Today we’d like to introduce you to Malikah Jordan
Hi Malikah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in my family’s bakery back in Brooklyn, New York and as a young girl, I would always be at my grandmother’s side when she would make the bean pie mix for the store. As I got older, my grandmother eventually taught me the recipe, truly passing on a gem, that would eventually lead me to the birth of MJ’s Pies & Chai’s. I continued to work in my family’s bakery throughout high school and college, learning more aspects of the business until I got married at the age of 21; that led me to focus more on my family.
I moved down to Atlanta in 2015, working for Geico as a licensed insurance agent. I would just make my tweaked version of my grandmother’s recipe for my close friends and family. Then one day in 2017, I saw a Facebook ad for the Porches & Pies Contest, which is held annually at Adair Park. It was literally the day before the contest and I said I’m going to see if I can still enter and they allowed it. I baked the three pies that were required and actually won! The win and subsequent interest in my organic bean pies were what prompted me to really look at turning it into a business. I started vending on weekends at my community mosque, just baking from home. As the demand grew, I began looking into the process of getting into a commercial kitchen, which I bake out of now. November 17th actually made a year of baking out of Prep Atlanta!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a slow and steady path as I look back on where I started from baking in my home kitchen to now a commercial kitchen and working on expanding my customer base. I am truly grateful for the continuous growth and lessons learned along the way; especially while hustling to run a successful business during the pandemic.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
MJ’s Pies & Chai’s is a business that is grounded in a deep connection to my roots as an African-American Muslim woman. Our bean pie, made from organic navy beans, has a history that goes way back to my grandparent’s era and their time in the Nation of Islam back in 1973. The sweet custard pie, made from a blend of navy beans and topped with cinnamon, has been around for decades. It is a true staple in many Muslim households and restaurants around the world. I made some adjustments to the original recipe my grandmother passed down to me and incorporated organic ingredients. This makes the pie taste delicious and it’s also a healthier version for all to enjoy. As I reflect on all the items I sell through my business, I love that they all come from a familial connection. Our vegan spice chai was something that a family member shared with me. I believe it goes well with our pie and can also be enjoyed by itself with many organic spices that are good for our bodies.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I am happy to be able to build this business. I love sharing my products with my customers. All of our products are made with love and pure ingredients. I am happy about having my children and family as witnesses to the success of my business. Especially my grandparents, who were both responsible for exposing me to the art of baking and teaching me to love entrepreneurship. My business has grown to benefit me and my family now and I am working hard for this to continue for years to come G-d willing.
Pricing:
- 3″ mini bean pie $3
- 9” Large Bean Pie $20
- Vegan Spice Chai $6
- Bean Pie Mix $30
Contact Info:
- Email: mjspiesandchais@gmail.com
- Website: www.mjspiesandchais.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mjspiesandchais
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MJSPiesAndChais
Image Credits
Atlanta FoodGuy
