Meet Cathy Cunningham | Founder Mama Geraldine’s Brand

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cathy Cunningham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cathy, how do you think about risk?
I’ve apparently always been a risk taker, however not always getting great results. I’ve left several high paying jobs, to follow my passions with hopes the money would follow. Didn’t usually happen is a timely fashion. If you are risk adverse, entrepreneurism is perhaps not path you should follow. I truly live by “no risk, no reward”. Frankly, if a new venture doesn’t come with an element of fear, it may not be work pursuing. Managing risk is also a skill that should be embraced. Do your research, learn from mistakes and that will reduce your chances of failure. But adverse stuff will happen, regardless of how prepared you may be. I really think never taking risk in life, may be the great risk of all.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Founder of Mama Geraldine’s Brand, build into the #1 selling Cheese Straws in the US. I’ve apparently always been a risk taker, however not always getting great results. I’ve left several high paying jobs, to follow my passions with hopes the money would follow. Didn’t usually happen is a timely fashion. If you are risk adverse, entrepreneurism is perhaps not path you should follow. I truly live by “no risk, no reward”. Frankly, if a new venture doesn’t come with an element of fear, it may not be work pursuing. Managing risk is also a skill that should be embraced. Do your research, learn from mistakes and that will reduce your chances of failure. But adverse stuff will happen, regardless of how prepared you may be. I really think never taking risk in life, may be the great risk of all. • If you are a parent, what do you think is the most important thing you’ve done as a parent in terms of the impact on your children? Leading by example, kindness to others, hard work and learning the value of earning the things in life that are important to you. Instilling self-esteem and believing in yourself to make the right decisions. Again learning from mistakes. Impossible to get through life with making them, but the bigger problem is not learning from them. • What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand? Mama Geraldine’s Brand is far from an overnight success. We’re 20+ years in the making. Have previously been in a broadcast / marketing career, although I knew virtually nothing about the food business, I did know the value of creating a brand. Something my competitors seem to ignore. My branding goal was to become known by you “brand” for what you are. Nobody has to explain that Tabasco is hot sauce, Ben and Jerry’s is ice cream. Mama Geraldine’s, of course they are cheese straws. This is still a work in process. Snack on Y’all!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would first tour the Bodacious Foods Baking Facility and experience the joy of tasting a fresh baked cheese straws. A flavor explosion you’re not soon to forget. Then we would cruise over the Talking Rock Brewery where we would enjoy incredible craft beer with the Blue Ridge Mountains view. Next we would venture to my home in Bent Tree, a gated community for some wine and MG’s cheese straws Then travel via golf cart to the Tavern for dinner.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My dedicated Bodacious Baking Crew.

Website: www.mamageraldines.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamageraldines/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mamageraldines/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamageraldines/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/tSkca0JSBNY