Meet Maria Loveless: Owner/Developer of SkyeBurger vegetarian burger

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

Hi Maria, how do you think about risk?
The decision for me to create Skyeburger was effortless, the journey an education. Once the seed was planted it began to grow and flourish. When inspiration comes to me from guidance there is a feeling that comes over me of peace. This is how I felt when I decided to share Skyeburger with the world. The journey leading to its discovery though has been meet with many doors: some open a crack – seeking willingness, some wide open showing the possibilities, and some shut tight. Learning how to navigate the open doors and how to not want to kick down the closed doors has been the learning process. I have always lived by an understanding that to create a life I desire and a livelihood that I can shine in, I must follow my heart and dreams, be them in good times or bad. Through the years of building my business I have often been the “observer” of the timing that the Universe has had for my growth. This timeline has not always been the one I have set for myself, and so, a large part of my endeavor has been letting go. I committed to trusting my guidance long ago and in doing so I have had to trust the timing of open doors and right connections to be made. I have learned that the more I can let go, the easier it becomes. When I think of risk, what it means to me is being willing to trust the process for my life’s unfolding. Believing that my heart’s desire will bring about the right openings for me to fulfill my dreams. This act entails trust in the universal good. This is not a traditional thought towards business, but for me it is my truth. Time after time it has not let me down, so I am not afraid to take risks. Every time I step out financially or professionally on the edge, risking all that I have, I am supported by the next perfect opportunity, expense met, brand recognition or confirmation to continue, sometimes the opportunity to rest and wait. For me, every opportunity to take a risk and let go of fear means new opportunity for growth, so these days I welcome RISK. This is how Skyeburger has always operated, it has become my normal and has allowed me to step out, sometimes blindly, in the direction of my heart and dreams. My intentions are set on making a positive difference in the world and I know every decision I make creates a ripple. If people can eat healthier and feel better, they will become a part of that ripple. That is why I created a vegetarian burger that people can feel good about eating, this is what it is about for me. That is why I continue everyday with fierce determination, unbound love, and belief in my brand: One woman’s desire to make a difference in the world – one intentional burger at a time. So, I take risks and they do not scare me anymore. I know that whatever comes from an intentional decision, the appropriate outcome will occur. My job is to keep looking forward and as long as the doors continue to open for Skyeburger, I will, in gratitude, walk through them enthusiastically – always believing the best is yet to come and that everything that I need will come along with it. All I have to do is show up, stay true to my heart song, set good goals, and believe in myself. 

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business was created out of a desire to do something that I loved and believed in. I had everything to learn about manufacturing a food product and my knowledge has built over many years with much trial and error. All that I have learned has been self-taught and acquired by making thousands of calls, networking with everyone I came in contact with and the sheer determination to continue a work that I had started. I would not say it was the fast track, but it was thorough. I have earned my business degree the old fashion way, feet on the ground. Being self-funded has also created it’s own hurdles, It no doubt slows the process down, but on a positive note also allows you to progress at a rate that is sustainable. Building my brand has given me a life goal and allowed me to be creative and continue learning, I would not trade my experience. I know that my days of growth and education are still ahead of me – my resources and connections build daily. I feel certain that the right people, in the right time, will continue to show up as this process continues to unfold. It has always been an adventure, and adventure has always been my passion. The Good Life Foods Corporation is a true grassroots company. SkyeBurger is still made by hand with integrity. I am committed to creating a product that sources the most wholesome and clean ingredients – to provide a product that I can be proud of and that people can feel good about eating. It has not always been easy, but it has been worth it. And I believe nothing worth doing comes without challenge, but challenge builds character – and that is something I believe SkyeBurger has.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It has been many years since I have lived in Midtown Atlanta but if a friend came to visit me, I would have to take them by RThomas on the way though the city. RThomas was always one of my favorites in Atlanta for healthy food and great teas. After a one-of-a kind lunch, we would head to the mountains. NE Georgia is my home now and its natural beauty is unparalleled. A visit to Tallulah Gorge and a stop at the Tallulah General Store (owned by my long time friend Marybeth Hughes) would be on the list. We would follow this with a relaxing sit by the scenic Tallulah River and a cold brew. One of my favorite spots to hike is to Pickens’ Nose that looks into the Tesnetee Valley from high above in the cliffs where the hawks soar. This experience is what possibly created the expression: “Gods country”. A visit to the North GA Mountains wouldn’t be complete without an invigorating swim at Bull Sluice on the Chattooga River. There we would swim the clear mountain water while watching the locals perfect their craft of kayaking on a class four river rapid.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The evolution and continuation of my story is in no way a solo journey. I have had the support of so many over the years – to each angel over the course of time helping me get my wings and take flight. One special lady, Jane Nelson, who was one of my original customers in my first restaurant and also the manager of a large independent health food store in Atlanta, use to make weekly trips into my café. She was the one who planted the seed and encouraged me to put SkyeBurger on the market. Had it not been for Jane my journey may never have begun, and to her I am forever grateful. My family has also played an enormous role in my success with their constant support, encouragement, and willingness to always have my back. I would be amiss not to give them the credit they deserve for being there every step of the way. This adventure has been a team effort. I could not have done it without the never ending love and support of my tribe. So, to my life partner Jonathan, my children Skye Rae and Levi, my sister Kelly, and my mother Nolarae, along with all the friends that have stood by my side, I give a huge shoutout of thanks and gratitude. And, to the family of SkyeBurger customers and patrons who have continued to buy and share my product everyday, I am humbled and forever blessed by you. We are living proof that we are better together.

Website: www.skyeburger.com
Instagram: skyeburger
Linkedin: Maria Loveless
Facebook: skye Burger

Image Credits
Peter McIntosh Photography-SkyeBurger image Addison Hill photo-Maria in kitchen/ Burgers on trays