Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariánna Mixon.
Ariánna, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all began in 2017 when I became proactive about my health. I came across some eye-opening statistics regarding young adults in my demographic. This prompted me to establish habits that would increase my longevity and quality of life. Diet and lifestyle are controllable factors that directly contribute to that; becoming conscious of this lead to a pretty drastic dietary change. I decided to go vegan, but I refused to eat boring, bland food. Originally, Mix’d Meals was just an Instagram page where I shared what I was eating. Before I knew it, I had friends and family interested in trying plant-based food. My brother encouraged me to start selling plates and that how Mix’d Meals went from an Instagram page to a side hustle.
Through Mix’d Meals, I want to create delicious plant-based meals and encourage others to think about the foods they consume. I have no intention of trying to persuade everyone to be vegan. My interest lies in promoting balanced dietary habits. The current menu is small, but we are adding new items soon. We also plan on developing resources for individuals who want to make plant-based meals in their own kitchen!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Things have been relatively smooth. The few challenges I had at the beginning were self-imposed. At first, I was trying to do too much. The original menu was for meal preps. It had 15+ items and many customers were ordering 14-21 meals a week! It became overwhelming, to say the least, so I decided the adjust the menu. Wanting to keep it simple but tasty, I settled on creating items out of my favorite finger foods… tacos and sandwiches. Not only has this decision significantly reduced the amount of time I spend in the kitchen, but it has also reduced food waste. I am able to use a few vegetables/fruits to create various flavors with different spices, herbs, and cooking methods. Now the main challenge is developing vegan renditions of my favorite foods, but that’s the fun in being a bootleg chef!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Mix’d Meals – what should we know?
Mix’d Meals is a plant-based food company that makes an effort to use as many whole food ingredients as possible. We believe there are health benefits to eating natural produce as opposed to highly processed ingredients or meat replacements. Our specialties are Vacos (vegan tacos) and gourmet sandwiches. Currently, we have three popular menu items: The Carne Asada Vaco, ABC sandwich & Southern BBQ sandwich. We’re in the process of developing two more Vacos and one more sandwich.
The thing that I am most proud of is our recent decision to donate a portion of all sales to a local non-profit organization, Top Achievers Plano. Found in 1996, Top Achievers began as an after school sports program and has since grown to include e-sports, STEAM, and personal development. Over the decades, this program has assessed students’ interests and talents, exposed them to opportunities within their interest, and provided direction over how to grow in these interests. 95% of students who complete this program go on to attend college and 90% graduate to college! Although we are small, we believe it is important to invest in our community, especially the youth. As we grow, so will our impact. Know that when you support Mix’d Meals, you are also supporting a young girl or boy in the North Dallas area.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family deserves to be acknowledged. My dad, mom, and brother provide support in unique ways. Without my pops, Dr. Mixon, Mix’d Meals might not still be a company. He noticed I was teetering between two ideas and urged me to just take the risk. It was reassuring to have the support of my biggest role model. My mama, Yolanda Mixon, is the official taste tester and unofficial VP of marketing. I’ll never forget how quickly she distributed my original meal prep menu within her organizations. Not only did she provide resources and words of encouragement, but there was immediate action behind her support. Last but not least, Mikey, my big brother and right-hand man. He is the first person I run to with new ideas. He is very vocal about things I could do better and provides solutions when problems arise. I am extremely blessed to have a strong family unit. Their love and support is why I want to push further.
Pricing:
- Vacos: Single – $3
- Vacos: Plate – 3 for $9
- Vacos: Family Pack – 12 for $30
- Sandwiches: Single – $5
- Sandwiches: Family Pack – 4 for $18
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ariannamixon.com
- Email: ariannamixon@outlook.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixdmeals
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebadbosss
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOVvPt_4X2GNrrfYYs99zlQ?view_as=subscriber
Image Credit:
Jeremy Thomas
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