. It’s food that’s nourishing without being preachy—joyful, familiar, and made to be shared.
Brand-wise, what we’re most proud of is the trust. People come back, bring friends, and tell us our granola feels like something made just for them. That matters more than any metric. We’re also proud of how present we are—showing up at local markets, offering samples, hugs, and conversations, and growing alongside the community that supports us.
What we want readers to know is that Granola With Love is more than a product—it’s an experience. It’s comfort, connection, and care in a bag. Every batch is made with the same intention it started with: to spread love, one crunchy bite at a time.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Start before you feel ready, because you will never feel ready. If I had waited until everything was perfect, Granola With Love would still be an idea and not a brand. You learn by doing—by messing up, adjusting, and showing up again the next day.
I wish I had known how emotionally demanding this journey would be. Building something you care deeply about is beautiful, but it can also be heavy. There were days I questioned myself, compared my pace to others, and wondered if I was doing enough. The truth is: your pace is your pace, and it’s enough.
Protect your energy like it’s part of the business plan—because it is. Burnout doesn’t make you successful; sustainability does. Rest, say no when you need to, and remember that you’re a human first, not a brand.
Also, don’t try to do everything alone. Tell people what you’re building. Ask for help. Lean on community. Some of the biggest breakthroughs came from conversations, encouragement, and support I didn’t even know I needed.
And finally, trust yourself. You started for a reason. When things get loud—opinions, trends, doubt—come back to your why. If you build with honesty, intention, and heart, the right people will find you. Always.
Pricing:
- All 12oz bags $18 for 1 or $30 for 2
- Individual 2.25oz $5 +tax
Contact Info:
- Website: https://granolawithlove.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/granola.with.love/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpreadingLoveWithGranola/
Image Credits
JerSean Golatt
